By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Congressional challenger Alicia Limtiaco has debunked several claims made by the incumbent Republican delegate, James Moylan, in his congressional address, which she dismissed as "symbolic in nature."
"Congressman Moylan’s past four years of work show he has a lot of hope for a lot of unfinished business and unanswered questions," Limtiaco said," adding that the speech was a report of the work Moylan has "promised to accomplish."
The Democratic candidate urged voters to "do their research, ask the questions, and decide for themselves the veracity and reality of how they are being represented in our nation’s Capitol."
“We’re all working to build a good life on Guam, but making ends meet keeps getting harder. We cannot afford another two years of requests, letters and good intentions," Limtiaco said.
Limtiaco's campaign criticized Moylan for his pending legislation, the Pacific Island Flight Alternatives Act, to provide airfare relief for Pacific territories and ask the Department of Transportation to develop a corresponding plan.
“Jim Moylan says a round-trip ticket to Honolulu can cost $1,300. After four years in Congress, his answer is to ask Washington to come up with a plan," the campaign said. "Guam doesn’t need another plan announced from a podium—we need lower fares. What has he actually delivered?”
Regarding the de minimis exemption for Guam, the campaign said: “Jim Moylan recognizes that Washington made everyday packages more expensive for Guam. Recognition isn’t relief. Has he convinced his party to fix it? If his relationships are so valuable, why were our people hurt in the first place—and why are they still paying the price?”
The rest of the campaign's statement is as follows:
Regarding: “My Childcare Cost Relief Act would target additional
federal funding.”
"Moylan proposes additional federal assistance but identifies no families who have received assistance under his proposed act. For working parents, a proposed bill does not lower a daycare bill, open a childcare slot, or keep a parent in the workforce.
"The speech describes prospective legislation, not an operating benefit. It provides no evidence of new funding delivered, reduced childcare costs, or expanded access for Guam families.
"Working parents can’t pay their daycare bills with another bill waiting in Congress. They need help now, not another proposal. What relief has actually reached their families?
Regarding $145 million in federal funding:
"His speech explicitly describes the FY2027 amount as requests still being
pursued through Congress. It does not show how much has been approved, obligated, awarded, or delivered to Guam.
“$145 million requested is not $145 million delivered. Guam deserves more than a large number in a speech. We deserve a clear accounting of what’s funded, what’s pending, what’s been awarded, and what’s still just a request.”
Regarding the regional veteran office:
"His described congressional action seeks a feasibility report—not an operating regional office, not expanded services, and not a firm opening date for Guam veterans.
“The VA already has the authority. Guam’s veterans are still waiting for the office. How many more studies do we need before Washington acts? Veterans deserve a location, staff, and services—not another step in a process that never seems to end.”
Regarding the CNMI-Guam visa waiver for the Philippines:
“Our tourism industry needs visitors, not another promise that Washington is considering letting them come. After four years, where is the result? Guam businesses cannot build a recovery on ‘we’re working on it.’”
Regarding: RECA
"Washington expanded radiation compensation. Guam was left out. Our survivors have waited long enough. They need compensation, not another
round of promises, press releases, and proposed bills
Regarding military spending:
"Military construction appropriations are not equivalent to direct investment in Guam’s civilian infrastructure, nor do they necessarily translate into local
contracts, local wages, or household income. A headline number is not the same as broad-based economic benefit.
"His speech provides no breakdown of how much went to Guam-owned businesses, Guam workers, or local communities.
"The speech describes exploration of a drydock facility, workforce training, and certifications. It does not identify a completed facility, awarded contract, number of jobs created, or Guam workers placed in ship-repair positions.
“A Navy study is a beginning, not a shipyard. Guam workers need jobs, not another feasibility exercise. How many new jobs have actually been created, and when will the first ship be repaired here?”
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly issue