Defending the Marianas in the Senate
The Senate recently considered a request to pass S. 3857 by unanimous consent. The bill would cause catastrophic damage to our efforts to rebuild the CNMI economy. Because the territories have no representation in the Senate, stopping the bill required a Senator to stand and object. I am deeply grateful to Senator Martin Heinrich for doing exactly that. His objection prevented the bill from passing and gave the people of the Marianas the defense in the Senate that we do not have for ourselves. At a time when our economy remains fragile and our islands are recovering from two super typhoons, that action mattered.We are working every day to keep our community standing and rebuild an economy where our people can find opportunity at home. Members of the Senate like Senator Heinrich understood what was at stake, and I am grateful that he stood with the Marianas when we needed him.