Seeking Treasury Clarification on CNMI Tax Revenue Rights

Despite over $153 million in Department of Defense construction on Tinian, the CNMI reportedly received just $87,000 in tax revenue. That gap raises serious questions about how the Covenant is being implemented. In my letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week, I emphasized that federal taxes derived from economic activity in the CNMI, including contractor income reported elsewhere, should be remitted to the Commonwealth, as the Covenant provides. This is about fairness and ensuring the people of the CNMI receive the share of tax revenue that is legally and rightfully theirs. I look forward to a constructive response from Secretary Bessent and will continue pressing for policies that uphold the terms of our Covenant and the intentions behind it.