{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Independent\" and state = \"MP\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://sablan.house.gov/%E2%80%98every-citizen-has-right-vote%E2%80%99", "Every citizen has right to vote", "2017-10-10", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune \u2014 Did you know that, if you live in the Northern Mariana Islands but used to live in a state in the U.S. mainland, you have a right to vote for President by absentee ballot? It now appears that the administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump is planning to strip previous state residents of this ability\u2014which Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) opposes, saying every citizen has a right to vote.\n\tAccording to the Uniformed Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, or UOCAVA, U.S. citizens that were previously residents of a state and are currently residing in the CNMI are allowed to cast an absentee vote.\n\tUOCAVA states that a U.S. citizen residing in any part of the world\u2014including the international space station\u2014retain their right to vote in the federal election. However, that law does not extend to citizens residing in the four U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n\tAccording to Sablan, he believes the reason the CNMI was left out was because during the enactment of the law sometime in the 1990s, the CNMI did not have a member in the U.S. Congress.\n\t\u201c\u2026 U.S. citizens residing in the Northern Marianas were allowed to vote in federal elections, just as those residing in Israel. Among the territories, overseas Americans residing in the Northern Marianas were allowed to vote under the UOCAVA,\u201d said Sablan.\n\tThe U.S. Department of Justice is now reviewing this law, with the intent to reverse this voting privilege.\n\tA letter sent from the USDOJ to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit cited the Sessions v Morales-Santana case, which the U.S. Supreme Court defended a provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act, extending citizenship to certain children with one U.S. citizen parent. The letter was dated Sept. 11, 2017, and was signed by USDOJ Attorney Carleen Zubrzycki.\n\t\u201c\u2026 The proper remedy for an equal protection violation consisting of favorable treatment for a discrete group was to eliminate the favorable treatment for that group, rather than expanding more favorable treatment to everyone,\u201d the letter states, specifying that the Seventh Circuit held this as a remedy to the Sessions v Morales-Santana case.\n\tThe letter concluded that with the UOCAVA, considering the logic of the Sessions v Morales-Santana case, the best course of action was to dissolve the voting privilege of previous state residents currently residing in the CNMI, rather than to expand the privileges to the four other U.S. territories.\n\t\u201cUnder the logic of Sessions v Morales-Santana, if that were an equal protection violation, the proper remedy would be to treat [the] CNMI like the four major territories that the [U.S.] Congress expressly addressed in the [UOCAVA],\u201d the letter reads.\n\t\u201cAs a former election official, I promoted this right for U.S. citizens residing in the Northern Marianas and encouraged overseas Americans to vote in federal elections. While the turnout is usually not very high, it has been reported that had the State of Florida allowed counting of ballots mailed by Nov. 26, Al Gore would have won the state and then would have been elected President,\u201d said Sablan.\n\tGore was the Democratic candidate for the presidency back in 2000. He lost to George W. Bush.\n\t\u201cThe number of voters overseas continues to grow. I am not sure about the GOP, but the National Democratic Party has overseas American delegates at their conventions. They cast nomination votes for presidential candidates,\u201d said Sablan.\n\tSablan believes the worry of Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions is that \u201coverseas Americans\u201d represent a bloc of more liberal voters and thus could be a deciding factor in the election of presidential candidates.\u201d\n\t\u201cI disagree with this because I believe every citizen has a right to vote,\u201d said Sablan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-we-need-common-sense-gun-reform", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - We need Common-sense gun reform", "2017-10-10", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n__________________________________________________________________________\n Monument plans? The Public right to know \nThe people of the Marianas and other Americans with National Monuments in their backyards have a right to know what the new administration is planning to do in these areas. So this week, along with 25 House colleagues, I cosponsored a Resolution of Inquiry, H.Res. 555, that the administration release a final report on its review of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument and Monuments around the nation, as well as all supporting documents. There were more than 2.5 million public comments submitted, mine included, and the public deserves a look. The resolution follows on my questioning of Chris Oliver, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, at a recent Natural Resources Committee hearing, about the Monument Review process and a similar lack of transparency by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council in its decision-making (subject of a news article on Wednesday here).\n OIA discretionary grant period open \nThe Office of Insular Affairs announced Thursday that the Northern Mariana Islands and other insular areas may now submit applications for discretionary technical assistance program (TAP) and maintenance assistance program (MAP) funding for fiscal year 2018. TAP provides grant funding for short-term projects intended to meet immediate needs. MAP provides funding to support, develop, improve and institutionalize infrastructure maintenance practices. With funding appropriated by Congress, OIA\u2019s TAP and MAP programs continue to be vital components of overall federal financial support for the Northern Marianas, allowing important projects undertaken by local community groups to move forward even when local funding is insufficient or unavailable. All applications are to be submitted through grants.gov. Instructions to apply are available at the Office of Insular Affairs website - https://www.doi.gov/oia/fiscal-payments. Local government entities, independent authorities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply.\n Stopping nuclear proliferation \nPresident Trump is said to be planning next week to withhold certification of Iranian compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which holds Iranian nuclear arms development in check. This week, I joined 182 other Members of Congress concerned about nuclear proliferation in urging the President not to withhold certification. The issue is important to the Marianas, because any chance of steering North Korea away from further nuclear development is undercut, if the U.S. backs out of JCPOA. And the Marianas is within range of North Korean missiles. The President is required to provide to Congress credible evidence of noncompliance. He has not. And the International Atomic Energy Agency, along with America\u2019s European allies, Russia, and China are all in consensus that Iran is in fact complying with its obligations under the agreement. If we want to live in a safer world, America should keep its word.\n How to deal with North Korea \nA key focus of my talks in China was how to slow or stop North Korea\u2019s rapidly advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, which threaten the Mariana Islands. Five guiding principles for achieving that goal were outlined in a letter to the President from myself and 67 other Members of Congress. We believe the President should:\n Increase economic pressure on North Korea through the imposition and effective enforcement of sanctions.\n\tEnhance U.S. diplomatic efforts, especially crisis management channels.\n\tStrengthen, not subvert, our alliances in East Asia.\n\tRecognize that Personnel is Policy.\n\tMaintain Deterrence and Defense.\n Rather than using reckless rhetoric and sending muddled messages to our allies, the U.S. should pursue a comprehensive strategy toward North Korea based on these five principles. That is how to keep the Marianas safe.\n DFEMS awarded $67,647 Hazmat grant \nThe Department of Transportation\u2019s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration has awarded $67,647 in formula funds to the Commonwealth\u2019s Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant will help fund the development, implementation, and improvement of emergency plans and training of the Commonwealth\u2019s emergency responders to be better prepared for an incident involving the transportation of hazardous materials. Congratulations to DFEMS.\n Opportunities \n Grants: \n Jobs: \n Legislative Highlights \n THIS WEEK \n On the Floor \n H.Con.Res. 71 \u2013 Fiscal Year 2018 Republican Budget Resolution (Passed, 219-206)\n\tH.R. 36 \u2013 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (Passed, 237-189)\n\tH.R. 2316 \u2013 Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2017 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tH.R. 2582 \u2013 Confirming State Land Grants for Education Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tH.R. 2937 \u2013 Community Reclamation Partnerships Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tH.R. 289 \u2013 Guides and Outfitters Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tS. 652 \u2013 Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2017 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tH.R. 2408 \u2013 Protecting Girls\u2019 Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tH.R. 1624 \u2013 Municipal Finance Support Act of 2017 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  Legislation I Cosponsored \n H.R. 3947\u00a0\u2013 To prohibit the possession or transfer of certain firearm accessories, and for other purposes\n\tH.R. 1078\u00a0\u2013 Military Hunger Prevention Act\n\tH.Res. 367 \u2013 Establishing the Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention\n\tH.Res. 555 \u2014 Of inquiry requesting the President and directing the Secretary of the Interior to transmit, respectively, certain documents and other information to the House of Representatives relating to the executive order on the review of designations under the Antiquities Act\n  NEXT WEEK \n On the Floor \n S. 585 \u2013 Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017\n\tA Motion to Go to Conference on the National Defense Authorization Act\n\tAdditional Supplemental Package to Assist with Ongoing Recovery Efforts following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria\n  Committee Hearings \nWednesday, October 11\n Committee on Natural Resources Markup\n Thursday, October 12\n Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans Legislative Hearing\n\tCommittee on Veterans' Affairs Markup\n\tCommittee on Veterans' Affairs Legislative Hearing", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/dfems-awarded-67647-hazmat-grant", "DFEMS awarded $67,647 Hazmat grant", "2017-10-09", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DFEMS awarded $67,647 Hazmat grant                                           \n              Oct 9, 2017      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Department of Transportation\u2019s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration has awarded $67,647 in formula funds to the Commonwealth\u2019s Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services.\nThe Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant will help fund the development, implementation, and improvement of emergency plans and training of the Commonwealth\u2019s emergency responders to be better prepared for an incident involving the transportation of hazardous materials.\nCongratulations to DFEMS.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/how-deal-north-korea", "How to deal with North Korea", "2017-10-09", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "How to deal with North Korea                                           \n              Oct 9, 2017      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    A key focus of my talks in China was how to slow or stop North Korea\u2019s rapidly advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, which threaten the Mariana Islands. Five guiding principles for achieving that goal were outlined in a letter to the President from myself and 67 other Members of Congress. We believe the President should:\n Increase economic pressure on North Korea through the imposition and effective enforcement of sanctions.\n\tEnhance U.S. diplomatic efforts, especially crisis management channels.\n\tStrengthen, not subvert, our alliances in East Asia.\n\tRecognize that Personnel is Policy.\n\tMaintain Deterrence and Defense.\n Rather than using reckless rhetoric and sending muddled messages to our allies, the U.S. should pursue a comprehensive strategy toward North Korea based on these five principles. That is how to keep the Marianas safe.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/monument-plans-public-right-know", "Monument plans? The Public right to know", "2017-10-09", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monument plans? The Public right to know                                           \n              Oct 9, 2017      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The people of the Marianas and other Americans with National Monuments in their backyards have a right to know what the new administration is planning to do in these areas. So, along with 25 House colleagues, I cosponsored a Resolution of Inquiry, H.Res. 555, that the administration release a final report on its review of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument and Monuments around the nation, as well as all supporting documents.\nThere were more than 2.5 million public comments submitted, mine included, and the public deserves a look. The resolution follows on my questioning of Chris Oliver, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, at a recent Natural Resources Committee hearing, about the Monument Review process and a similar lack of transparency by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council in its decision-making (subject of a news article here).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/oia-discretionary-grant-period-open", "OIA discretionary grant period open", "2017-10-09", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OIA discretionary grant period open                                           \n              Oct 9, 2017      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Office of Insular Affairs announced that the Northern Mariana Islands and other insular areas may now submit applications for discretionary technical assistance program (TAP) and maintenance assistance program (MAP) funding for fiscal year 2018.\nTAP provides grant funding for short-term projects intended to meet immediate needs. MAP provides funding to support, develop, improve and institutionalize infrastructure maintenance practices. With funding appropriated by Congress, OIA\u2019s TAP and MAP programs continue to be vital components of overall federal financial support for the Northern Marianas, allowing important projects undertaken by local community groups to move forward even when local funding is insufficient or unavailable.