Homeland Security and Emergency Management Visit
I visited the CNMI Homeland Security’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) this week to meet with the team keeping our islands informed and safe. Operating 24/7, they coordinate critical resources across our islands whether it’s supporting boat rescues, managing logistics during disasters, or responding to urgent threats like the unexploded ordinance at Micro Beach. Much of this work is supported by federal programs. These programs serve a vital function for our community. Maintaining and working to expand these funds is something I am committed to in support of their hard work keeping our communities prepared and safe. I also strongly support their pursuit of a Next Generation mass text and siren alert system. The recent tsunami warning reminded us how vital it is to quickly notify the public in emergencies, and the CNMI and Guam are the only U.S. jurisdictions without this capability. I look forward to working with HSEM to make this a reality.