Senate advances airport lease bill after rejecting amendments requiring procurement and oversight

The Guam Legislature’s Senate moved Bill 67-38, a measure expanding lease and concession authority for the Guam International Airport Authority (GIAA), to third reading after a late-night debate in which lawmakers rejected several amendments intended to preserve procurement safeguards and executive oversight.

The bill allows the GIAA to enter agreements for airport facilities with terms of up to 50 years and otherwise expands the authority to solicit and award long-term revenue-generating leases and concessions. Opponents repeatedly argued the bill as written waives key local rules and oversight; supporters said the flexibility is necessary to attract investment and help Guam compete regionally.

Senator Mosley, who introduced several amendments, described one proposed change as “pretty much I'm trying to prevent a sublease without further negotiation,” arguing the language would bar assignment or transfer of concessionaire interests without further review. That amendment was objected to on grounds that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements already restrict how airport property is…