Advocating for Marianas NDAA Provisions

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the Senate successfully passed S. 2296, its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The House passed its version, H.R. 3838, in September. The legislation now moves to conference, where lawmakers work to reconcile the differences between the two bills and reach a final compromise before the end of the year. On Wednesday, I wrote to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees urging them to retain the amendments I sponsored that were adopted in the House bill, provisions that will benefit both the nation and the Marianas. My provisions include:

•  Improving the Innovative Readiness Training program – authorizes the Department of Defense to use IRT funds to purchase necessary materials for ongoing training projects. Currently, while DoD can provide personnel and services, it cannot fund basic materials, leaving some missions incomplete and diminishing training value. By closing this gap, we improve mission success, enhance military readiness, and ease the burden on host communities like ours.

• Repair and maintenance of vessels in the Marianas – designates the Northern Marianas as an eligible location for the overhaul, repair, and maintenance of U.S. flag vessels. Under current law, naval vessels homeported in the U.S. cannot be serviced in the Northern Mariana Islands. This change would spur private investment, create jobs, and foster long-term economic growth in the region without requiring federal spending.

• Study and report on Defense Access Roads – directs the Department to review the current limitations of the DAR Program, particularly its inability to support routine road maintenance. Including maintenance within the program’s scope could lower long-term infrastructure costs and provide stronger support for states and territories that host military operations.