Fighting to Protect Funding for the Northern Marianas Humanities Council

Late last week, I was informed by the Northern Marianas Humanities Council (NMHC) that the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) had terminated federal funding that supports 93% of NMHC’s programs and services. This is deeply concerning to me. NMHC plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the CNMI’s history, culture, and identity—producing work that I regularly draw upon in advocating for the CNMI in Congress. A blanket cut to this funding overlooks the importance of these programs in shaping critical conversations about our place in the region and the future of American engagement in the Pacific. That’s why I wrote to Acting NEH Chairman Michael McDonald, urging him to review his decision for the CNMI and to consider how continuing this funding aligns with and advances both our national priorities and the President’s vision for the region. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit NMHC’s website and explore their phenomenal digital archive—a powerful resource for understanding who we are and where we’re headed.