Newsletters
The CNMI’s Single Audit for fiscal years 2020 through 2022 reported $257.4 million in questioned costs, a number that deserves clear explanation. This week, I released a video breaking down what that means, how the audit process works, and why it matters for our islands. Under the federal Single Audit Act, any government that spends more than $750,000 in federal funds each year is required to undergo an independent audit to ensure those funds were used properly. This process holds every state and territory to the same national standard of accountability.
Once the government shutdown concludes, my bill, the Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act (H.R. 3496), will be scheduled for markup in the House Small Business Committee. This legislation would make the CNMI eligible for the federal Microloan Program, giving local entrepreneurs and small business owners greater access to federal financing as we continue rebuilding our economy. Currently, the program supports up to 300 intermediary lenders each year, guaranteeing every state and U.S. territory, except the Marianas, a minimum allocation of funds.
I had the opportunity to share a message with students participating in the 2025 CNMI Close Up Local Youth Summit this week. I told them how proud I am to see so many young people stepping up, asking questions, and finding their voices as the next generation of leaders. Leadership does not wait for age or position. It starts with the choices we make every day to listen, learn, and serve with integrity.
The week started off with good news. On Monday, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs awarded the CNMI government up to $5.7 million in Climate Change Technical Assistance to help sustain essential government services as the Commonwealth continues to face its budget challenges. The first quarterly installment of $412,500 will support core operational needs such as finance systems, communications, and inmate care. This grant follows through on the discussions held during the September 902 Consultations in Washington, D.C., where I joined Governor Apatang, Lt.
Congratulations to our very own Carol Young Suh Lee for capturing the singles title at the ITF W35 Kunshan tournament in China, her second W35 title of the year! Carol’s victory showcased not only her skill and athleticism, but also her determination, composure, and fighting spirit. With this win, Carol has officially earned eligibility to compete in the 2025 Australian Open, one of tennis’s most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments, a historic milestone for a CNMI-born athlete. From her beginnings in the Marianas to the world tennis stage, Carol’s story reminds us tha
On Thursday, Trever Reyes and Jasmine John visited their congressional office and went on a tour of the U.S. Capitol. They are both here for the Elevating Leaders Summit 2025 as Asian Pacific Islander Association (APIA) Scholars. Trever is currently studying at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas while Jasmine is currently studying at NMC. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of meeting with Gerry P. Crisostomo, a proud son of the Marianas now living in Maryland. Gerry is a retired U.S. Army veteran and currently serves as Senior Program Manager with General Dynamics Mission Systems, a company that provides mission-critical solutions across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains. Gerry was in D.C.