by Mindy Aguon

Guam - From the nation's capitol, the House Armed Service Committee has completed all subcommittee markups on the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. The FY2013 NDAA supports ongoing defense contingency operations overseas and authorizes approximately $101 million in military construction projects for Guam, as well as an additional $128 million for the Guam Strike Fuel Cell Maintenance Hangar, which was initially requested last year by the U.S. Air Force.

The bill also increases servicemembers' pay by 1.7% and supports the president's request for $139.4 million in greater federal assistance for infrastructure improvements on Guam. According to Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo the FY13 NDAA also builds of Friday's announcement about the revised agreement between the U.S. and Japan about the realignment of forces in the Pacific.

"The mark also continues this committee's support for the realignment of military's forces in the Pacific, including the military buildup in Guam. As we pivot to the Asia-Pacific Region it is critical that we have lay down plan that is resilient and sustainable. And I believe that we are moving in that direction. I appreciate the committee continues support for the strategic realignment in the Asia-Pacific Region," said Bordallo.

The mark also takes steps to eliminate restrictions placed in last year's defense bill that inhibit the ability of military construction funds to be spent on Guam. The bill now moves to the full committee where it is subject to amendment and where subcommittees' provisions will have to be ratified.