A major milestone for Guam’s cultural preservation. For the first time, federal law explicitly authorizes the US Department of Defense to provide operations and maintenance funding for the Guam Cultural Repository under the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

The provision recognizes the repository as critical infrastructure tied to the Marine Corps relocation and mandates federal support to handle cultural artifacts uncovered during military construction—relieving local taxpayers of the financial burden. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio credit years of advocacy and collaboration with US Senator Brian Schatz for securing the language, ensuring Guam’s cultural heritage is protected at the highest standard without draining local resources.

Officials say the move affirms federal responsibility for mitigating the cultural impacts of military buildup on Guam and marks a long-sought victory for Chamoru heritage and history.