\nAll applications are to be submitted through grants.gov. Instructions to apply are available at the Office of Insular Affairs website - https://www.doi.gov/oia/fiscal-payments. Local government entities, independent authorities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/stopping-nuclear-proliferation", "Stopping nuclear proliferation", "2017-10-09", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stopping nuclear proliferation                                           \n              Oct 9, 2017      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    President Trump is said to be planning to withhold certification of Iranian compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which holds Iranian nuclear arms development in check. I joined 182 other Members of Congress concerned about nuclear proliferation in urging the President not to withhold certification.\nThe issue is important to the Marianas, because any chance of steering North Korea away from further nuclear development is undercut, if the U.S. backs out of JCPOA. And the Marianas is within range of North Korean missiles. The President is required to provide to Congress credible evidence of noncompliance. He has not. And the International Atomic Energy Agency, along with America\u2019s European allies, Russia, and China are all in consensus that Iran is in fact complying with its obligations under the agreement.\nIf we want to live in a safer world, America should keep its word.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/kilili-shootings-%E2%80%98we-need-stop-deaths%E2%80%99", "Kilili on shootings: We need to stop deaths", "2017-10-06", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune \u2014 Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) grieves the lives lost in what is dubbed as the \u201cdeadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history,\u201d while calling for legislation to prevent a repeat.\nSablan, through a statement from his office, reportedly joined other Democratic Caucus members on the steps of the U.S. Capitol last Thursday to mourn the victims of gun violence and \u201cdemand action to prevent the daily tragedy of gun deaths across America.\u201d\n\u201cEvery time a mass shooting like this occurs we offer prayers and condolences; we lower the flag to half-mast; but we never seem to take action to try to prevent these killings from happening again,\u201d said Sablan.\nHe added that the U.S. Congress should \u201cenact commonsense legislation,\u201d similar to the bipartisan King-Thompson legislation that strengthened background checks with the intent to keep guns out of the \u201cwrong hands.\u201d\nAccording to Sablan, almost 12,000 people in the U.S. die from gun violence.\n\u201cIt is an epidemic. We need to stop the deaths,\u201d he said.\nThe U.S. just last Sunday evening experience its deadliest mass shooting to date at the Las Vegas strip, where the suspect, Stephen Paddock, opened fire with several military-grade assault rifles on a nearby crowd of about 22,000 concertgoers about 500 yards away.\nPaddock took the lives of at least 59 people and injured 527.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/congressman-blasts-fishery-council-%E2%80%98improper-lobbying%E2%80%99", "Congressman Blasts Fishery Council For Improper Lobbying", "2017-10-05", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Honolulu Civil Beat \u2014\u00a0 WASHINGTON \u2014 The Honolulu-based Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council was harshly criticized on Capitol Hill last week over allegations of anti-environmental lobbying and secretiveness.\n\t\t\tU.S. Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, a Democrat who represents the Northern Marianas Islands, blasted the council known as Wespac\u00a0during a hearing\u00a0before the Water, Power and Oceans Subcommittee.\n\t\t\tSablan asked for an investigation of the 16-member council\u2019s activities, which he said include \u201cimproper lobbying,\u201d organizing efforts to undermine environmental protections and unspecified financial conflicts of interest.\n\t\t\tWespac includes government officials, environmentalists and fishing industry advocates.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tU.S. Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, a critic of the Honolulu-based Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, questions a witness at a recent hearing.(Courtesy of Rep. Gregorio Sablan)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWespac oversees\u00a0much of the South Pacific, some 1.5 million nautical miles, including the area contained in the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument.\u00a0It is is one of eight such fishing councils nationwide that were established to develop fishery management plans and policies to prevent overfishing and help fish stocks survive and thrive.\n\t\t\tMembers of the congressional committee, including Sablan, were questioning Chris Oliver, the new assistant administrator of fisheries for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, about proposed changes to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.\n\t\t\tThe landmark 1976 law created the councils to oversee fishing in U.S. federal waters. They make decisions governing use of waters that stretch from 3 to 200 miles offshore, in what is known as the Exclusive Economic Zone.\n\t\t\t \u2018Inappropriate Activities Of Wespac\u2019 \n\t\t\tWespac is the largest of the councils, responsible for monitoring about half of U.S.-controlled waters and thousands of individual marine species. By contrast, the Gulf of Mexico council only manages 42 species and the Mid-Atlantic council only 14.\n\t\t\tThe councils operate within NOAA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The chain of command in the agency leads up to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, an appointee of President Donald Trump.\n\t\t\tOliver, who was formerly executive director of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which is based in Anchorage, Alaska, joined the Trump administration in June.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWespac Chair Edwin Ebisui confers with Executive Director Kitty Simonds during a meeting last year. Simonds did not comment on the criticism from a congressman. (PC:Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u201cMr. Oliver, I have long been concerned with inappropriate activities of Wespac,\u201d Sablan said at the Sept. 26 hearing. \u201cIn 2014, I engaged in a series of letters with your predecessors about improper lobbying activities in an effort to remove the green sea turtle from the endangered species list.\u201d\n\t\t\t\u201cMore recently, Wespac has been organizing and leading a national campaign to abolish marine monuments,\u201d Sablan added.\n\t\t\tWespac is also refusing to provide the public and interested stakeholders with full information about its activities and how its council members vote on some issues, Sablan said. He criticized Wespac for not posting audio or transcripts of its meetings, as required by law.\n\t\t\tHe alleged that there are unacknowledged conflicts of interest within Wespac, but did not identify anyone in particular.\n\t\t\tSablan\u2019s allegations were brought to the attention of Wespac spokeswoman Sylvia Spalding and Wespac executive director Kitty Simonds by Civil Beat, but neither chose to respond.\n\t\t\tMost of the other fishing management councils make audio, video or transcripts of their meetings available to the public. They include New England, based in Massachusetts, the Mid-Atlantic, based in Dover, Del., the Caribbean, based in Puerto Rico, the Gulf of Mexico, based in Tampa, Florida, the Pacific, based in Portland, Oregon, and the North Pacific in Alaska. The two that did not appear to offer audio, video or transcripts were the South Atlantic fishing council, based in South Carolina, and Wespac, according to a review of the websites by Civil Beat.\n\t\t\t Concerns Over Marianas Trench \n\t\t\tAt the hearing, Oliver said he was unaware of the issues Sablan was raising, and noted that there are restrictions against council members lobbying. Oliver said they are required by law to recuse themselves from considering issues that they have personal financial interest in.\n\t\t\tHe said he believed that the councils were, overall, \u201cvery transparent.\u201d\n\t\t\tSablan scoffed at that.\n\t\t\t\u201cReally, really?\u201d he said to Oliver. \u201cI\u2019m talking about Wespac in particular. It is 4,000 miles away from my district and it is very difficult to find out what they are doing because they don\u2019t put up transcripts of their meetings on their webpage as required by law.\u201d\n\t\t\tWaters off Maug, a volcano in the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. Sablan said no management plan has been written for the area.(Image couresy of NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 2016 Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOliver said there are legal requirements that call for transparency.\n\t\t\t\u201cSo require Wespac to follow the law,\u201d Sablan said.\n\t\t\tOliver said he would look into it.\n\t\t\tSablan said he had \u201cbeen trying eight years, nine years, 10\u201d to get NOAA to do that, and that his questions had never been fully answered or addressed.\n\t\t\tSablan also asked Oliver to investigate why no management plan had ever been put in place for the Marianas Trench\u00a0marine national monument, which was established by presidential proclamation by President George W. Bush in 2009.\n\t\t\tSablan said the plan was supposed to be completed by 2011. Residents of the Northern Marianas were assured at the time the marine monument was created that it would attract tourism, but that has not been the case, he said.\n\t\t\tMarine monuments are overseen by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The top Trump administration official in the department is Ryan Zinke, secretary of the interior.\n\t\t\tOliver said he believed the Marianas Trench is carrying a \u201cmonument closure designation.\u201d The administration has been reviewing executive orders establishing national monuments, including including the Marianas Trench.\n\t\t\tSablan said he believed that Oliver was mistaken, and suggested it was because he is new to the job.\n\t\t\t\u201cNo, it is not,\u201d he told Oliver. \u201cHow long have you been on this job, Mr. Oliver?\u201d\n\t\t\tOliver said he had occupied his job for almost three months.\n\t\t\t\u201cI appreciate that you have been on the job such a short time, but could I please get answers to those questions,\u201d Sablan responded.\n\t\t\tOliver apologized and promised to investigate.\n\t\t\t\u201cI\u2019ll get to it,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry that I don\u2019t have answers on the top of my head.\u201d\n\t\t\tThe hearing last week was not the only recent time Sablan has aired criticism of Wespac. At a hearing in March before the same subcommittee, he said that Wespac was placing priority on fishing industry interests instead of environmental concerns.\n\t\t\t\u201cWe should not allow fishery management councils, including the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, to have veto power over fishing rules in monuments and sanctuaries designed to preserve all marine species and habitats, not just fish,\u201d he said at the hearing, held on March 15.\n\t\t\t\u201cWespac in particular has fought against every marine preservation effort in memory including regulation to stop the gruesome practice of shark-finning and regulations designed to protect threatened and endangered species, green turtles, marine mammals and seabirds,\u201d he said.\n\t\t\t Reauthorizing The Law \n\t\t\tLast week\u2019s hearing revolved around Republican efforts to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act, H.R. 200, and adjust it to make it easier for fishing management councils to gain what sponsors call \u201cflexibility\u201d to tailor fishery management programs as they think best.\u00a0 Another provision would require councils to provide a webcast or audio broadcast of their meetings.\n\t\t\tA Democratic version of a bill to reform Magnuson-Stevens, meanwhile, authored by the subcommittee\u2019s ranking member, Jared Huffman, a California Democrat, would require fishery councils to record non-procedural votes, improve access to information from council hearings, and improve transparency about council members, including information about conflicts of interest.\n\t\t\tSablan said he supported that provision in particular, as drafted in the Democratic statement.\n\t\t\tSablan is a non-voting delegate to the U.S. Congress because the Northern Marianas is a U.S. territory. He can vote in committee meetings and introduce legislation, but cannot vote on the House floor.\n\t\t\tAs a territory, the Northern Marianas is not represented by a senator, and U.S. citizens there cannot vote for president.\n\t\t\tThe relative powerlessness of U.S. territories, particularly Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, came to the forefront of public attention in recent weeks because of the hurricane devastation they sustained, and the perception of slow federal response to the crises.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/press-release/congress-addresses-puerto-rico-relief", "Congress addresses Puerto Rico relief", "2017-10-05", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress addresses Puerto Rico relief                                           \n              Oct 5, 2017      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n        \n            \n        \n      \n    \n    \n    Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan spoke today in support of a strong and continuing federal response to the devastation of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Sablan and twenty other Members of Congress attended the forum called by House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) at the U.S. Capitol to address the need for hurricane relief.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/helping-puerto-rico-and-us-virgin-islands", "Helping Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands", "2017-10-01", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Helping Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands                                           \n              Oct 1, 2017      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    We all remember the critical role the U.S. military played in helping the Marianas recover from Typhoon Soudelor. So, I wrote to President Trump, along with 144 of my colleagues, recommending that he fully mobilize the Department of Defense in support of rescue and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Subsequently, the President did appoint Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan to take the lead.\nInsular area Delegates and other Members of Congress also went on the record with the leadership of the House of Representatives that, when a relief measure is considered in Congress, made necessary given the scale of the disaster, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands receive no less assistance than Texas or Florida or any similarly affected U.S. state would receive.\nFederal assistance to the Marianas following Typhoon Soudelor was equivalent to the help that any other part of the United States receives from FEMA and SBA and all the other federal agencies that respond to disaster. