It’s a clash over control and the cost of mismanagement.  A new bill aims to professionalize Guam’s homeland security leadership, but critics say it could tie the agency’s hands at a time when flexibility matters most.

The island's safety depends on more than sirens and response plans — it depends on trust. But after years of compliance failures and lost funding, lawmakers are asking: who should be trusted to lead homeland security forward?

Bill 184 by Senator Shawn Gumataotao aims to professionalize the Office of Homeland Security and the Marianas Regional Fusion Center – requiring the grants manager and fusion center director be classified, merit-based positions rather than political appointees. It would also require the agency to send project performance, compliance, and financial reports to both the Guam Legislature and the Office of Public Accountability – a move Gumataotao says is vital to restoring federal trust after a 2024 audit revealed $8.4 million in lost reimbursements tied to noncompliance and leadership instability.

But key stakeholders say the proposed solution could create more problems than it solves. Homeland security advisor Esther Aguigui said, “In fact, such mandates may further hinder recruitment and retention of qualified professionals needed to strengthen our Homeland Security Missions.”

And director Rudy Gaza said, “Classifying the MRFC director position will not ensure stability and has the potential to cause significant unnecessary government burden.”

They argued that systemic issues such as leadership turnover, lack of qualified personnel, insufficient internal controls, and the complexity of federal security clearances are the root causes of compliance failures – not position classification.  “Bill 184 attempts to address legitimate concerns, but focuses on classification rather than capability," Aguigui added. "This approach treats the symptoms, rather than the disease.”

Public Auditor BJ Cruz countered, supporting the bill’s intent by underscoring a 15-year history of compliance failures.  He urged senators to impose accountability, including adherence to the Organic Act of Guam, which mandates classified service for government employees. 

“Something has to be done," he noted. “You can’t just say, ‘It’s executive function. Don’t touch me,’ It’s a violation because it’s costing us money.”

Senator Christopher Dueñas echoed that urgency, saying failing to act after years of audit findings would be “derelict”. He and other senators present pressed agency leaders on staffing, clearance delays, and why millions in federal aid continue to be frozen.

In the end, they agreed the measure opens an important conversation about accountability and capability — two things Guam’s security network needs to ensure Guam’s homeland security system is ready to perform when it matters most.