Hagåtña, Guam — Acting Governor Josh Tenorio is calling on federal leaders to clarify whether a proposed federal remittance tax will apply to Guam and to correct what he calls an “unfair and discriminatory” policy that punishes people for helping their families.
Under the proposal advanced in the U.S. Senate, a 1% federal tax would be levied on money sent abroad from the United States, with no credit or exemption for U.S. citizens, legal residents, or those living in the territories. That means a woman born in Manila, working legally on Guam, would be taxed simply for sending money to help her elderly mother pay for medical expenses or buy food to survive.
“This tax doesn’t target wealth or excess—it targets love, responsibility, and sacrifice,” said Acting Governor Tenorio. “Sending money to help family survive should never be treated like a sin or a loophole. And yet, this proposal taxes people for doing exactly that.”
While the percentage may appear minimal, Acting Governor Tenorio emphasized the broader issue of fairness, particularly for underrepresented communities like Guam, which has no vote in the House or Senate. “History has shown that taxes imposed on those without political power tend to grow over time,” he said. “This proposal may start small, but it sets a troubling precedent.”
Acting Governor Tenorio has sent a formal letter to Delegate James Moylan requesting urgent clarification on the measure, including whether:
• The proposed tax applies to Guam and other U.S. territories;
• Guam can be exempted through the conference process.
• Revenue collected would be returned to Guam through the Treasury or Section 30
mechanisms;
• Local authorities would be empowered to rebate or offset the burden on residents.
The Acting Governor acknowledged Delegate Moylan’s service and urged him to use his position to press for clarity and fairness as the legislation moves forward.
“People already pay their share. Now we’re being asked to pay again—for the simple act of caring for someone across an ocean,” Tenorio said. “That’s not just wrong. That’s un-American.”
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