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands deserve no less now in their time of crisis.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-september-29-2017", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - September 29, 2017", "2017-10-01", "2017", "2017-10", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\u00a0\n_____________________________________________________________________________\n Helping Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands \nWe all remember the critical role the U.S. military played in helping the Marianas recover from Typhoon Soudelor. So, this week I wrote to President Trump, along with 144 of my colleagues, recommending that he fully mobilize the Department of Defense in support of rescue and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Subsequently, the President did appoint Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan to take the lead. Insular area Delegates and other Members of Congress also went on the record with the leadership of the House of Representatives that, when a relief measure is considered in Congress, made necessary given the scale of the disaster, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands receive no less assistance than Texas or Florida or any similarly affected U.S. state would receive. Federal assistance to the Marianas following Typhoon Soudelor was equivalent to the help that any other part of the United States receives from FEMA and SBA and all the other federal agencies that respond to disaster. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands deserve no less now in their time of crisis.\n Minimum wage rises to $7.05 \nMinimum wage increases to $7.05 per-hour on Saturday, September 30. This is the next to last increase required by federal law. In September 2018, the wage rises to $7.25, the national minimum. Prior to the enactment of U.S. Public Law 110-28 in 2007, the minimum wage in the Marianas was set by Commonwealth law and had been stuck at $3.05 per-hour since the early 1990s. Over the last nine years, I have sometimes passed legislation to stretch out the rate of increase to make sure that this rise in wages did not force businesses to let employees go. It worked. Throughout this transition period, the Government Accountability Office kept regular track of whether minimum wage increases were causing job losses in the Marianas, and found no specific correlation. Concern that the benefits of rising wages would be wiped out by higher costs, as employers repriced their goods, also proved to be unfounded. Increases in wages have kept ahead of inflation, meaning workers are better off because of federal minimum wage law.\n Medicaid reduction blocked \nHidden in the Republican Graham/Cassidy bill to repeal and replace Obamacare was a proposal increasing the share of Medicaid that the Marianas and other insular areas pay. The current match is 55 percent federal and 45 percent local. The Republican bill would have changed that to 50 percent federal and 50 percent local, making it harder to help the 14,481 people in the Marianas who depend on Medicaid for their healthcare. Insular areas Delegates, Republican and Democrat alike, voiced our opposition; and, fortunately, Graham/Cassidy failed in the Senate for lack of support. Besides giving the Marianas the improved 55/45 Medicaid match, Obamacare provided us with $109 million to add to our regular $50 million in Medicaid funds over the ten-year period ending in 2019. So far, we have been successful in blocking attempts to take away the Medicaid funds that many in the Marianas depend on. At the same time, we are looking for ways to continue the Obamacare funding beyond 2019.\n Helping with energy costs \nThis week, I joined 52 of my colleagues in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price urging the quick release of LIHEAP funds at the highest amount possible to help families. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been a focus of the congressional office. I introduced legislation to increase funding for the Marianas and other insular areas in 2011 and actively lobbied then-HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to use her administrative authority to raise funding. She did; and funding to the Marianas rose four times higher, making more families eligible and doubling their average monthly benefit. With poverty levels in the insular areas from three to five times the national average and the price of electricity two to four times more than most Americans pay it makes sense that we get as much of this form of federal assistance as possible.\u00a0\n $2.8M in federal funds for Marianas \nFederal funding of $2,845,248 announced this week for the Marianas is going to a wide array of uses and organizations in the Marianas:\n $57,685 award from the Sexual Assault Services Formula Program to Criminal Justice Planning Agency. The SAS Formula Program supports rape crisis centers, and nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that provide comprehensive services to victims of sexual assault.\n\t$299,983 award to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus to Northern Marianas College. Funding supports the development of a campus-based coordinated response to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking on campus, and encourages partnership with law enforcement, and victim advocacy and service organizations.\n\t$450,000 award from the Specialized Services for Victims of Human Trafficking to the Pacific Ombudsman for Humanitarian Law to increase and expand specialized services for Pacific Islanders and other underserved or unserved populations Pacific Ombudsman is one of thirteen selected nationwide for funding.\n\t$487,567 award from the Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Program to the Criminal Justice Planning Agency for local, community-based programs providing direct services to crime victims.\n\t$619,046 award from the STOP Violence Against Women Program to the Criminal Justice Planning Agency to strengthen the efforts of law enforcement, the courts, and victim service organizations to combat violent crimes against women and provide services to victims.\n\t$750,000 award from Comprehensive Services for Victims of All Forms of Human Trafficking to Karidat to improve the quality and increase the quantity of services that assist all human trafficking victims. Grantees are selected based a demonstrated history of providing services to this vulnerable population. Karidat is one of only five grantees chosen this year.\n\t$180,967 from the Social and Economic Development program to the Carolinian Affairs Office. Funding will be used for the preservation of the indigenous and native Carolinian cultural knowledge, practices, and traditions through socio-economic development strategies.\n Congratulations to all!\nOPPORTUNITIES\u00a0\n Grants: \n Jobs: \nLEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS\u00a0\n THIS WEEK \n On the Floor \n H.R. 3823 \u2013 Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017 (Passed, 264-155)\n\tS. 1866 \u2013 Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tS. 327 \u2013 Fair Access to Investment Research Act of 2017 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tH.R. 3229 \u2013 To protect the safety of judges by extending the authority of the Judicial Conference to redact sensitive information contained in their financial disclosure reports, and for other purposes (Agreed to by voice vote)\u00a0\n\tH.R. 2792 \u2013 Control Unlawful Fugitive Felons Act of 2017 (Passed, 244-171)\n\tH.R. 2824 \u2013 Increasing Opportunity and Success for Children and Parents through Evidence-Based Home Visiting Act (Passed, 214-209)\n\tH.R. 2061 \u2013 North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2017 (Passed, 415-0)\n\tH.Res. 311 \u2013 Recognizing that for 50 years the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has worked toward stability, prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia (Passed, 413-0)\n\tS. 1141 \u2013 Women, Peace, And Security Act of 2017 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tH.R. 2519 \u2013 The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  Legislation I Cosponsored \n H.Res.541\u00a0\u2013 Recognizing the achievements of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions on the 10th anniversary of their establishment\n  NEXT WEEK \n On the Floor \n H.Con.Res. 71 \u2013 Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.\n\tH.R. 36 \u2013 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act\n\tS. 782 \u2013 PROTECT Our Children Act of 2017\n\tS. 178\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act\n\tH.R. 2316\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2017\n\tH.R. 2937 \u2013 Community Reclamation Partnerships Act\n\tH.R. 289 \u2013 GO Act\n\tH.R. 2582 \u2013 Confirming State Land Grants for Education Act\n  Committee Hearings \nWednesday, October 4\n Committee on Natural Resources Markup\n\tSubcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Markup\n\tSubcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Legislative Hearing -- H.R. 146, H.R. 2402 and H.R. 2606", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-host-free-veterans-resource-fair-feb", "Kilili to host free Veterans Resource Fair in Feb.", "2017-02-08", "2017", "2017-02", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune \u2014 Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) is hosting the first Northern Marianas Veterans Resource Fair this month, to provide veterans, military service members, and their families with information about federal and local programs that are available to assist and support them. The event is free and open to the public.\n\n\u201cThe goal of this Veterans Resource Fair is to help connect those who have served in our nation\u2019s military, and our military families, with the resources that can benefit them right here in the Marianas,\u201d Sablan said. \u201cI encourage our veterans, service members, and their families on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to come to the fair on their respective islands, learn more about the different programs that are available, and meet with the agencies and service providers who are here to help them.\u201d\n\nThe dates, times, and venues for the Veterans Resource Fair are as follows:\n\n-SAIPAN \u2013 Feb. 22, Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Ppurpose Center, 1pm \u2013 7pm\n\n-TINIAN \u2013 Feb. 23, NMC Instructional Site, 10am \u2013 4pm\n\n-ROTA \u2013 Feb. 24, Rota Resort, 10am \u2013 4pm\n\nRepresentatives of the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration will be at all three events to answer questions and assist with enrollment or claims.\n\nOther Veterans Resource Fair participants will include the U.S. Army Reserve\u2019s Family Programs, the Department of Defense\u2019s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, various civilian health providers who work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to deliver care to veterans in the Marianas, and a wide range of Commonwealth agencies and community organizations offering services in education and career training, employment assistance and vocational rehabilitation, counseling, legal aid, disability advocacy, emergency assistance, social support, and more.\n\nVeterans and military families who wish to meet with VA representatives at the fair are asked to bring supporting documents (i.e., copies of DD214 forms, medical records, marriage or birth certificates for dependents, etc.) that may be relevant to their questions or claims. For more information, contact the congressional office at (670) 323-2647 or email Kilili@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/answers-sought-cut-wait-times", "Answers sought to cut wait-times", "2017-02-06", "2017", "2017-02", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune \u2014 Responding to Marianas Visitors Authority concerns about long immigration wait-times at the Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport, the Office of Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) assured the agency that several measures are being looked at to expedite the process.\n\nIn an earlier interview, MVA had expressed belief that the long wait-time could possibly be due to the shortage of manpower at the Customs and Border Protection unit.\n\nAccording to MVA, CBP officials informed them that a manpower cap was imposed on CBP by Congress, limiting the number of CBP employees for the CNMI to 20.\n\nSablan\u2019s letter denied that claim.\n\nAccording to the letter, dated Feb. 3, 2017, and addressed to MVA chair Marian Aldan-Pierce, Sablan said he himself has met with CBP officials in Washington, D.C. and discussed CBP resources with the Congressional Research Service.\n\n\u201cBoth CBP and CRS report to me that the statement [MVA] asked about is not true. There is no cap set by Congress on the number of CBP officers who can be assigned to Saipan,\u201d Sablan wrote.\n\n\u201cFor security reasons CBP does not disclose the specific number of officers assigned at any port of entry. CBP has told me that the number [20], which has been widely reported in the media as the number of officers in the Marianas, is not accurate,\u201d he added.\n\nSablan clarified in the letter that annual funding level for CBP is set by Congress and in turn limits the number of CBP officers the agency can deploy nationwide.\n\nSablan also added that Congress has been increasing funding for officers in recognition of the need to speed processing at ports everywhere.\n\n\u201cCBP allocates these funds, using a staffing model based on the number of visitors arriving at each port of entry and related factors, to determine how many officers are assigned at each location,\u201d wrote Sablan.\n\nSablan did admit, that the number of officers on station is below the budgeted level.\n\n\u201cFor that reason, screenings may have slowed and may have contributed to the concern voiced in your letter,\u201d he said.\n\nSablan said that, according to the CBP itself, wait-times varied from 5 minutes to 49 minutes.\n\nPossible solutions\n\nSablan also mentioned in his letter possible solutions.\n\n\u201cAmong the ideas worth considering is managing the arrival of aircrafts so that CBP may make most efficient use of its officers. Expediting the hiring of CBP staff, offering incentives for Saipan postings, and putting more focus on local hires in the Marianas are certainly to be encouraged,\u201d said Sablan.\n\nSablan believes that measures imposed on visitors prior to arrival are a viable option.\n\n\u201cPrescreening visitors in their home country either in person or electronically, when they schedule their travel and/or before allowing them to board, reduces wait-times.\u201d\n\nAccording to Sablan, deplaning passengers from China attempting to enter the CNMI under parole takes about 110 seconds on average to process, whereas a passenger prescreened prior to departure using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, requires about 25 seconds upon arrival.\n\nMVA has expressed budget concerns about utilizing ESTA, which was proposed by Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam).\n\nAnother means of prescreening is the presentation of a visa, which Sablan thinks could be harmful more than helpful by reducing the number of tourists who are allowed to enter the Marianas. It does, however, improve immigration lines for tourists.\n\nSablan said he is open to discuss the matter in person with government agencies.