FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 5, 2023 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Today, the 37th Guam Legislature elected Senator Therese Terlaje to be its Speaker.  Terlaje will also continue on with her work as the Legislative Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Land, Justice and Culture.

In her address, Speaker Terlaje recalled the 1949 Walkout, stating that every legislature since then has inherited the responsibility to build upon the progress of its predecessors who fought for more legislative authority for what was at one time an advisory body to a plenary power.  The Speaker shared with her colleagues that it was the 37th Guam Legislature’s duty to uphold their legacy of fighting for self-governance as they work to promote opportunity and prosperity for all the people of Guam.

The Speaker announced that the 37th Guam Legislature must shift its strategy from recovery from the pandemic to prosperity for Guam’s families.  Additionally, she noted the commitments made by newly elected senators who were sworn in on January 2, 2023, to include fighting crime and drugs, inflation, transparency and accountability, affordable housing, sustainability, and balanced government powers.  Speaker Terlaje further stated, “if we are to accomplish this bold and diverse agenda, we must work in a bi-partisan effort, place personal politics aside, and engage in healthy debate based on truth and facts to find solutions.”

“I resolve to continue working to protect the power of the people, to continue to restore the people’s faith in their government, to bring transparency to our processes, and to practice truth and justice, so that the best ideas and solutions can be born from this 37th Guam Legislature.  I am ready to work to make Guam a home where the hopes and dreams of our families are realized,” said Speaker Terlaje.

Please find Speaker Therese Terlaje’s Inaugural Address below: