Addressing Long-Term Workforce Needs

On Monday, I introduced H.R. 9787, the Northern Mariana Islands Labor Stabilization Act, to replace the CNMI's expiring immigration transition framework with a long-term workforce solution that provides greater certainty for our employers, workers, and families. The bill would extend the program through at least 2039, strengthen the Governor's role in workforce determinations, modernize labor certification requirements, restore Covenant cover-over funds generated by immigration and naturalization fees, and provide additional enforcement resources. This legislation is the result of more than a year of collaboration with the Governor, CNMI Legislators, employers, workers, business organizations, and community members. It reflects a unified Commonwealth effort to build a stable, predictable workforce system while maintaining strong federal oversight. I will continue working with my colleagues to advance this legislation and provide the long-term workforce stability our islands need to support economic growth.