\n\n\u201cI would like to invite the Marianas Visitors Authority and other relevant parties\u2014the Commonwealth Ports Authority, airlines, Customs and Border Protection, and others in the tourism economy\u2014to meet with me at the Saipan congressional office in the near future to establish a common understanding of the facts and to discuss what each can do to better the visitor experience.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/ban-us-entry-certain-foreign-citizens", "Ban on U.S. entry for certain foreign citizens", "2017-02-05", "2017", "2017-02", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Constituents in the Marianas are asking how President Trump\u2019s Executive Order on Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry to the United States may affect them. In summary, the order bars citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries \u2013 Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen \u2013 from entering the United States for 90 days. Lawful Permanent Residents, also known as \"green card\" holders, from those countries are exempted, but may face additional vetting during the entry process. Refugees from any nation are barred from admission for 120 days. Syrian refugees are barred indefinitely.\n\nThe congressional office is at all times prohibited from giving legal advice, so citizens of any of the affected countries, living in the Northern Marianas, are encouraged to seek private legal counsel before traveling. I spoke on the House floor in favor of Congress voting whether this Executive Order should be rescinded. In my view, it hurts innocent people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/fema-sends-cuc-65m-soudelor", "FEMA sends CUC $6.5M for Soudelor", "2017-02-05", "2017", "2017-02", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a grant of $6,596,263.11 in federal funding to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The funds are intended for reimbursement of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation for costs incurred repairing damage to the electrical system and restoring power after Typhoon Soudelor.\n\nTo date FEMA has provided $25 million to individuals and households in the Northern Marianas for Soudelor recovery and $35.7 million for restoration of public infrastructure. The disaster relief grants are authorized by Congress under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/insular-reps-include-us-health-reform", "Insular reps: Include us in health reform", "2017-02-05", "2017", "2017-02", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I led a letter from all five insular representatives in Congress \u2013 Republican and Democrat \u2013 to House leadership on inclusion of our areas in health care reform. We were largely left out of Obamacare, so now, with \u201crepeal and replace\u201d on the table, we want any replacement to meet President Trump\u2019s standard of \u201cinsurance for everybody.\u201d\n\nI am grateful to my counterparts \u2013 Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-Puerto Rico), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), and Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam) \u2013 for joining with me in this bipartisan position statement to Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, both of California.\n\nAmong the reforms we want are ending the cap on Medicaid insurance payments to insular areas and computing the federal/local shares of Medicaid in a way comparable to states. We also support Speaker Paul Ryan\u2019s (R-Wisconsin) idea to have federally-supported, refundable tax credits for health insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-3-2017", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 3, 2017", "2017-02-05", "2017", "2017-02", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n\n__________________________________________________________\n\nInsular reps: Include us in health reform.\n\nThis week I led a letter from all five insular representatives in Congress \u2013 Republican and Democrat \u2013 to House leadership on inclusion of our areas in health care reform. We were largely left out of Obamacare, so now, with \u201crepeal and replace\u201d on the table, we want any replacement to meet President Trump\u2019s standard of \u201cinsurance for everybody.\u201d I am grateful to my counterparts \u2013 Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-Puerto Rico), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), and Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam) \u2013 for joining with me in this bipartisan position statement to Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, both of California. Among the reforms we want are ending the cap on Medicaid insurance payments to insular areas and computing the federal/local shares of Medicaid in a way comparable to states. We also support Speaker Paul Ryan\u2019s (R-Wisconsin) idea to have federally-supported, refundable tax credits for health insurance.\n\nCW bill again passes House.\n\nMy bill, H.R. 339, adding 2,002 CW permits to the number allowed this year, passed the House of Representatives on Monday, without dissent. This same bill passed on December 6, but Congress adjourned four days later without action by the Senate. Increasing permits remains as important as ever especially to many local, small business owners, who have employed CW workers for years and now cannot apply to renew their permits. Our local businesses were squeezed out when the CW cap was reached last October by a rush of foreign construction workers, who should use unlimited H-2B visas, not the scarce CW permits. My legislation will give those local businesses \u2013 and the Commonwealth Healthcare Center, which is in the same predicament \u2013 an opportunity to keep their legacy employees, until they can be replaced with U.S. workers. Thanks to Governor Ralph DLG. Torres and the business community for their continued support.\n\nBan on U.S. entry for certain foreign citizens.\n\nConstituents in the Marianas are asking how President Trump\u2019s Executive Order on Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry to the United States last week may affect them. In summary, the order bars citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries \u2013 Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen \u2013 from entering the United States for 90 days. Lawful Permanent Residents, also known as \"green card\" holders, from those countries are exempted, but may face additional vetting during the entry process. Refugees from any nation are barred from admission for 120 days. Syrian refugees are barred indefinitely. The congressional office is at all times prohibited from giving legal advice, so citizens of any of the affected countries, living in the Northern Marianas, are encouraged to seek private legal counsel before traveling. I spoke on the House floor this week in favor of Congress voting whether this Executive Order should be rescinded. In my view, it hurts innocent people.\n\nFEMA sends CUC $6.5M for Soudelor.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency announced this week a grant of $6,596,263.11 in federal funding to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The funds are intended for reimbursement of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation for costs incurred repairing damage to the electrical system and restoring power after Typhoon Soudelor. To date FEMA has provided $25 million to individuals and households in the Northern Marianas for Soudelor recovery and $35.7 million for restoration of public infrastructure. The disaster relief grants are authorized by Congress under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\nFederal Opportunities for/in the Marianas:\n\nScholarships:\n\nUS Pacific Territories Capacity-Building Scholarship \u2013 The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is offering up to three academic scholarships to support the capacity building of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and Guam to effectively manage their fisheries and related resources. Applications are due on February 28, 2017 . For more information, go to http://files.constantcontact.com/f764162f201/d856dcfe-5e3d-4256-9520-e54d3c188710.pdf.\n\nGrants:\n\nDrug-Free Communities Support Program \u2013 The DFC Support Program\u2019s main goal is to establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, non-profit agencies, and all levels governments to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth. Current closing date is March 15, 2017 . For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=291062 .\n\nJobs:\n\nIT Specialist (Customer Support) \u2013 The Army National Guard has an opening for an IT Specialist on Guam. The purpose of this position is to serve as the primary interface between the incumbent's assigned organization and all information systems customers associated with the C4 mission. Position is open until February 26, 2017 . For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/463385000/.\n\n\u2013 The Army National Guard has an opening for an IT Specialist on Guam. The purpose of this position is to serve as the primary interface between the incumbent's assigned organization and all information systems customers associated with the C4 mission. Position is open until . For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/463385000/. IT Specialist \u2013 The Air Force Personnel Center has an opening for an Information Technology Specialist on Guam. Incumbent will be responsible for analysis, planning, design, and implementation of the enterprise structural framework to align IT strategy with the mission of the organization. Position is open until April 30, 2017 . For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/463560400/.\n\n\u2013 The Air Force Personnel Center has an opening for an Information Technology Specialist on Guam. Incumbent will be responsible for analysis, planning, design, and implementation of the enterprise structural framework to align IT strategy with the mission of the organization. Position is open until . For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/463560400/. Social Worker \u2013 The Air Force Personnel Center has an opening for a Social Worker on Guam. Incumbent will provide professional social work services in support of the Family Advocacy Program requirements and initiatives. Position is open until April 30, 2017 . For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/463059400/.\n\nHighlights in the Legislative Program\n\nTHIS WEEK\n\nOn the Floor", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili%E2%80%99s-cw1-bill-again-passes-house", "Kilili\u2019s CW1 bill again passes House", "2017-02-02", "2017", "2017-02", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune \u2014 House Resolution 339, which would increase the number of CW-1 workers in the CNMI to 15,000 just for fiscal year 2017, passed the U.S. House of Representatives again after the measure went to a floor vote on Monday.\n\nHR 339, introduced by Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP), again goes to the U.S. Senate for similar action. If the bill makes it through the Senate, it will soon be on President Donald J. Trump\u2019s table for signing within the year.\n\nSablan re-introduced HR 339 in the first session of the 115th U.S. Congress on Jan. 5. It aims to increase the numerical limit of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Nonimmigrant Visa program from 12,998 to 15,000 for fiscal year 2017.\n\nIf it becomes law, HR 339 would give temporary relief to the current workforce issues in the CNMI after the CW-1 cap was breached twice in fiscal years 2016 and 2017. Because of this, hundreds of foreign guest workers had to exit the CNMI; that affected the operations of some businesses.\n\nRep. Thomas McClintock (R-California, 4th), the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands chair, suspended the rules and passed the bill without objections. The subcommittee is under the House Committee on Natural Resources headed by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah, 1st).\n\nHR 339 would also increase the education fee for each approved CW permit of a foreign worker from $150 to $200, with the funds going to training U.S. qualified workers. Another proposed amendment is for construction workers getting their permits extended if it was first issued on Oct. 1, 2015.\n\nHR 339 was referred to the Natural Resources Committee after Sablan introduced it on Jan. 5. It was also referred to the Judiciary Committee for a certain period and will later be determined by House Speaker Paul Ryan (Wisconsin, 1st) in each case for consideration if the provisions are within the committee\u2019s jurisdiction.\n\nOn Monday, McClintock introduced a motion to suspend the rules and pass HR 339. The House considered suspending the rules and it proceeded with a 40-minute debate. The motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill went to a voice vote and was later agreed without objection.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-meets-cbp-officials-us-house-vote-cw-cap", "Kilili meets with CBP officials; US House to vote on CW cap", "2017-01-30", "2017", "2017-01", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety \u2014 U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, in his e-newsletter, says he met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials Erin M. Jacob, C. Shane Campbell, and Paul Mongillo in Washington on Friday, along with Brian Humphrey, CBP director of field operations, calling in from the West Coast.\n\n\u201cWe discussed immigration processing times for tourists arriving on Saipan, and CBP plans to keep up with our growing number of visitors. According to CBP, the average processing time on Saipan this week has been 37 minutes,\u201d Kilili said.\n\nHe also reported that his bill \u201cadding another 2,002 CW worker permits for this fiscal year goes to the House floor for a vote on Monday. This is the same bill that passed the House in December, then died when the Senate adjourned four days later. I am grateful to the Republican and Democratic leadership in the House who are giving my effort a second chance. Hopefully, with more time the bill, H.R. 339, can pass the Senate and get to the president for his signature.\u201d\n\nKilili added, \u201cThe increase is as important as ever. More and more businesses will find themselves unable to renew their CW \u2014Commonwealth-only Transitional Worker \u2014 permits over the coming months. The cap of 12,998 permits for fiscal 2017 was reached in mid-October. So employers of foreign workers have been blocked from applying for new permits or submitting renewals for any existing permits expiring after mid-April.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/veterans-resource-fair-set-february", "Veterans Resource Fair set for February", "2017-01-29", "2017", "2017-01", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Veterans, their family members, advocates, and service providers are invited to attend the first Northern Marianas Veterans Resource Fair on:\n\nSaipan \u2013 Wednesday, February 22, 1pm-7pm at the Multipurpose Center\n\n\u2013 Wednesday, February 22, 1pm-7pm at the Multipurpose Center Tinian \u2013 Thursday, February 23, 10am-4pm at the NMC Instructional Site\n\n\u2013 Thursday, February 23, 10am-4pm at the NMC Instructional Site Rota \u2013 Friday, February 24, 10am-4pm at Rota Resort\n\nHosted by your congressional office, the Veterans Resource Fair will highlight the array of services available to veterans and their families in the Northern Marianas\u2014from health and wellness to employment, education, legal advocacy, social support, and more. The Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, VA Choice providers, and various local government, nonprofit, and private institutions will be exhibiting and sharing information about their programs. For more information, contact your congressional office at (670) 323-2647 or email kilili@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-27-2017", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 27, 2017", "2017-01-29", "2017", "2017-01", "Independent", "House", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n\n_________________________________________________________________________________________\n\nCW cap increase goes to vote.