THE U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate have approved the conference report for H.R. 2670 or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which includes several provisions beneficial to the CNMI, U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan reported on Friday in his weekly e-newsletter.
He said the $79 million allotment is for the following U.S. Air Force Divert Projects on Tinian:
— $26 million – airfield development, Phase 1
— $21 million – fuel tanks with pipeline and hydrant
— $32 million – parking apron
Kilili said the report accompanying H.R. 2670 also directs the Department of Defense to ensure that students applying to the service academies can receive required medical examinations in the Commonwealth.
The NDAA likewise includes these provisions:
1) A 5.2% pay raise for service members.
2) An increase in troops’ basic allowance for housing payments.
3) Investments in the civilian workforce, military spouses and families, and traditionally underserved communities.
4) Support for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to deter conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
Kilili said the $886.3 billion defense bill now heads to the desk of President Joe Biden, who supports the bipartisan measure.
The U.S. House vote on Thursday marked the 63rd consecutive year that the U.S. Congress has cleared the NDAA, Kilili said.
