CNMI Provisions Secured in NDAA Conference Agreement

Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced that the conference committee draft of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes two major provisions for the CNMI. Inclusion in the conference agreement places both measures in the final text that will move to the House and Senate for approval.

“This year’s NDAA includes two long-needed changes that strengthen our role in the Pacific and create real opportunities for new economic activity in the CNMI,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds.

“One provision updates federal law to allow military vessels to undergo repair and maintenance in the CNMI. For more than a decade, the Commonwealth has worked to be included in this authority, but the statute has never listed the CNMI as an eligible location. That omission prevented our local businesses and workers from competing for projects even when the capability existed. The NDAA conference draft finally corrects this and opens the door for future maritime work, contractor support, and investment tied to Defense Department needs.”

This update does not guarantee immediate contracts, but it removes the legal restriction that previously made CNMI participation impossible. With eligibility now established, the Commonwealth can be considered for future vessel repair work and related services that support maritime operations.

“The second provision directs a comprehensive study on expanding Coast Guard operations in the CNMI, including port visits, deployments, and the potential assignment of fast response cutters. This has been a long-standing request from Commonwealth leaders, given the size of our waters and the need for consistent patrol coverage in the region. The study will determine what operational activity the CNMI can support and what infrastructure may be needed to host increased Coast Guard presence.”

Together, these provisions ensure that the CNMI is part of federal planning for future maritime and defense activities in the region.

“These provisions make clear that the Commonwealth has an important role in the Pacific,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds. “By opening eligibility for military vessel maintenance and examining expanded Coast Guard activity, including cutters, the NDAA positions our islands to benefit from new federal activity in the region and supports long-term economic opportunity for our people.”

The conference agreement represents the final negotiated version of the National Defense Authorization Act between the House and Senate. Once released, the agreement moves to both chambers for an up-or-down vote and is traditionally the text that becomes law. The NDAA establishes defense policy and authorities for the coming fiscal year and typically receives bipartisan support.