\n\nMy bill adding another 2,002 CW worker permits for this fiscal year goes to the House floor for a vote on Monday. This is the same bill that passed the House in December, then died when the Senate adjourned four days later. I am grateful to the Republican and Democratic leadership in the House who are giving my effort a second chance. Hopefully, with more time the bill, H.R. 339, can pass the Senate and get to the President for signature. The increase is as important as ever. More and more businesses will find themselves unable to renew their CW\u2014Commonwealth-only Transitional Worker\u2014permits over the coming months. The cap of 12,998 permits for fiscal 2017 was reached in mid-October. So employers of foreign workers have been blocked from applying for new permits or submitting renewals for any existing permits expiring after mid-April.\n\nVeterans Resource Fair set for February.\n\nVeterans, their family members, advocates, and service providers are invited to attend the first Northern Marianas Veterans Resource Fair on:\n\nSaipan \u2013 Wednesday, February 22, 1pm-7pm at the Multipurpose Center\n\n\u2013 at the Multipurpose Center Tinian \u2013 Thursday, February 23, 10am-4pm at the NMC Instructional Site\n\n\u2013 at the NMC Instructional Site Rota \u2013 Friday, February 24, 10am-4pm at Rota Resort\n\nHosted by your congressional office, the Veterans Resource Fair will highlight the array of services available to veterans and their families in the Northern Marianas\u2014from health and wellness to employment, education, legal advocacy, social support, and more. The Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, VA Choice providers, and various local government, nonprofit, and private institutions will be exhibiting and sharing information about their programs. For more information, contact your congressional office at (670) 323-2647 or email kilili@mail.house.gov.\n\nExempt the VA from President's hiring freeze.\n\nIn response to President Trump\u2019s executive order this week, freezing federal hiring, 95 of us in Congress have asked that he exempt the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA faces a chronic shortage of medical personnel, as veterans in the Northern Mariana Islands know first-hand. And a hiring freeze will not help. Marianas veterans have trouble accessing health care and earned benefits, including long wait times for adjudication of disability claims. The executive order blocks the VA from filling medical and support staff positions, which could result in even longer waits. Additionally, the hiring ban is expected to slow down disability claims processing and applications for education and survivor benefits, vocational rehabilitation and job training services. Vets deserve better.\n\nNatural Resources Dems organize.\n\nHouse Natural Resources Committee Democrats chose our assignments for the 115th Congress Tuesday. My seniority keeps me on the subcommittees responsible for insular affairs and for oceans issues, where I can do the most for the people of the Marianas. As in the 114th Congress, I will take the lead role as Ranking Member whenever issues concerning U.S. insular areas or the Freely Associated States come before the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs. This allows me to influence the Subcommittee agenda, as I did in the last Congress by getting hearings on renewal of Palau\u2019s Compact of Free Association and on Marianas immigration and labor, and to select witnesses, as I did by having Governor Ralph Torres and Mr. Alex Sablan testify. I will be serving on the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans, too, with jurisdiction over my shark fin trade ban, coral reefs, and other fisheries policy.\n\nEducation Committee plans agenda.\n\nThe House Committee on Education and the Workforce, on which I sit, mapped out our work for the 115th Congress this week. Student financial aid, higher education, the Affordable Care Act, and Trump administration conflicts of interest are among the areas that the full Committee, Republicans and Democrats, agreed to focus on. The Committee also adopted its rules of procedure. Committee Democrats will choose their subcommittee assignments and ranking members next Tuesday.\n\nFederal Opportunities for/in the Marianas:\n\nGrants: Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program WebNEERS \u2013 The purpose of the EFNEP-WebNEERS cooperative agreement is to fund the maintenance of security and ease of use of the current Web-based NEERS, improve functionality and further develop the WebNEERS to align with advances in program direction. Closing date is February 28, 2017 . For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=291046. Jobs : Club Operations Assistant \u2013 The Commander, Navy Installations has an opening for a Club Operations Assistant in Guam. Incumbent will monitor operations of a club or assigned area, maintains and enforces security for funds, merchandise, supplies, equipment and property in accordance with directives and regulations. Position is open until January 30, 2017 . For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/463245300/.\n\nThe Commander, Navy Installations has an opening for a Club Operations Assistant in Guam. Incumbent will monitor operations of a club or assigned area, maintains and enforces security for funds, merchandise, supplies, equipment and property in accordance with directives and regulations. Position is open until . For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/463245300/. Medical Technologist \u2013 The Naval Medical Command has an opening for a Medical Technologist in Guam. Incumbent will perform routine diagnostic testing, evaluate and monitor performance of routine and specialized test procedures, and provide technical guidance to medical laboratory technicians among other duties. Position is open until February 7, 2017 . For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/462878600/.\n\nHighlgiths in the Legislative Program\n\nTHIS WEEK", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-continues-push-national-guard-unit-congress", "Kilili continues push for National Guard unit in Congress", "2016-03-06", "2016", "2016-03", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune- As members of the U.S House Armed Service committee craft a Defense budget for 2017, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) submitted testimony last week asking that the budget authorize a National Guard unit in the CNMI and provide language the would require the Department of Defense to produce a report on the unit\u2019s its implementation and funding needs.\nSablan, in his March 1 testimony, pointed to the National Guard Bureau report last August that found a unit feasible in the NMI. The study was mandated in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.\nSablan said establishing a National Guard in the NMI would support the military\u2019s goal of \u201crebalance\u201d to Asia, increasing U.S. military presence in the \u201cfirst line of U.S. soil in the Western Pacific.\u201d\nSablan said the National Guard unit would also give the NMI governor additional capacity to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.\n\u201cOurs is one of only two jurisdictions nationwide that does not have its own National Guard,\u201d Sablan said, \u201ca deficient sorely apparent in August of last year, when Typhoon Soudelor caused widespread damage and led the President to declare a major disaster in the islands.\u201d\nSablan added the \u201cgroundwork\u201d for establishing a National Guard unit was already in place at the local level, pointing to a 2002 public law to authorize such.\n\u201cWhat we need now is federal action,\u201d Sablan said.\nSablan said, H.R. 3649, his bill to authorize National Guard units in the NMI would not require any funding nor impose any new requirements on the National Guard Bureau or the Department of Defense. It would simply include the Northern Marianas Island in the definitions sections of current law of what constitutes the Natioanl Guard, he said\nOn his second request\u2014to have the DoD produce a report on how it will implement this National Guard unit\u2014Sablan called this \u201cproper next step\u201d to the 2015 report, which found a guard unit in the NMI feasible.\nSablan believes the Defense secretary should report to the Armed Services committee its implementation plan, a report that should include details on force structure allocation, recruiting, and funding requirements.\nThis would enable the committee to \u201cbetter understand how the Department would stand up a new National Guard unit, and how Congress could help,\u201d Sablan added.\nSablan closed his testimony by thanking the committee for its \u201ckeen eye\u201d on the expansion of military activity in the NMI and for working with him as these plans develop.\n\u201cThe military buildup and presence in the Marianas region will have long-term consequences for the people I represent,\u201d Sablan said, \u201cand I appreciate the partnership of this committee in managing these developments in the best interest of my constituents and of the national security needs of our nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/making-case-nmi-national-guard", "Making the case for an NMI National Guard", "2016-03-06", "2016", "2016-03", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At the House Armed Services Committee Member request day this year, I submitted testimony to help set up a Northern Mariana Islands National Guard unit. I asked that my bill, H.R. 3649, authorizing an NMI Guard unit, be made part of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.\nI also requested that the 2017 NDAA require the Department of Defense to submit a plan following up on last year\u2019s report that an NMI Guard unit is a realistic goal, given our population and other factors. I included an order for the report in the 2014 NDAA as a necessary step in making the case for our own Guard unit. Now, the challenge will be getting the unit approved at a time when the Guard is actually downsizing nationwide.\nDespite that, an NMI Guard unit is needed to help the Governor respond to natural disasters, such as Typhoon Soudelor, as well as to provide jobs for island residents. Besides, every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands all have their own National Guard. The Northern Marianas should, too.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/nmi-questions-are-focus-secretary-jewell", "NMI questions are the focus for Secretary Jewell", "2016-03-06", "2016", "2016-03", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week I questioned Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on her Department\u2019s FY17 budget proposal, focusing on what is important for the Northern Mariana Islands.\nClose Up, the program that brings island students to Washington every year to learn about their government, has been dropped from any mention in the budget. I wanted the Secretary to make a commitment to fund Close Up; and she said there would be $1 million for the program.\nI also asked about the Rota National Park study, which I had authorized in law in 2015. The study is on schedule and fully funded, but I wanted the Secretary to know it is a priority for the NMI and especially Rota.\nI brought up the slow pace of cleanup at American Memorial Park after Typhoon Soudelor that has been a concern of many constituents, so the Secretary will make sure the Park gets more attention.\nAnd I asked for a report on the Interagency Group on Insular Areas, which Governor Torres attended last month. Is IGIA working? Are the Governors satisfied with the outcomes? The last report on the IGIA website is from 2008.\nI got a commitment from the Secretary to provide something more recent. This opportunity for direct communication with Department heads is why the annual budget hearings are so important.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-march-7-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - March 7, 2016", "2016-03-06", "2016", "2016-03", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n NMI questions are the focus for Secretary Jewell \n\tMaking the case for an NMI National Guard \n\tOpportunities - Federal grants, jobs for/in the Marianas \n\tHighlights in the Legislative Program \n __________________________________________________________________________\n NMI questions are the focus for Secretary Jewell. \nThis week I questioned Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on her\u00a0Department\u2019s FY17 budget proposal, focusing on what is important for the Northern Mariana Islands. Close Up, the program that brings island students to Washington every year to learn about their government, has been dropped from any mention in the budget. I wanted the Secretary to make a commitment to fund Close Up; and she said there would be $1 million for the program. I also asked about the Rota National Park study, which I had\u00a0authorized in law in 2015. The\u00a0study is on schedule\u00a0and fully funded, but I wanted the Secretary to know it is a priority for the NMI and especially Rota. I brought up the slow pace of cleanup at American Memorial Park after Typhoon Soudelor that has been a concern of many constituents, so the Secretary will make sure the Park gets more attention. And I asked for a report on the Interagency Group on Insular Areas, which Governor Torres attended last month. Is IGIA working? Are the Governors satisfied with the outcomes? The last report on the\u00a0IGIA website\u00a0is from 2008. I got a commitment from the Secretary to provide something more recent. This opportunity for direct communication with Department heads is why the annual budget hearings are so important.\n Making the case for an NMI National Guard.  \nAt the House Armed Services Committee Member request day this year,\u00a0I submitted testimony\u00a0to help set up a Northern Mariana Islands National Guard unit. I asked that my bill,\u00a0H.R. 3649, authorizing an NMI Guard unit, be made part of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. I also requested that the 2017 NDAA require the Department of Defense to submit a plan following up on\u00a0last year\u2019s report\u00a0that an NMI Guard unit is a realistic goal, given our population and other factors. I included an order for the report in the\u00a02014 NDAA\u00a0as a necessary step in making the case for our own Guard unit. Now, the challenge will be getting the unit approved at a time when the Guard is actually downsizing nationwide. Despite that, an NMI Guard unit is needed to help the Governor respond to natural disasters, such as Typhoon Soudelor, as well as to provide jobs for island residents. Besides, every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands all have their own National Guard. The Northern Marianas should, too.