Supporting PUA Extension for the Marianas

I wrote to Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer this week to strongly support Governor David Apatang’s request to extend the CNMI’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program until September 2026. Without an extension, the program will end next year, leaving hundreds of families without resolution and undermining the federal investment already made to build our unemployment assistance capacity. The CNMI’s PUA program was unique. With no standing Unemployment Insurance program, our Department of Labor had to build the system from the ground up. Despite the challenge, they delivered relief to as much as 65 percent of our workforce and safeguarded federal funds through diligent oversight. But important work remains, with thousands of cases still pending. Extending PUA will ensure that federal dollars are protected, claimants receive fair resolution, and trained staff can finish the job. I will continue working alongside the Governor to make sure Washington understands the urgency of this request.