MOYLAN’S ECONOMIC PACKAGE ADVANCES IN COMMITTEE-APPROVED DEFENSE BILL: BOOSTS PAY, HOUSING BENEFITS, AND LOCAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
(Washington, D.C.) Provisions introduced by Congressman Moylan to boost Guam’s economy with better compensation for locals, higher rates of per diem, and private sector investment have cleared a key hurdle in Congress. As part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the House Armed Services Committee advanced a series of amendments authored by the Congressman to better support Guam’s workforce and give local businesses more opportunity to compete in defense-related projects.
One of the key amendments focuses on expanding access to Living Quarters Allowance (LQA). For years, many Guam residents hired by the Department of Defense (DoD) have been left out of LQA—a housing benefit routinely given to mainland hires. Moylan’s amendment would give DoD the authority to offer LQA to all civilian employees in Guam, regardless of where they are hired. “It’s simple: same work, same duty station, same support,” Moylan stated. “This would help more local families cover the high cost of housing and keep highly trained, skilled workers here on island.” Moylan has advanced similar proposals in past NDAA cycles, previously expanding these benefits to Guam civilians working at Camp Blaz, and later to positions deemed to be in critical shortage. This latest amendment builds on that foundation and, if enacted, would extend eligibility to the entire DoD civilian workforce on Guam.
In addition to supporting the civilian workforce, Moylan has introduced an amendment to tackle the long-standing issue of low per diem rates for visiting military personnel. These daily allowances are meant to cover food, lodging, and local expenses, but Guam’s rates have long lagged behind those in nearby areas like the CNMI. The amendment includes a reporting requirement that directs the military to take a closer at how these rates are set and how they impact Guam’s economy. “When service members visit with higher per diem, they spend more in our restaurants, hotels, and local shops,” Moylan underscored. “That’s money that stays right here in our community, bolstering our local economy and helping local business thrive.”
Building on these efforts for economic equity, an additional amendment urges the military to strengthen its partnership with Guam’s private sector, especially when it comes to military housing development. The provision calls for a formal review of the costs, risks, benefits, and feasibility of public-private partnerships and to avoid contracting practices that sideline local businesses. “The military plays a major role in Guam’s economy. If they are going to invest in Guam, that investment should lift up the local economy. Supporting local companies means supporting families, creating jobs, and building long- term prosperity for the island,” Moylan emphasized.
These amendments have been sent by the House Armed Services Committee to be considered by the full House of Representatives for enactment into law. Congressman Moylan remains committed to ensuring Guam’s priorities are protected and advanced in the final package “These proposals are about giving Guam a fair shot and delivering real economic equity. Guam deserves policies that work for us, not around us,” concluded Congressman Moylan.
END STATEMENT