Defense spending policy bill proposes $1.9B for Guam, drops land acquisition

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2 minutes ago
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By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2027 proposes to authorize approximately $1.9 billion for Guam to support major military construction projects, including the missile defense system.

The defense spending policy bill, approved Friday by the House Armed Services Committee, struck a provision that would authorize the military to acquire more than 100 acres of civilian land.

“As Guam’s strategic importance continues to grow, we must make sure the people of Guam benefit from that growth as well,” Guam Del. James Moylan said, explaining his successful motion for the removal of the military land acquisition provision.

He proposed that the Department of Defense provide greater transparency regarding future land acquisition activities in Guam, including consultations with local leaders and improved notification procedures.

The bill also extends a provision exempting Guam from the H-2B program's national cap through 2035, helping to secure a long-term workforce to support major military construction projects.

The legislation, which passed the committee by a vote of 44-12, now advances to the floor for consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Key provisions for Guam include $1.353 million to fund critical operational infrastructure, including the Polaris Point Submarine Pier, the Joint Consolidated Communications Center, Inner Apra Harbor resiliency

projects and Phase III of the defense access roads program.

The NDAA would authorize $284.41 million to support Guam missile defense capabilities,

including enhancements to the Aegis Guam

Weapon System and the Enhanced Integrated

Air and Missile Defense architecture.

“Guam has carried a tremendous share of our nation’s defense responsibilities for generations,” Moylan said.

The spending policy legislation also proposes $249.06 million to fund replacement housing at Andersen Air Force Base, including 337 housing units across multiple phases.

"These investments help support military families while reducing pressure on Guam’s civilian housing market," Moylan said.

Moylan said he secured legislation requiring the Defense Commissary Agency to increase opportunities for Guam farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food producers to sell locally grown products through military commissaries.

The amendment establishes a goal that at least 15 percent of produce sold in Guam commissaries be sourced from Guam producers and requires the Defense Commissary Agency to designate a liaison dedicated to assisting local producers.

“As these investments continue, we must make sure Guam families, workers, veterans, farmers and small businesses benefit as well. That’s what I’ve fought

for throughout this process, and that’s what I’ll continue fighting for as this legislation moves forward," Moylan said.

“Whether it’s helping local families pursue homeownership, creating

opportunities for workers and businesses, supporting our veterans, protecting our land, or strengthening our national security, these provisions represent real progress for the people of Guam," he added.

The NDAA also expands eligibility for the Living Quarters Allowance for DoD civilian employees in Guam to include mortgage-related housing expenses.

Moylan said he also secured committee language encouraging continued DoD efforts to establish an Economic Adjustment Committee in Guam to evaluate how military growth affects local employment, housing, infrastructure, workforce development and business participation.

Other Guam-related highlights of the NDAA are as follows:

Extension of protections for personnel assigned to military review agencies through 2030 and requiring the DoD to examine delays affecting veterans seeking discharge reviews involving Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury;
Additional congressional oversight of unexploded ordnance cleanup efforts and environmental remediation activities affecting Guam communities;
A comprehensive assessment of civilian hospitals throughout Guam and the Pacific region to identify ways to improve emergency preparedness, trauma care and healthcare readiness;
Evaluation of the permanent basing of Coast Guard fixed-wing aircraft, including C-130 aircraft, in Guam; and
The expansion of Coast Guard aviation capabilities could strengthen search and rescue operations, disaster response, fisheries enforcement, maritime security, and domain awareness throughout the Western Pacific.

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