Media

Image

On January 3rd, I had the honor of taking the oath of office to begin my service to you, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Image

On Martin Luther King Day, we reflect on the principles of equality, justice, peace, and service.

My heartfelt congratulations go out to the newly inaugurated members of the 23rd Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature. While I was not able to attend the inaugural events, I wrote to the members of the CNMI House of Representatives and Senate to express my gratitude for their dedication to serving our community. In my letters I extended my interest in working alongside them and the Committees on Federal Relations to ensure the voices of the people of the CNMI and their elected representatives are well-represented in Washington, D.C.

While not unprecedented, it is unique for a freshman member of Congress to serve in three House Committees. It is an honor to serve on the House Small Business Committee, where I will advocate for the small businesses that drive our economy. This committee oversees the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its programs, including access to financial assistance and federal contracting opportunities. Additionally, I will serve on the Subcommittees on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access; and Contracting and Infrastructure, respectively.

Advocating for our veterans is one of my highest priorities, and I am grateful to serve on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Veterans in the Northern Marianas have historically received fewer resources and support compared to other jurisdictions, and I will work tirelessly to expand access to healthcare services, benefits, and fair treatment. Building on progress like the PACT Act, I aim to secure equitable resources for the men and women who have served our nation.

I am proud to represent the Northern Marianas on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) for the first time. T&I oversees critical areas, including aviation, highways, transit systems, maritime transportation, and federal economic development agencies. This committee also addresses wastewater infrastructure, emergency preparedness, public buildings, and Coast Guard operations. These are areas vital to the development and resilience of our islands, and I am committed to ensuring our infrastructure needs are met.

As the 119th Congress begins, I am honored to announce my appointments to three House Committees where I will work to address the needs of the Northern Marianas and advance policies that support our community. Securing three committee assignments as a freshman Member is a rare privilege, and you better believe I am going to use this opportunity to deliver meaningful results for our islands.