The U.S. House on Monday approved three amendments by Del. Kimberlyn King‑Hinds to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, advancing measures on geothermal energy, defense‑related infrastructure security, and expanded service academy access for Northern Mariana Islands students.
One amendment directs the Department of War to conduct a geothermal resource confirmation study on Saipan under its Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program. If a commercially viable resource is found, King‑Hinds said it could bolster energy resilience for military installations and potentially lower electricity costs for residents.
“Every time there is instability overseas, families in the Northern Mariana Islands feel it in their electric bills,” she said. “We need to start thinking beyond imported diesel and begin laying the foundation for the next generation of energy in our islands. This study helps us determine whether geothermal can be part of that future.”
Another amendment requires the Department of War to assess counterintelligence risks across civilian ports, warehouses, transportation networks and other infrastructure supporting major U.S. military installations in the Indo‑Pacific.
A third provision increases the number of NMI students who may attend the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy from nine to 12 at any given time.
“These amendments reflect the role the Northern Mariana Islands plays in our nation’s security and invest in areas that matter to our community,” King‑Hinds said. “They support our long‑term energy future, strengthen infrastructure that is increasingly important to our national defense, and create more opportunities for our young people to serve our country.”
She added that expanding academy appointments “recognizes the Northern Mariana Islands’ long tradition of military service.”
The House‑passed NDAA also includes a 5% to 7% pay raise for servicemembers, investments in barracks and family housing, and an extension of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.
The Senate will take up its version of the bill before negotiations begin on a final measure.
