The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is set to benefit from two major provisions in the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act conference agreement, paving the way for expanded defense-related opportunities in the region.
The bill, which could stimulate economic growth and create new jobs in the islands, now heads to the House and Senate for approval.
The first provision updates federal law to allow military vessels to undergo repair and maintenance in the CNMI. The change removes previous restrictions and positions local businesses and workers to compete for future maritime projects tied to the Department of Defense.
“For more than a decade, the Commonwealth has worked to be included in this authority,” Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds said. “The NDAA finally corrects this and opens the door for future maritime work and investment.”
The second provision directs a comprehensive study on expanding U.S. Coast Guard operations in the CNMI. The study will examine increased port visits, deployments, and the potential assignment of fast response cutters to the region. It will also assess infrastructure requirements to support these operations, signaling possible federal investment in maritime security.
“This has been a long-standing request given the size of our waters and the need for consistent patrol coverage,” King-Hinds said.
