The recently passed House version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes more than three billion dollars in direct investments for Guam, according to Guam Congressman James Moylan. 

The delegate says “This year’s NDAA includes significant provisions for Guam, addressing housing, workforce equity, energy resilience, and defense readiness. These measures reflect ongoing efforts to ensure our island’s needs are recognized and resourced at the federal level.”

For housing, the bill provides $1.06 billion for military construction and $1.17 billion for family housing. That includes 250 new housing units worth $105 million. 

Another $795 million for construction will be spread over several years.

The island’s 360 degree missile defense system is also addressed. 

The NDAA sets aside $11 million for procurement and $128 million for research and development.

Workforce measures expand the living quarters allowance to all Department of Defense civilians on Guam including local hires. 

The bill also authorizes retention bonuses up to half of base pay for certain civilian jobs, and directs a reassessment of Guam's per diem rates, which have long been considered lower than neighboring territories.

The measure also funds environmental and cultural priorities. That includes support for the Guam cultural repository and a program to control the invasive greater banded hornet. 

The Department of Defense is also authorized to work with the Guam Power Authority on joint energy projects.

Several studies and reports are required under the legislation. 

Those include finalizing the environmental impact statement for Guam's enhanced integrated air and missile defense system, a look at whether military housing could shift to a public-private partnership model and an annual report from Joint Region Marianas on military readiness and projects that affect the public, developed with the Governor’s office.

The bill also calls for more transparency on nuclear energy, a public summary of independent missile defense assessments, and a study on expanding ship repair capabilities for local maritime companies.

The measure now moves to the senate for consideration.

Meantime as military projects are expected to ramp up, we'll have more on its impacts on Guam's housing crisis tomorrow on primetime.