The United States military may face further hurdles acquiring land in the Northern Marianas if a new bill passes through Congress.
The bill contains a provision requiring the Department of Defence to consult with the governor of a state or Commonwealth in considering options for the location of military installations and activities before going to Congress for permission.
Photo: AFP
A Northern Marianas Delegate, Gregorio Sablan, says the provision in the National Defence Authorisation Act is there to keep local officials fully involved in decisions on the military's use of land.
In addition to the provision, Mr Sablan says Covenant Section 806(b) also specifies that the US will acquire no interest in real property in the Northern Mariana Islands unless authorised by Congress and unless Congress also appropriates funds for the acquisition.