Steps Forward on Strengthening Workforce Stability for Recovery

I introduced HR 8931, the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act, to address one of the longstanding challenges facing our workforce and businesses. The bill would eliminate the touchback requirement for certain long-term CW-1 workers who have lived and worked in the CNMI for years and have demonstrated their commitment to our community. Under the legislation, eligible workers would be able to receive three-year CW-1 permits with three-year renewals, providing greater stability for workers, families, and employers alike. For many businesses, workforce uncertainty continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to growth and planning, and a large part of that uncertainty has been the touchback provision, which affects the ability of employers to retain experienced workers and plan for the future. This issue has become even more important as the CNMI continues recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Rebuilding homes, businesses, infrastructure, and public facilities will require a stable and reliable workforce. This legislation recognizes the reality that many of these workers have built their lives in the Commonwealth and remain essential to our economy and our recovery. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill and continue the broader effort to improve workforce policies and bring greater stability to the CNMI's labor force.