National Security decisions affecting CNMI economy should be based on facts not fear

For many businesses and employees in the CNMI, geopolitics isn’t a daily concern, but its consequences directly impact their ability to thrive. The CNMI must support national security, but policy decisions should be based on facts—not fear. That’s why I wrote to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, urging him to expand the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to formally review foreign investments in the CNMI that could pose national security risks. Our Covenant entrusted national security to the federal government, while economic development toward self-governance remains our responsibility. If an investment poses a risk, federal resources exist today to address it. If an investment creates jobs, strengthens incomes, and supports livelihoods, we should work to make it succeed. Through collaboration—not reactionary policies—we can protect both our security and our economy for the people we serve.