The US House of Representatives has passed its version of the annual defence policy bill containing three amendments aimed at benefiting the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
The amendments include a geothermal resource study on Saipan, a review of security risks to infrastructure supporting military operations, and expanded opportunities for CNMI students to attend US service academies.
The measures are part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The House-approved legislation directs the Department of War to conduct a geothermal resource confirmation study on Saipan under its Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program, assess counterintelligence risks involving civilian ports, warehouses, transportation networks and other infrastructure supporting major military installations, and increase the number of students from the CNMI who may attend the US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, and US Air Force Academy from nine to 12 at any given time.
CNMI’s delegate to the US Congress Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the amendments reflected the CNMI’s strategic importance.
“These amendments reflect the role the Northern Mariana Islands plays in our nation’s security and invest in areas that matter to our community. They support our long-term energy future, strengthen infrastructure that is increasingly important to our national defense, and create more opportunities for our young people to serve our country.”
King-Hinds said the geothermal study could help reduce the Commonwealth’s reliance on imported fuel.
“Every time there is instability overseas, families in the Northern Mariana Islands feel it in their electric bills,” she said.
“We need to start thinking beyond imported diesel and begin laying the foundation for the next generation of energy in our islands. This study helps us determine whether geothermal can be part of that future.”
She also welcomed the expansion of service academy appointments.
“Our community has a proud history of serving our country. Expanding these appointments gives more students the opportunity to pursue that path while developing the next generation of military leaders.”
The House version of the NDAA also authorises a 5 percent to 7 percent pay increase for US servicemembers, invests in military barracks and family housing, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to strengthen the US posture across the Indo-Pacific.
The Senate will now consider its own version of the bill before both chambers negotiate a final measure to send to the president.
