August 2025
In August our “From the Hill to the Vill: Community Conversation” series kicked off in Tinian and Rota, providing an opportunity for residents to share their priorities and hear directly about congressional work. These conversations highlighted challenges in federal programs, small business, and economic development, while fostering meaningful dialogue between myself and the people I represent.
We welcomed congressional and military leaders to the Marianas to discuss REFORPAC training, Pacific Air Forces operations, and the strategic importance of the CNMI. Additionally, visits from USDA, NOAA, the Department of Transportation, and State Department passport services allowed for stronger federal partnerships and support for key local initiatives, including energy programs, weather services, tourism recovery, and workforce development.
Local engagement continued through meetings with CNMI departments, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Highlights included visits to Northern Marianas College, DYS Youth Cultural Immersion Camp, the Office on Aging, Great Harvest, CHCC, DLNR, ACME Holdings, 500 Sails, and the CNMI Department of Labor. These interactions reinforced the importance of understanding community needs firsthand—from youth education and healthcare to workforce training, cultural preservation, and elder care.
Federal funding achievements included $682k for weatherization and energy programs, $1.9M for parks and recreation projects, and $4.9M in FAA Airport Improvement Program funds for Rota. Advocacy efforts also focused on extending Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, supporting veterans, and pushing for FIFA recognition for the Marianas.
Finally, attention was given to historical and cultural preservation, including the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, Amelia Earhart research, and storytelling projects highlighting World War II survivors’ experiences.