March 2025
March was an intense month focused on advancing economic recovery, strengthening federal partnerships, and ensuring the CNMI’s priorities remain front and center in Washington. I introduced two major pieces of legislation aimed at supporting our workforce and restoring connectivity across our islands. My first bill, H.R. 1797, would amend the Wagner-Peyser Act to finally include the CNMI and American Samoa, ensuring our workers have access to the same employment services, job training, and labor exchange programs available in the states and other territories. I also introduced H.R. 2132 to make CNMI airports eligible for the Essential Air Service Program, a critical step toward affordable and reliable air transportation for our community.
In Washington, I participated in hearings, committee markups, and meetings with leadership, where bipartisan legislation advanced to support small businesses, prevent fraud, and remove barriers for entrepreneurs with disabilities. I also welcomed visits from CNMI educators, cultural leaders, students, business advocates, and regional partners, strengthening collaboration on education funding, workforce development, arts and culture, and economic diversification.
I met directly with CNMI veterans to hear concerns about healthcare access, benefits, and travel burdens, while working with the VA and the Pacific Islands Health Care System to expand outreach services across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. I also continued pressing for long-term solutions to address the absence of a permanent VA clinic in the CNMI.
I spent time on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota meeting with students, elders, business leaders, local officials, and community members. These conversations reinforced the urgency of addressing high shipping costs, labor shortages, federal regulatory barriers, and the need for sustained tourism recovery.