The Official Website of Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo

House Approves 2008 National Defense Authorization Act
Guam receives increase for Military Construction Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— December 12, 2007– Washington, D.C. –

Today the United States House of Representatives passed, by an overwhelming and bipartisan majority, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2008. The Defense Authorization bill was approved by a vote of 370-49 and is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President.

The Defense Authorization bill contains a critical provision for military retirees on Guam. Section 374 of the bill provides priority transportation on Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft for military retirees residing in the United States Territories who require off-island specialty care. Specifically, a military retiree who requires specialty care will be considered under category 4 priority instead, of the current category 6 for Space-A (space available) seats aboard DoD aircraft. The provision also requires DoD to submit a report to Congress on how it will internally address the issue of improved TRICARE coverage in the territories.

“Inclusion of the military retiree Space-A provision in the Defense Authorization bill is a step forward for retirees on Guam. For several years, I have heard complaints from our military retirees that they were being forced to pay for commercial airline flights in order to obtain specialty care off-island,” Congresswoman Bordallo said after passage of the legislation. “We have asked DoD to remedy the situation, but no action has occurred. My provision is a step in the right direction, but I will continue to work to ensure that the issue of improved TRICARE coverage on Guam is addressed.”

The bill also authorizes a total of $290.7 million in military construction dollars for military installations on Guam—and increase of nearly $100 million from last year. The projects include:

$59.4 million to improve security of electrical systems at Naval Base Guam;
$50.9 million to build Phase I of the Kilo Wharf extension;
$47.2 million to replace Naval Family Housing on Guam;
$45.2 million for a fitness center at Naval Base Guam;
$40.8 million to repair and upgrade the Naval Base Guam wastewater treatment plant;
$31.4 million to build Phase I of a potable water distribution system at Naval Base Guam;
$10 million for infrastructure at Northwest Field; and
$5.8 million to build a technical training facility at Northwest Field.

“The funding for military construction in this bill is important as the build-up on Guam moves forward,” Congresswoman Bordallo said. “These projects will continue to provide economic opportunities for our island and begin to improve critical infrastructure that will eventually support the build-up of military personnel.”

The legislation also contains language that protects the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program from a production slow down. Currently, the Guam Army National Guard is slated to receive the JCA in the coming years. Congresswoman Bordallo worked with her colleagues, Representatives Joe Courtney of Connecticut and Robin Hayes of North Carolina, to protect the program to ensure that fielding of the aircraft was not altered.

“The Joint Cargo Aircraft program is necessary for our warfighters,” Congresswoman Bordallo said. “The JCA will replace an aging C-23 Sherpa aircraft inventory and will be used as a mission replacement aircraft for Air National Guard units that were realigned as a part of the 2005 BRAC round. Having an organic airlift capability on Guam will give the Guam National Guard new capabilities.”

The Defense Authorization bill includes $980 million in funding for the National Guard and Reserves. It also authorizes an additional $1 billion for the Strategic Reserve Fund and requires DoD to submit a plan on how it will reconstitute diminished stocks of military equipment.

“Earlier this year, Congress resolved to do everything in our power to improve the readiness of our forces at home and abroad. I believe this year’s Defense Authorization bill is a very good start at improving readiness,” Congresswoman Bordallo added. “We are finally funding Guard and Reserve replacement equipment; we are caring for our wounded warriors; and we are funding a well deserved 3.5% pay raise.”

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Contact: Joseph E. Duenas in Washington, D.C. at 202-225-1188 or Cathy Gault at 671-477-4272/4

joseph.duenas@mail.house.gov or cathy.gault@mail.house.gov

www.house.gov/bordallo

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