Guam Legislature

Guam Legislature
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Name	Guam Legislature
House type	Unicameral
Body	Legislative branch of the government of Guam
Term limits	None
Foundation	0 1950
Leader1 type	Speaker
Leader1	Therese Terlaje
Election1	January 4, 2021
Leader2 type	Vice Speaker
Leader2	Tina Rose Muña Barnes
Election2	January 4, 2021
Members	15
Political groups1	Majority (10), Democratic (9), Republican (1), Minority (5), Republican (5)
Meeting place	Guam Congress Building, Hagåtña
Website	https://guamlegislature.com/

Guam Legislature. The Guam Legislature is the unicameral legislative branch for the unincorporated territory of Guam, exercising lawmaking powers for the island. Established by the Organic Act of Guam in 1950, it succeeded the earlier Guam Congress and operates from the historic Guam Congress Building in the capital of Hagåtña. Composed of fifteen senators elected at-large, the body enacts local statutes, confirms gubernatorial appointments, and oversees the territorial budget.

History

The modern institution traces its origins to the post-World War II period and the signing of the Organic Act of Guam by President Harry S. Truman. This federal law replaced the appointed Naval Government of Guam and the advisory Guam Congress, which had existed since 1917, with a civilian government. The first election was held in 1950, and the inaugural session convened in 1951. Key historical developments include the Elective Governor Act of 1968, which allowed for the popular election of the Governor of Guam, and the 1972 change to a unicameral body from a previous bicameral structure. The legislature has played a central role in debates over Guam's political status, Chamorro self-determination, and relations with the United States Department of the Interior.

Structure and composition

The legislature consists of fifteen senators who serve two-year terms and are elected at-large by the voters of Guam. There are no term limits. Members are elected in partisan elections, primarily under the banners of the Democratic Party (Guam) and the Republican Party (Guam). The body operates from the Guam Congress Building, a historic structure heavily damaged during the Battle of Guam and later rebuilt. The internal organization includes a presiding Speaker, a Vice Speaker, and various standing committees that oversee specific policy areas.

Powers and responsibilities

Its primary authority is to enact local statutes, known as Public Laws, which govern civil and criminal matters within the jurisdiction of Guam, subject to the limitations of the Organic Act of Guam and the U.S. Constitution. It holds the "power of the purse," responsible for appropriating all territorial funds and approving the annual budget submitted by the Governor of Guam. Additional powers include confirming key gubernatorial appointments to agencies like the Guam Public Utilities Commission, overriding gubernatorial vetoes with a two-thirds vote, and initiating investigations through its oversight function.

Leadership and committees

Leadership is elected by the membership at the start of each term. The Speaker presides over sessions, sets the agenda, and makes committee assignments, while the Vice Speaker performs these duties in the Speaker's absence. Notable past speakers include Carl Gutierrez, Antonio Won Pat, and Judith Won Pat. The work is conducted through standing committees such as the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Health, and the Committee on Public Safety. These committees hold public hearings, review legislation, and conduct oversight of executive branch departments like the Guam Department of Education.

Elections and political dynamics

Elections are held every two years in November, coinciding with the gubernatorial election in even-numbered years. All fifteen seats are contested in an at-large election where each voter can cast up to fifteen votes. This system often favors well-funded incumbents and candidates with name recognition. The Democratic Party (Guam) has historically held a majority, though the Republican Party (Guam) has periodically gained control. Political dynamics are heavily influenced by issues such as U.S. military buildup, economic development, and the operations of Guam International Airport and the Port Authority of Guam.

Legislative process

A bill may be introduced by any senator and is referred to a relevant committee. The committee may hold hearings involving public testimony and executive branch officials from agencies like the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation. If approved, the bill proceeds to the Committee of the Whole for amendment and debate. Passage requires a majority vote of the members present. Once passed, it is transmitted to the Governor of Guam, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The legislature may override a veto with a two-thirds vote. Enacted laws are compiled in the Guam Code Annotated.