King-Hinds pledges collaboration with Legislature

U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds said she is ready to collaborate with the CNMI Senate and House of Representatives.

In separate letters, King-Hinds congratulated Senate President Dennis James C. Mendiola and Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez on their election as presiding officers during the inaugural session of the 24th Legislature on Jan. 13, 2025.

The organizational sessions of the House and the Senate, she said, marked “an important chapter in the ongoing work to advance the interests of the people of the CNMI, and I commend each of you for the dedication and leadership you are bringing” to the Legislature.

“As you take your seats…please know that your Congressional office is ready to collaborate with you and your designated committee on federal relations to ensure that our shared goals for the recovery and prosperity of the CNMI are aligned at both the local and federal levels of government,” the U.S. congresswoman said.

Mendiola appointed King-Hinds’ brother, Senate Vice President Karl King-Nabors, as chair of the Senate Committee on Federal Relations and Military Affairs, while Villagomez named Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao as head of the House Federal and Foreign Relations Committee.

“Should any matters arise that require assistance, communication or information from the federal government,” King-Hinds assured Mendiola and Villagomez that she is committed to “fostering a strong, productive partnership with the CNMI Legislature to ensure that their collective work continues to move forward.”