Provisions in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act that will help Guam residents and businesses have been advanced by the House Armed Services Committee, according to Del. James Moylan.
Under amendments authored by Moylan, the Department of Defense would be able to offer living quarters allowances to all civilian hires on Guam – not just mainland hires.
“It’s simple: Same work, same duty station, same support,” Moylan stated in a news release announcing the amendments. “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 Department of Defense civilian workforce on Guam.
He has also introduced an amendment to increase per diem rates, or daily allowances, for visiting military personnel. Raising the rates, which cover food, lodging and local expenses, would help island businesses, Moylan said.
Another 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.
These amendments have been sent by the House Armed Services Committee to be considered by the full House of Representatives.