Newsletters
This weekend, we solemnly commemorate the 81st anniversary of the start of the Battle of Saipan, a defining and deeply painful chapter in our history. On June 15, 1944, American forces landed on Saipan’s southwestern shore, marking the beginning of a brutal conflict that forever changed the lives of the Chamorro and Refaluwasch people. We honor the immense sacrifices made by American servicemembers and the suffering endured by our indigenous communities. |
This week, I met with Chief of Staff Julie Ann Schmidt, Deputy Assistant Secretary Jim McHugh, and Senior Labor Policy Advisor Beverly McKittrick from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which operates under the U.S. Department of Labor, to discuss safety concerns for the Pacific Territories, including American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI. |
On Wednesday, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advanced several bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening transportation, infrastructure, and public service |
The Department of the Navy released the Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Joint Military Training (CJMT) on Tinian. The plan outlines some major changes, including construction of live-fire ranges, a new base camp, communications infrastructure, and a biosecurity facility at the Port of Tinian. |
CNMI resident, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lieutenant Colonel Albert “Bubba” Flores visited his congressional office on Wednesday. He was in Washington as part of a select delegation of senior leaders from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. An attorney and proud resident, he currently lives on Saipan with his family and serves as a reserve officer with Marine Corps Forces Pacific Command. Thank you for stopping by, LtCol Flores. |
Attention, K-8 students! The Second Lady of the United States (SLOTUS) Summer Reading Challenge has begun! To get started, download the participation information at www.wh.gov/read. The challenge began Sunday, June 1 and will end on September 5, 2025. |
Friends from the Guam Visitors Bureau visited this week to discuss opportunities to support and grow the tourism industry in both the CNMI and Guam. The conversation focused on regional collaboration, federal support for tourism recovery, and shared challenges such as workforce development, air service connectivity, and sustainable growth. I reaffirmed our commitment to advocating for policies and funding that uplift the Marianas and the broader Micronesian region as premier travel destinations. Si Yu’us ma’ase to |
On June 12, we proudly join our Filipino community in celebrating Philippines Independence Day! The CNMI and the Phili
Living in the islands, air service challenges, and struggles with having districts far from Washington were among the topics Congresswoman Jill Tokuda of Hawaii and I discussed in our overdue introductory meeting Tuesday. I’m grateful for her visit and look forward to building a strong partnership and friendship as we work together on issues that matter to the Pacific Islands. Thank you, Rep. Tokuda. |
On Thursday, the Canaries travelled all the way from San Vicente Elementary School to visit Washington, DC, and stopped by their Congressional Office during their trip. These bright 4th and 5th grade students talked about all their adventures while they were in the Nation’s Capital - from embarking on a tour of the Capitol Building to visiting the FBI Headquarters all while learning about their federal government. And from the sounds if it, they had an unforgettable time! |