IndoPacom Acknowledges CNMI Economic Concerns

Earlier this year, I joined Governor Apatang and legislative leaders in sending a letter to Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, outlining the accelerating economic challenges facing the CNMI and the risks those challenges pose to the civilian systems that support America’s presence in the region. This week we received Admiral Paparo’s response. In his letter, the Admiral recognized the strategic importance of the CNMI and acknowledged that the strength of our civilian community is closely tied to the U.S.’s ability to operate effectively in the Indo-Pacific. He also shared that his staff has been directed to review the federal actions we raised and that he will convey the importance of these issues to other federal agencies. I sincerely appreciate his attention to these concerns and look forward to continuing this conversation with our federal partners to ensure that the challenges facing our islands are fully understood.