\n Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: \nGrants:\n Senior Medicare Patrol Program\u00a0\u2013 Senior Medicare Patrol Program projects actively work to disseminate fraud prevention and identification information through the media, outreach campaigns, community events and also working with beneficiaries who present with complex cases such as compromised Medicare numbers. Current closing date is\u00a0April 25, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281363.\n\tCitizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services\u00a0\u2013 The goal of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is to expand the availability of high quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents in communities across the nation. Current closing date is\u00a0April 22, 2016. For more information, go tohttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281833.\n\tCitizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction\u00a0\u2013 The goal of the Citizenship Instruction grant is to provide support to community-based organizations in their efforts to establish new citizenship instruction programs or expand the quality and reach of existing citizenship instruction programs. Current closing date is\u00a0April 22, 2016. For more information, go tohttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281832.\n\tTechnology Innovation for Public Safety\u00a0\u2013 There are two categories under this solicitation: (1) innovative technology implementation to address precipitous increases in crime and (2) training and technical assistance to assist grantees in project implementation and collection of data to assist BJA in identifying promising practices. Current closing date is\u00a0April 20, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281935.\n\tWaterSMART: Cooperative Watershed Management Program\u00a0\u2013 The objective of this FOA is to invite States, nonprofit organizations, existing watershed groups, and local and special districts to submit proposals for Phase I activities to establish or further develop a watershed group. Current closing date is\u00a0May 4, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281889.\n\tTraining and Information for Parents of Children with Disabilities: Community Parent Resource Centers\u00a0\u2013 The purpose of this program is to ensure that parents of children with disabilities receive training and information to help improve results for their children. Current closing date is\u00a0April 11, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281791.\n Jobs:\n Commissary Officer\u00a0\u2013 The Defense Commissary Agency is accepting applications for a Commissary Officer in Guam. Incumbent is responsible for managing all of the activities and functions of the commissary to include a full range of managerial and supervisory responsibilities. Position is open untilMarch 8, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430616000/.\n\tWestern U.S. Pathways-Student Trainee (Store Associate)\u00a0\u2013 The Defense Commissary Agency is accepting applications for a Student Trainee (Store Associate) in Guam. As a Pathways Intern, the trainee will actively participate in on-the-job training and progressively challenging assignments that relate to your academic program, career goals, and the needs of the agency. Position is open until\u00a0April 30, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430358300/.\n\tDoDEA Americas Community Superintendent\u00a0\u2013 The Department of Defense Education Activity is accepting applications for a Community Superintendent in Guam. The Community Superintendent serves as an assistant to the District Superintendent, sharing the full level of supervision for the schools in a predetermined geographical area as delegated by the Superintendent. Position is open until\u00a0August 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430602300/.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK\nOn the floor \n H.R.3716\u00a0\u2013 Ensuring Removal of Terminated Providers from Medicaid and CHIP Act (Passed, 406-0)\n\tH.R.4557\u00a0\u2013 Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2016 (Passed, 238-163)\n\tH.R.4583\u00a0\u2013 To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce (Agreed to by voice vote)\n\tH.R.4238\u00a0\u2013 To amend the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act to modernize terms relating to minorities (Passed, 376-0)\n\tH.R.1471\u00a0\u2013 FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n The House is in recess for the District Work Period.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-grills-interior-secretary-fy%E2%80%9917-budget-close-rota-park-study-amp-cleanup-focus", "Kilili grills Interior secretary on FY17 budget: Close Up, Rota park study, AMP cleanup the focus", "2016-03-03", "2016", "2016-03", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune - WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP) got Northern Mariana Islands-specific with Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell yesterday, as the House Natural Resources Committee held its annual hearing on the U.S. Interior Department budget.\nSablan said he was particularly concerned that the budget submitted to Congress by Interior\u2019s Office of Insular Affairs did not include any funding expressly for the Close Up program.\n\u201cThe Close Up program brings island students to Washington each year to learn how their government works,\u201d Sablan said. \u201cIt is a valuable use of federal funds. In fact, several of my colleagues in the Northern Marianas congressional office got interested in government through Close Up.\u201d\nIn 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 the Office of Insular Affairs budget identified Close Up as a program that is \u201cnecessary on an ongoing basis for the insular areas\u201d and that should be funded \u201cbecause there was no other source of funds in the Federal budget.\nClose Up had a specific line item of $1.1 million in Interior\u2019s FY16 proposal. But for FY17 Interior dropped any reference to Close Up.\n\u201cI\u2019m not sure what to make of that,\u201d Sablan told Jewell. \u201cBut it is troubling.\u201d Jewell said she believed there was $1 million in the budget for the Close Up program, but that she would have to check to get more specifics.\nThe secretary also promised to report back to Sablan, when asked for a status report on the Rota National Park study. Sablan was able to include authorization for the study in the FY16 omnibus appropriation and Park Service personnel have already met with Rota officials and begun work on the three-year project.\n\u201cThis is something I worked to achieve since my very first year in Congress,\u201d the Congressman explained to Jewell.\n\u201cSo, I would just like to hear from you that you have the money you need in your FY17 proposal to keep the Rota Park study moving forward and on schedule.\u201d\nAnother park issue the congressman raised was getting the American Memorial Park back in service. The congressman said he had visited twice himself and that he has been hearing from constituents that the Park Service has been slow to clean up debris, repair damage, and get the park fully open to the public.\n\u201cIs it a money issue? Is it because the park is supervised from Guam and that means an extra layer of decision-making? What can we do to speed things up?\u201d Sablan asked.\n\u201cWe will follow up with the Park Service directly,\u201d Jewell replied. \u201cWe are constrained for resources, but I was not aware of that until you just brought it up.\u201d\nPacking a fourth question into the five minutes given to each committee member during almost three hours of hearing, Sablan then turned to the work of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas, which Jewell co-chairs.\n\u201cI think the concept of a White House-led response to the needs of the insular areas is great,\u201d Sablan told the Secretary.\n\u201cBut I am concerned about results. I have never seen a report on what the outcome of these IGIA meetings has been.\n\u201cAre the problems the island governors raise being addressed? Are the governors satisfied with the results? Is the IGIA process working? I don\u2019t know.\n\u201cSo, I would like to ask if your office could provide me with a report on the problems the Governors have raised at IGIA over the last seven years and what the outcomes have been. Have we gotten results?\u201d\n\u201cI\u2019ll be happy to ask Insular Affairs to do that,\u201d Jewell said.\nThe last report by the Interagency Group, available on its website, is from 2008.\nAs vice ranking member of the committee, Sablan was also one of the four members allowed by committee rules to make an opening statement.\nSablan used the opportunity to call for action on approval of the 15-year extension of the Compact of Free Association between the U.S. and the Republic of Palau. The original Compact was negotiated by the administration of President Ronald Reagan.\nSablan has introduced legislation to approve the Compact extension; and the Interior Department has included funding in its FY17 budget proposal.\n\u201cToday, with the expansion of China in the Pacific, Reagan\u2019s foresight in assuring that Palau would be an ally of the United States is more clear than ever,\u201d Sablan told the Committee.\n\u201cChina certainly understands how important islands can be. Right now China is actually creating islands, where none existed before.\u201d\nSablan asked Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) for a hearing on the Palau bill, H.R. 4531.\n\u201cChina is not sitting back on its heels doing nothing,\u201d Sablan said. \u201cNeither should we.\u201d (Office of the CNMI Delegate)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-proposes-improvement-medicaid-implementation-earned-income-tax-credit-program-nmi", "Kilili proposes improvement of Medicaid, implementation of Earned Income Tax Credit program in NMI", "2016-03-01", "2016", "2016-03", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety -- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan says Puerto Rico\u2019s fiscal crisis is a chance to improve Medicaid and implement the Earned Income Tax Credit program in the CNMI.\nIn a statement during a committee hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the U.S. Department of the Treasury\u2019s analysis of the situation in Puerto Rico, Kilili noted that the Caribbean island \u201cis defaulting on its debt, something that has not occurred in my district, the Northern Mariana Islands, or other U.S. insular areas.\u201d\nBut he said the CNMI government has recently \u201chad to scrape together $1.8 million to pay its retirees after cutting their bimonthly pensions by 25 percent\u2026. [And] there remains an unfunded pension liability in the hundreds of millions of dollar.\u201d\nPuerto Rico has more than $70 billion in outstanding debt.\nAccording to Kilili, \u201cWhat is happening now in Puerto Rico should be a warning of what could happen in other U.S. insular areas. And it would be wise policy and an exercise in foresight to address root causes of the fiscal problems in all the islands, when we address the problem in Puerto Rico.\u201d\nKilili said the Treasury and the Obama administration have already put one idea on the table that would help with solvency in all the insular areas.\n\u201cThe idea is to bring the islands closer to the national Medicaid program in which the federal government pays more of state healthcare costs, depending on the proportion of low income persons in that state.\n\u201cThe islands bear a disproportionate share of those Medicaid costs and this burden contributes to fiscal stress and reduces the quality of health care in the insular areas.\n\u201cTreasury proposed in its Puerto Rico roadmap last fall that Congress remove the cap on Medicaid and increase the federal Medicaid match for Puerto Rico. And the president confirmed in his budget submission this month that it is intended that this Medicaid reform apply to all the U.S. insular areas. I support that proposal.\u201d\nThe congressman said there is one other policy reform that would improve the fiscal situation in all the islands and this is the extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC.\n\u201cThere is broad agreement on both sides of the aisle that the EITC is a policy that supports economic growth and thus, improves the fiscal health of a community. [Republican] Speaker [Paul] Ryan is a fan, because the EITC, unlike conventional welfare programs, rewards work. It encourages those who are unemployed to get a job, support themselves and their families, and become contributing members of society.\u201d\nKilili said this has been proposed by the administration both in the Treasury roadmap and in the president\u2019s budget for fiscal year 2017 using the EITC to bring people into the workforce in Puerto Rico but not in any of the other insular areas.\nRecently, \u201cat the annual meeting of the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs, the administration explained that extending the Earned Income Tax Credit to the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands was not necessary because those areas are not in dire straits,\u201d Kilili said.\n\u201cI ask you, do we have to see an insular area in fiscal collapse before we take action? Or do we help avoid the kind of problem we now have in Puerto Rico by taking action to treat U.S. citizens living in all the insular areas more like they would be treated if they lived in any U.S. state?\n\u201cMy fellow delegates from American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are co-sponsors of my legislation, H.R. 4309, that would provide federal support for the Earned Income Tax Credit in our jurisdictions. And I strongly recommend that this committee assure that in any legislation addressing the fiscal crisis in Puerto Rico and including reform of the Medicaid program and extension of EITC to Puerto Rico, all of the Insular areas we represent be equally included.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/obama-zika-plan-includes-471-m-insular-relief", "Obama Zika plan includes $471 m. in insular relief", "2016-02-29", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Obama Zika plan includes $471 m. in insular relief                                            \n              Feb 28, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    In a letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan last Monday, President Barack Obama proposed emergency spending to deal with the spread of the Zika virus, including $246 million for Medicaid in the U.S. insular areas.\nZika is transmitted by mosquito bite and cases have already been reported in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Infection of pregnant women is associated with microcephaly, a birth defect, and some deaths have been reported. We should be grateful we have not yet seen a case of Zika in the Northern Mariana Islands. But tropical areas, such as our islands, are at risk.\nSo, the President recommended lifting the federal share of Medicaid for insular areas from the current 55 percent to 65 percent for one year at a cost of $246 million. He also wants another $225 million set aside for grants and technical assistance to insular areas, where the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the virus can thrive. All are proposals I support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/puerto-rico-crisis-chance-improve-medicaid-eitc", "Puerto Rico crisis a chance to improve Medicaid, EITC", "2016-02-29", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A hearing that brought Treasury Department officials to the Hill last Thursday to help develop a legislative response to Puerto Rico\u2019s fiscal crisis was also an opportunity for me to promote reforms in how insular areas are treated under Medicaid and expansion of the earned income tax credit. Read my statement here.