Moylan Advances Nearly $1.9 Billion for Guam as House Armed Services Committee Approves FY2027 NDAA
(Washington, D.C.) — Congressman James Moylan advanced nearly $1.9 billion in Guam-related defense investments and priorities following approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the House Armed Services Committee.
Among the major Guam priorities advanced in the legislation is the extension of H-2B workforce provisions through 2035 which supports long-term workforce certainty for Guam as the island continues to support major military construction projects and economic growth.
The legislation also includes major investments in military housing, missile defense, infrastructure, and readiness projects throughout Guam, while advancing multiple Moylan-authored provisions focused on workforce development, veterans, agriculture, land stewardship, healthcare readiness, and economic opportunity.
Major Guam Provisions Include:
•Nearly $1.9 billion in military construction, military housing, and missile defense investments for Guam.
•Extension of H-2B workforce provisions through 2035.
•LQA mortgage relief for DoD civilian employees.
•Removal of a proposed military land acquisition exceeding 100 acres in Guam
•New opportunities for Guam farmers and food producers through military commissary procurement.
•Expansion of career and technical education, apprenticeships, and workforce credentialing opportunities.
•PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury discharge review reforms for veterans.
•Increased oversight of future military land acquisition and environmental remediation activities affecting Guam.
•Federal review of Dieldrin and PFAS contamination concerns in Guam to address environmental and public health impacts.
The legislation passed the House Armed Services Committee by a vote of 44-12 and now advances for consideration by the full House of Representatives.
“As Guam’s strategic importance continues to grow, we must make sure the people of Guam benefit from that growth as well,” said Congressman Moylan. “Whether it’s helping local families pursue homeownership, creating opportunities for workers and businesses, supporting our veterans, protecting our land, or strengthening our national security, these provisions represent real progress for the people of Guam.”
Helping Guam Families and Addressing Cost of Living
Congressman Moylan secured legislation requiring the Defense Commissary Agency to increase opportunities for Guam farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food producers to sell locally grown products through military commissaries. The amendment establishes a goal that at least fifteen percent of produce sold in Guam commissaries be sourced from Guam producers and requires the Defense Commissary Agency to designate a liaison dedicated to assisting local producers.
These provisions help strengthen Guam’s agricultural industry, improve food security, reduce reliance on imported produce, and keep more food dollars circulating within the local economy.
The NDAA also expands Living Quarters Allowance eligibility for DoD civilian employees in Guam to include mortgage-related housing expenses. For many local federal employees, this change will provide a pathway toward homeownership while helping families manage Guam’s high housing costs and build equity for the future.
Supporting Guam’s Workforce and Businesses
Congressman Moylan secured legislation extending H-2B workforce provisions through 2035, providing long-term workforce certainty for industries that depend on supplemental labor while supporting economic growth throughout Guam and the region.
The committee also advanced Congressman Moylan’s Defense Base Act reform legislation, which would exempt Guam from certain federal requirements when comparable local worker protections are already in place.
Together, these provisions help address workforce shortages, reduce unnecessary costs for employers, improve opportunities for local businesses, and support Guam’s ability to meet growing labor demands associated with military construction and economic development.
Congressman Moylan also secured committee language encouraging continued DoD efforts toward establishing an Economic Adjustment Committee in Guam to evaluate how military growth impacts local employment, housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and business participation.
This effort helps ensure Guam families, workers, and businesses receive a fair share of the economic benefits generated by billions of dollars being invested on the island.
Creating More Opportunities for Students and Skilled Workers
The committee adopted Congressman Moylan’s legislation expanding eligibility under the SMART Defense Education Program to include career and technical education, vocational education, apprenticeship preparation, and workforce credentialing programs. Not every student pursues a traditional four-year degree. This provision expands opportunities for Guam residents pursuing careers in construction, welding, electrical work, ship repair, manufacturing, and other skilled professions critical to Guam’s future workforce.
Congressman Moylan also secured language requiring the DoD to identify workforce development needs associated with expanding ship repair and maritime industries in Guam.
These efforts help prepare local residents for future careers in high-demand industries expected to grow alongside military investments throughout the region.
Supporting Guam Veterans
Congressman Moylan secured legislation extending protections for personnel assigned to military review agencies through 2030 and requiring the DoD to examine delays affecting veterans seeking discharge reviews involving Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Guam has one of the highest rates of military service in the nation. These provisions help ensure veterans suffering from invisible wounds receive fair and timely consideration while increasing transparency and accountability within the review process.
The committee also adopted Congressman Moylan’s amendment directing the DoD to evaluate expanding access to military installation fitness facilities for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Protecting Guam Land and Communities
Congressman Moylan successfully secured removal of a proposed military land acquisition exceeding 100 acres from the NDAA, ensuring additional scrutiny and justification before future federal land procurement efforts move forward.
In addition, the committee adopted Congressman Moylan’s legislation requiring the DoD to provide greater transparency regarding future land acquisition activities in Guam, including consultations with local leaders and improved notification procedures.
Moylan also secured additional congressional oversight of unexploded ordnance cleanup efforts and environmental remediation activities affecting Guam communities.
These provisions help protect public safety, strengthen environmental stewardship, and ensure accountability regarding federal activities impacting Guam’s land and natural resources.
Improving Healthcare and Public Safety
The NDAA requires a comprehensive assessment of civilian hospitals throughout Guam and the Pacific region to identify ways to improve emergency preparedness, trauma care, and healthcare readiness.
The committee also adopted Congressman Moylan’s amendment directing the DoD and United States Coast Guard to evaluate permanently basing Coast Guard fixed-wing aircraft, including C-130 aircraft, in Guam.
Expanding Coast Guard aviation capabilities could strengthen search and rescue operations, disaster response, fisheries enforcement, maritime security, and domain awareness throughout the Western Pacific.
Strengthening Guam’s Infrastructure and National Security
The NDAA includes nearly $1.9 billion in investments supporting Guam’s role as America’s forward presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Financial Breakdown
General Military Construction (MILCON): $1.353 Billion
• Funds critical operational infrastructure, including the Polaris Point Submarine Pier, the Joint Consolidated Communications Center, Inner Apra Harbor resiliency projects, and Phase III of the Defense Access Roads Program.
Missile Defense: $284.41 Million
•Supports Guam missile defense capabilities, including enhancements to the Aegis Guam Weapon System and the Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture.
Military Housing: $249.06 Million
•Funds replacement housing at Andersen Air Force Base, including 337 housing units across multiple phases. These investments help support military families while reducing pressure on Guam’s civilian housing market.
“Guam has carried a tremendous share of our nation’s defense responsibilities for generations,” Congressman Moylan added. “As these investments continue, we must make sure Guam families, workers, veterans, farmers, and small businesses benefit as well. That’s what I’ve fought for throughout this process, and that’s what I’ll continue fighting for as this legislation moves forward.”
The FY2027 NDAA now heads to the House floor for consideration before entering negotiations with the Senate. Congressman Moylan’s office will continue working to ensure these Guam priorities remain included in the final legislation.
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