US House OKs $191M for three Tinian divert airfield projects

The U.S. House of Representatives approved Thursday a bill that includes the allocation of $191 million for three Tinian divert airfield projects and three bills filed by Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP).

Sablan said in his e-kilili newsletter over the weekend that H.R. 7900, or the National Defense Authorization Act, includes continued investment in the Tinian divert airfield and, as requested by the U.S. Department of the Air Force, there is $58 million for Airfield Development Phase 1, $92 million for fuel tanks with pipeline hydrants, and $41 million for a parking apron.

Sablan said the Tinian funds are part of the total $802 billion annual defense and energy authorization bill that seeks to maintain the U.S. military’s readiness, enhance capabilities, restore U.S. alliances and partnerships, and strengthen the country’s global competitiveness.
He said additional highlights include:

• A 4.6% pay raise for service members, the highest pay raise for service members in decades.

• Improved oversight for military family housing projects.

• A required report on a more transparent and fair way to calculate the basic allowance for housing.

• $6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.

Sablan said his three bills—H.R. 836, H.R. 3730, and H.R. 3438—piggybacked on the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
H.R. 836 allows the Commonwealth to apply for Employment Service formula grants to set up One-Stop Career Centers that can offer skill assessment, career guidance, training, as well as help workers find jobs and employers find workers.

H.R. 3730 gives veterans from the CNMI, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Freely Associated States an advisory committee within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to recommend improvements in delivery of benefits and services to insular veterans.

H.R. 3438 allows current and aspiring business owners in the CNMI to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration microloans of up to $50,000 for working capital or to acquire materials, supplies, or equipment.
The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit child care centers start up and expand.

Sablan said the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 7900, now goes to the Senate for consideration.