\nTreasury proposed last fall and the President\u2019s fiscal 2017 included funds for lifting the cap on Medicaid payments to the insular areas and moving towards the same federal/local cost-share as states enjoy.\nThe President also proposed extending the earned income tax credit to Puerto Rico\u2014though not to the Northern Marianas and the other insular areas, as my legislation, H.R. 4309, would do.\nThe EITC is a direct payment to low-income families with a working parent. Unlike traditional welfare, the EITC rewards employment and could bring U.S. citizens into the workforce in the NMI, helping with our labor shortage. But the program is too expensive for the Commonwealth government to pay for. My bill requires a cover over to the CNMI from the U.S. Treasury, similar to the way the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit now work.\nPuerto Rico is already defaulting on some $70 billion in debt it took on and Speaker Ryan has set a deadline of March 31 for legislation to address the fiscal crisis. This crisis could be an opportunity for the other islands, as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-26-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 26, 2016", "2016-02-29", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n Puerto Rico crisis a chance to improve Medicaid, EITC\n\tObama Zika plan includes $471 m. in insular relief\n\tOpportunities - Federal grants, jobs for/in the Marianas\n\tHighlights in the legislative program\n ____________________________________________________________________________\n Puerto Rico crisis a chance to improve Medicaid, EITC. \nA hearing that brought Treasury Department officials to the Hill\u00a0on Thursday\u00a0to help develop a legislative response to Puerto Rico\u2019s fiscal crisis was also an opportunity for me to promote reforms in how insular areas are treated under Medicaid and expansion of the earned income tax credit.\u00a0Read my statement here.\u00a0Treasury proposed last fall and the President\u2019s fiscal 2017 included funds for lifting the cap on Medicaid payments to the insular areas and moving towards the same federal/local cost-share as states enjoy. The President also proposed extending the earned income tax credit to Puerto Rico\u2014though not to the Northern Marianas and the other insular areas, as\u00a0my legislation, H.R. 4309, would do. The EITC is a direct payment to low-income families with a working parent. Unlike traditional welfare, the EITC rewards employment and could bring U.S. citizens into the workforce in the NMI, helping with our labor shortage. But the program is too expensive for the Commonwealth government to pay for. My bill requires a cover over to the CNMI from the U.S. Treasury, similar to the way the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit now work. Puerto Rico is already defaulting on some $70 billion in debt it took on and Speaker Ryan has set a deadline of\u00a0March 31\u00a0for legislation to address the fiscal crisis. This crisis could be an opportunity for the other islands, as well.\n Obama Zika plan includes $471 m. in insualr relief. \nIn a\u00a0letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan\u00a0on Monday, President Barack Obama proposed emergency spending to deal with the spread of the Zika virus, including $246 million for Medicaid in the U.S. insular areas. Zika is transmitted by mosquito bite and cases have already been reported in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Infection of pregnant women is associated with microcephaly, a birth defect, and some deaths have been reported. We should be grateful we have not yet seen a case of Zika in the Northern Mariana Islands. But tropical areas, such as our islands, are at risk. So, the President recommended lifting the federal share of Medicaid for insular areas from the current 55 percent to 65 percent for one year at a cost of $246 million. He also wants another $225 million set aside for grants and technical assistance to insular areas, where the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the virus can thrive. All are proposals I support.\n Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: \nGrants:\n Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program\u00a0\u2013 BJA is accepting applications for financial and technical assistance to develop and implement drug courts that effectively integrate evidenced-based substance abuse treatment, mandatory drug testing, sanctions and incentives, and transitional services in a judicially supervised court setting with jurisdiction over substance-abusing offenders. Current closing date is\u00a0April 19, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281717.\n\tAsian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program\u00a0\u2013 The AANAPISI Program provides grants to eligible institutions of higher education (IHEs) that have an undergraduate enrollment of at least 10 percent Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander students to allow such institutions to plan, develop, undertake, and carry out activities to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders and low-income individuals. Current closing date is\u00a0April 22, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281701.\n\tRural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement\u00a0\u2013 The purpose of this grant is to provide guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Current closing date is\u00a0May 2, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency.\n\tClean Diesel National Grant\u00a0\u2013 The program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. Current closing date is\u00a0April 26, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants.\n\tTIGER Grant Program\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced $500 million will be made available for transportation projects across the country under an eighth round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program. Current closing date isApril 29, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0https://www.transportation.gov/TIGER.\n\tNational Significant Freight and Highway Projects (NSFHP) Grant Program\u2013 The NSFHP Grant Program, which the Department of Transportation will refer to as the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-Term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grants, includes $800 million in funding to address many of the challenges outlined in the Department\u2019s Beyond Traffic report and draft National Freight Strategic Plan. Applications for FY 2016 are due on April 14, 2016. The Notice of Funding Opportunity can be found at:\u00a0https://www.transportation.gov/FASTLANEgrants.\n\tCommunity Facilities Direct Loan and Grant\u00a0\u2013 Small matching grants, between $5,000 and $25,000, available from USDA Rural Development in support of non-profit schools, day cares, fire protection, public safety, medical facilities and other rural community-based initiatives. Grants can be used to purchase items such as equipment, furniture, computers, appliances, and vehicles. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program/hi.\n Jobs:\n Aircraft Pilot\u00a0\u2013 The Army National Guard Unit is accepting applications for an Aircraft Pilot in Guam. The position is located in the office of the State Army Aviation Office and serves as the primary staff officer for the management of aircrew standardization and training programs, among other related duties. Position is open until\u00a0March 21, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430281900/.\n\tAdministrative Assistant\u00a0\u2013 The Army National Guard Unit is accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant in Guam. The purpose of this position is to provide technical and administrative assistance for programs within the United States Property and Fiscal Officer\u2019s area of responsibility. Position is open until\u00a0March 17, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/429972600/.\n\tEmergency Medical Technician/Paramedic\u00a0\u2013 The Air Force Personnel Center is accepting applications for an EMT/Paramedic. Incumbent will provide initial care, respond to accidents, and perform basic emergency treatment, among other related duties. Position is open until\u00a0April 30, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430025700/.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK:\nOn the floor\n S.2109\u00a0\u2013 Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3584\u00a0\u2013 Transportation Security Administration Reform and Improvement Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.4408\u00a0\u2013 National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel Act of 2016 (Passed, 392-0)\n  H.R.4398\u00a0\u2013 DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2016 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.4402\u00a0\u2013 Foreign Fighter Review Act of 2016 (Passed, 397-0)\n  H.R.3624\u00a0\u2013 Fraudulent Joinder Prevention Act of 2016 (Passed, 229-189)\n  H.R.2406\u00a0\u2013 Sportsmen Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act (Passed, 242-161)\n NEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor\n H.R.4238\u00a0\u2013 To amend the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to modernize terms relating to minorities\n  H.R.4583\u00a0\u2013 To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce\n  H.R.4401\u00a0\u2013 Amplifying Local Efforts to Root out Terror Act of 2016\n  H.R.1471\u00a0\u2013 FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015\n  S.1172\u00a0\u2013 Edward \u201cTed\u201d Kaufman and Michael Leavitt Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015\n  S.1580\u00a0\u2013 Competitive Service Act of 2015\n  H.R.3716\u00a0\u2013 Ensuring Terminated Providers are Removed from Medicaid and CHIP Act\n  H.R.4557\u00a0\u2013 Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2016\n Committee Hearings\nMarch 1\n Committee on Natural Resources Oversight Hearing on \u201cExamining the Department of the Interior\u2019s Spending Priorities and the President\u2019s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Proposal\u201d\n  Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans Legislative Hearing on\u00a0H.R.4576\u00a0- Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-19-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 19, 2016", "2016-02-25", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 19, 2016                                           \n              Feb 25, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    In this issue:\n____________________________________________________________________________\nKeeping the Northern Mariana Islands free of invasive species of plants and animals and helping us get rid of those that have already infested our islands is an important responsibility of the federal government. This week, those of us representing the Pacific in Congress emphasized this by\u00a0asking for a status report from the National Invasive Species Council\u00a0on implementation of the\u00a0Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia and Hawaii. The Regional Biosecurity Plan sets out the strategy for dealing with the anticipated increase in invasive species activity resulting from the military buildup in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Joining in the request were Hawai\u2019i Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D) and Brian Schatz (D) and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D) and Mark Takai (D), as well as Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D). Now that we have the plan, we want to make sure that the Council remains committed to putting it to work protecting our region from the environmental and economic damage caused by invasive species.\nThe White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders is asking for your nominations of AAPI musicians, poets, and storytellers who are Champions of Change. If you know someone who uses their art to increase awareness of Asian and Pacific issues or encourages our inclusion in American society, the White House wants to hear from you. As part of AAPI Heritage Month in May, the Initiative will highlight the accomplishments of Champions from around our nation. Nominate a Champion of Change by\u00a0March 9, 2016.\u00a0Read more here.\nGrants: \n Smart Policing Initiative\u00a0\u2013 This grant program seeks to build upon analysis-driven, evidence-based policing by encouraging state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to develop effective, economical, and innovative responses to crime within their jurisdictions. Current closing date is\u00a0April 12, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281577.\n\tComprehensive Community-Based Adult Reentry Program\u00a0\u2013 The Community-Based Reentry Program Utilizing Mentors will provide awards for a three-year grant period to private non-profits to provide comprehensive, community-based reentry services to formerly incarcerated individuals with moderate to high risk of recidivating. Current closing date is\u00a0April 12, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281593.\n\tNational Criminal History Improvement Program\u00a0\u2013 This program is intended to improve the nation\u2019s safety and security by enhancing the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information used for criminal justice and noncriminal justice background checks. Current closing date is\u00a0April 28, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281524.\n\tNICS Act Record Improvement Program\u00a0\u2013 The NICS Improvement Amendments Act seeks to address the gap in information available to NICS about prohibiting mental health adjudications and commitments and other prohibiting factors. Current closing date is\u00a0May 10, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281498.\n\tCommunity Development Financial Institutions\u00a0\u2013 The CDFI Fund provides awards of up to $2 million to Certified Community Development Financial Institutions to build their financial capacity to lend to their Target Markets, and TA grants to build Certified, Certifiable, and Emerging CDFIs\u2019 organizational capacity to serve their Target Markets. Current closing date is\u00a0March 18, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281557.\n\tHomeland Security Grant Program\u00a0\u2013 The HSGP provides funding to implement investments that build, sustain, and deliver core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. Current closing date is\u00a0April 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281548.\n\tEmergency Management Performance Grant Program\u00a0\u2013 The purpose of the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program is to provide funds to assist in preparing for all hazards. The Federal Government, through the EMPG Program, provides necessary direction, coordination, and guidance, and provides necessary assistance to support a comprehensive all hazards emergency preparedness system. Current closing date is\u00a0March 18, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281565.