PRESIDENT SIGNS FY2026 NDAA INTO LAW, DELIVERING MAJOR GUAM WINS SECURED BY CONGRESSMAN MOYLAN
(Hagåtña, Guam) — President Trump has signed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, enacting legislation that includes multiple Guam-specific provisions championed by Congressman James Moylan through his work on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). The enacted law delivers high-impact measures that strengthen Guam’s safety, support its civilian workforce, improve local infrastructure, and increase transparency around federal decisions affecting the island—priorities Congressman Moylan advanced throughout months of committee negotiations.
Throughout the NDAA process, Congressman Moylan worked closely with his colleagues on the HASC to ensure Guam’s priorities were preserved in both statutory text and the Joint Explanatory Statement (JES), which guides how the Department of War implements the law.
“These provisions reflect months of committee work and sustained collaboration with colleagues who understand Guam’s strategic role and the real impacts federal defense decisions have on our community,” said Congressman Moylan.
Key Provisions Secured by Congressman Moylan in the FY2026 NDAA
Expanded Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) for DoD Civilians in Guam
Sec. 1102 expands living quarters allowance authority for Department of War civilian employees with a permanent duty station in Guam, allowing coverage for rent and utilities. (FY26 NDAA p. 896)
Retention Bonus Authority for Guam’s Civilian Workforce
Sec. 1109 authorizes retention bonuses of up to 50 percent of basic pay for Department of War civilian employees in Guam, strengthening workforce stability and retention. (FY26 NDAA p. 90)
Guam Missile Defense Transparency and Posture Protection
Sec. 1655 requires an unclassified summary of the independent assessment of Guam’s missile defense architecture, including the Lincoln Laboratory assessment, and limits the removal of key missile defense capabilities from Guam without prior congressional notification. (FY26 NDAA p. 1220; JES p. 352)
Nuclear Power Safeguards and Advance Notification Requirements
Sec. 323 requires advance notification to Congress and the Governor of Guam before any proposal involving a permanent nuclear reactor in Guam, ensuring transparency and local consultation. (FY26 NDAA p. 217; JES p. 45)
MILCON Flexibility for Joint Projects with Guam Power Authority
Sec. 2874 expands authority allowing the Department of War to undertake joint infrastructure projects with public utilities, including the Guam Power Authority, improving coordination and resilience for critical infrastructure. (FY26 NDAA p. 1545)
Direct Funding Authority for the Guam Cultural Repository
Sec. 2882 expands exceptions allowing the Department of War to directly fund certain public infrastructure projects, including the Guam Cultural Repository, beginning in fiscal year 2026. (FY26 NDAA p. 1546)
Ship Repair Capacity and Maritime Workforce Development
While not a standalone statutory section, the Joint Explanatory Statement directs the Secretary of the Navy to submit a report on ship repair capabilities in Guam, including drydock feasibility, opportunities to expand Navy maintenance activity, workforce capacity, and technical assistance for Guam businesses. (JES pp. 235–236)
Civil–Military Coordination and Community Impact Oversight
The Joint Explanatory Statement requires Joint Region Marianas, working with the Governor of Guam, to brief the congressional defense committees by June 1, 2026, on civilian-military projects that advance military readiness while addressing community infrastructure, quality of life, and public interest considerations. (JES p. 244)
Additional Guam-Related Implementation Directives
Other Guam-focused directives advanced through committee and explanatory language address design-build contracting in Guam, per diem rate review, and housing market analysis to inform future decisions affecting the island. (JES pp. 255–256; committee report language)
In total, the FY2026 NDAA is projected to generate approximately $1.2 billion in direct investments for Guam, reinforcing the island’s strategic importance while delivering tangible benefits to the local community.
“A strong national defense depends on strong, supported communities, and Guam is central to that mission,” Congressman Moylan said. “I have a responsibility to ensure Guam sees real returns for its critical role in national defense, and this NDAA delivers exactly that. It protects our interests, strengthens our workforce, and demands transparency. That is what I set out to secure on the House Armed Services Committee, and those outcomes are now law. I will continue elevating the voices of our people and ensuring their concerns are reflected in federal defense decisions.” For more information, please contact the Office of Congressman James Moylan at (671) 922-6673.
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