House Passes King-Hinds Amendments in Annual Defense Bill

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds today highlighted three amendments she successfully secured in the House-passed Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), advancing priorities for the Northern Mariana Islands in energy security, defense infrastructure, and military education.

The amendments would direct a geothermal resource study on Saipan, strengthen the security of infrastructure supporting U.S. military operations, and expand opportunities for students from the Commonwealth to attend the nation's service academies.

The House-approved legislation directs the Department of War to conduct a geothermal resource confirmation study on Saipan as part of its Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program. If a commercially viable resource is confirmed, it could strengthen energy resilience for military installations while creating the potential for more reliable and affordable electricity for CNMI residents and businesses.

The bill also requires the Department of War to assess counterintelligence risks involving civilian ports, warehouses, transportation networks, and other infrastructure that support major military installations. The assessment is intended to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen the security of critical supply chains supporting U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific.

In addition, the legislation increases the number of students from the Northern Mariana Islands who may attend the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy from nine to twelve at any given time, expanding opportunities for students from the Commonwealth to pursue military service and leadership.

"These amendments reflect the role the Northern Mariana Islands plays in our nation's security and invest in areas that matter to our community," said Congresswoman King-Hinds. "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 determine whether Saipan possesses a resource capable of improving long-term energy resilience for both the Commonwealth and the Department of War.

"Every time there is instability overseas, families in the Northern Mariana Islands feel it in their electric bills," King-Hinds 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 noted that expanding service academy appointments recognizes the Northern Mariana Islands' long tradition of military service.

"Our community has a proud history of serving our country," King-Hinds said. "Expanding these appointments gives more students the opportunity to pursue that path while developing the next generation of military leaders."

The House-passed NDAA also authorizes a 5 to 7 percent pay increase for servicemembers, invests in military barracks and family housing, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to strengthen the United States' posture throughout the Indo-Pacific.

The Senate will now consider its version of the NDAA before the House and Senate negotiate a final bill to send to the President for signature.