\n\tStaffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response\u00a0\u2013 SAFER grants provide financial assistance to help fire departments increase frontline firefighters, rehire firefighters that have been laid off, retain firefighters facing imminent layoffs, or filling of positions that were vacated through attrition. Current closing date is\u00a0March 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281571.\n\tAntibiotic Resistance Surveillance in Retail Food Specimens\u00a0\u2013 This program protects and promotes public health by enhancing, strengthening and sustaining antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens within the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System program. Current closing date is\u00a0May 1, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281542.\n Jobs: \n Medical Technologist\u00a0\u2013 The Department of the Navy, Naval Medical Command is accepting applications for a Medical Technologist in Guam. The selectee will serve as a Quality Assurance Technologist responsible for the administration of the Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement unit of the Laboratory Division. Position is open until February 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/429879100.\n\tSales Store Checker\u00a0\u2013 The Defense Commissary Agency is accepting applications for a Sales Store Checker in Guam. Incumbent manages the self-check-out registers assisting customers in the correct processing of their purchases. Position is open until\u00a0February 29, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430050000.\n\tEmergency Medical Technician/Paramedic\u00a0\u2013 The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Personnel Center is accepting applications for an Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic in Guam. Incumbent will provide prompt initial care to increase survivability, respond to accidents, perform basic emergency medical treatment, provide transportation, and other related duties. Position is open until\u00a0April 30, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430025700.\n\tAdministrative Assistant\u00a0\u2013 The Department of the Army, Army National is accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant in Guam. The purpose of this position is to provide technical and administrative assistance for programs within the United States Property and Fiscal Officer\u2019s area of responsibility. Position is open until\u00a0March 17, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/429972600.\n \nTHIS WEEK: \nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.\nNEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor \n S.2109\u00a0\u2013 Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015\n  H.R.3584\u00a0\u2013 Transportation Security Administration Reform and Improvement Act of 2015\n  H.R.2406\u00a0\u2013 Sportsmen\u2019s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act\n  H.R.4408\u00a0\u2013 National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel Act of 2016\n  H.R.4398\u00a0\u2013 DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2016\n Committee Hearings \nFebruary 24\n Committee on Education and Workforce Hearing on \u201cExamining the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Education\u201d\n  Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans Hearing on \u201cThe 2016 California Water Supply Outlook During the El Ni\u00f1o and Three Years of Restricted Water Deliveries\u201d\n  Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs Legislative Hearing\n February 25\n Committee on Education and Workforce Hearing on \u201cNext Steps for K-12 Education: Upholding the Letter and Intent of the Every Student Succeeds Act\u201d\n  Committee on Natural Resources Hearing on \u201cThe U.S. Department of Treasury\u2019s Analysis of the Situation in Puerto Rico\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-obama-zika-plan-includes-insular-medicaid-relief-0", "Kilili: Obama Zika plan includes insular Medicaid relief", "2016-02-24", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety \u2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Congressional Delegate) \u2014 President Obama has proposed $1.9 billion in emergency spending to deal with the spread of the Zika virus, including improvements in the Medicaid program in the U.S. insular areas.\nThe president sent his proposal in a letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan on Monday. The Zika virus is transmitted by mosquito bite and cases have already been reported in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Infection of pregnant women has been associated with microcephaly, a birth defect.\n\u201cWe should be grateful we have not yet seen a case of Zika in the Northern Mariana Islands,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan. \u201cBut clearly tropical areas of the United States, such as our islands, are on the front line of risk.\n\u201cI thank the president for taking steps now to stop the spread of this disease and help keep the Marianas safe. I will certainly be supporting his proposal.\u201d\nAmong the president\u2019s recommendations to the U.S. Congress is $246 million to cover the cost of increasing the federal share of Medicaid in the insular areas. Currently, the federal government pays 55 percent of the cost of this health insurance program for low-income people. The president\u2019s Zika proposal lifts the federal share to 65 percent for one year.\nAlthough the total amount of federal spending for Medicaid in the insular areas is capped, the extra federal share the president proposes would not count against the capped amount. The $246 million would be additional, new money.\nThe president also wants $828 million for the Centers for Disease Control to prevent, detect, and respond to the Zika virus and other emerging infectious diseases. $225 million would be specifically set aside for grants and technical assistance to the insular areas, where the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the virus are known to occur. CDC would also support active surveillance for Zika virus infections in pregnant women.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/building-coalition-fight-invasive-species", "Building a coalition to fight invasive species", "2016-02-21", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Building a coalition to fight invasive species                                            \n              Feb 21, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Keeping the Northern Mariana Islands free of invasive species of plants and animals and helping us get rid of those that have already infested our islands is an important responsibility of the federal government.\nLast week, those of us representing the Pacific in Congress emphasized this by asking for a status report from the National Invasive Species Council on implementation of the Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia and Hawaii. The Regional Biosecurity Plan sets out the strategy for dealing with the anticipated increase in invasive species activity resulting from the military buildup in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.\nJoining in the request were Hawai\u2019i Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D) and Brian Schatz (D) and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D) and Mark Takai (D), as well as Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D).\nNow that we have the plan, we want to make sure that the Council remains committed to putting it to work protecting our region from the environmental and economic damage caused by invasive species.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/nominate-pacific-islands-champion-change", "Nominate a Pacific Islands Champion of Change", "2016-02-21", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nominate a Pacific Islands Champion of Change                                            \n              Feb 21, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders is asking for your nominations of AAPI musicians, poets, and storytellers who are Champions of Change.\nIf you know someone who uses their art to increase awareness of Asian and Pacific issues or encourages our inclusion in American society, the White House wants to hear from you.\nAs part of AAPI Heritage Month in May, the Initiative will highlight the accomplishments of Champions from around our nation.\nNominate a Champion of Change by March 9, 2016. Read more here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/bill-introduced-extending-palau-compact", "Bill introduced extending Palau Compact", "2016-02-16", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill introduced extending Palau Compact                                           \n              Feb 15, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Last week I introduced legislation, approving the agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau to extend Palau\u2019s Compact of Free Association through 2024.\nThe U.S. and Palau signed the agreement on September 3, 2010. Over five years later, however, Congress has yet to approve the extension, which provides annually decreasing amounts of financial assistance to our island neighbor. The U.S. also helps with postal, weather, and civil aviation services, and offers continued access to a limited number of federal grant programs. Instead, Congress has been meeting the financial aspects of the extension on a year-by-year basis. This is no way to treat a friend.\nFortunately, President Obama does include the costs of the Compact extension in his FY17 budget proposal; and with introduction of my legislation, H.R. 4531, Congress may finally confirm the importance of our relationship with the Republic of Palau.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/fy17-budget-highlights", "FY17 budget highlights", "2016-02-16", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FY17 budget highlights                                           \n              Feb 15, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    President Obama sent his Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal to Congress last Tuesday. This is the final set of spending priorities the President will submit before ending his time in office. From the hundreds of pages of explanations, legislative language, and allocation tables we have selected a few items of key interest to the Northern Mariana Islands:\n Education: Funding increase for NMI schools. Last year\u2019s reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act made only one change to the Title I program that supports students from low-income families: my proposal to increase funding for the Northern Marianas and the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The increase is contingent in an overall increase in Title I funding, which the President has now proposed for FY17. If the President\u2019s request for $15.36 billion, $450 million over the 2016 enacted level, is approved, then funding for the Marianas Public School System will go up from about $6.8 million this year to $11.2 million in 2017, a $4.4 million increase for our students.\n\tHealthcare: Equal treatment under Medicaid. A long-sought goal of insular areas\u2014 getting the same funding as U.S. states for Medicaid coverage of low income persons\u2014is part of the President\u2019s budget proposal. The budget removes the cap on funding, which is currently about $5.5 million per year for the Northern Mariana Islands, although the Affordable Care Act has tripled that through 2019. And the President proposes a gradual increase in the share of Medicaid costs covered by the federal government as territories modernize their Medicaid programs. Currently, insular areas cover 45 percent, the federal government 55 percent. But in some states the federal percentage is as high as 74 percent.\n\tExtending the Compact with Palau: $273 million over ten years. The President\u2019s budget includes the funding necessary for the extension of the Compact of Free Association with Palau. (See story below.)\n\tAir Force land lease in NMI: $9 million. The Air Force included $9,002,000 in its military construction budget request to lease 7.1 hectares of land in support of the divert activities and exercises initiative. (See story below.) While not specified in the budget, the land will be identified during negotiations with the Commonwealth, which are expected to begin this summer. According to a Navy real estate survey, the cost to acquire the land by fee is $3.2 million, but the budget reports the Air Force is prepared to lease the property at a higher cost in order to conform to the Covenant agreement to acquire only the minimum real property interest necessary to meet mission requirements.\n\tOffice of Insular Affairs: Funds increased to address economic challenges. The President\u2019s budget adds funds for insular area energy security, protection of natural and cultural resources, and adaptation to climate change:\n\t\tTechnical assistance, primarily for climate resilience projects: +$5.6 m.\n\t\t\tMaintenance assistance to improve school facilities: +3.9 m.\n\t\t\tInvasive species control under the Coral Reef Program: +$1 m. (corresponding $500,000 reduction in Brown Tree Snake Control)\n\t\t\tEmpowering insular communities to cut residential energy costs: +$2 m.\n\t\t\tCompact Impact program remains unchanged at $3 million.\n\t\t\n\tClean Water and Drinking Water funds cut. A change we have been able to include in every appropriation bill since FY10 has raised water and sewer infrastructure funding for the Marianas from under $1 million in 2009 to over $6 million every year since. But for FY17 the President has recommended cutting nationwide funding for the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water funds from $2.3 billion to $2 billion. If the President\u2019s proposal is enacted, funds for the NMI would be reduced from this year\u2019s $6.5 million to $5.9 million.\n\tCommunity Development Block Grants hold steady. Although the President proposed reducing the Community Development Block Grant from $3 billion to $2.8 billion, he did not change a $7 million set-aside for the insular areas. So annual funding for the Marianas would be unchanged. CDBG pays for neighborhood revitalization projects such as the Kagman Community Park, which has just gone out to bid.\n\tInflation increase added for Section 8 vouchers. Nationally, and in the Northern Marianas, demand exceeds funding for this low-income housing assistance. While the President has proposed an additional $765.5 million over the FY16 level, the new money only covers increases in rental costs, and will not open the program to more families.\n\tFull funding for WIOA. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was drafted in the Education and the Workforce Committee, where I sit. But funding for training and skills development the Act authorizes lagged last year. For FY17, the President has returned the WIOA formula grants to the full amount we authorized. In the NMI, WIOA\u2019s Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker programs are currently receiving $1.39 million.\n To see the President\u2019s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget in full, go to the Office of Management and Budget website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-divert-airfield-negotiations-local-matter", "Kilili: Divert-airfield negotiations a local matter", "2016-02-16", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan said he would respect the negotiation between the CNMI government and the U.S. Department of Defense pertaining to the divert airfield, adding that the issue is a local matter.\n\u201cI have always taken the position that land-use negotiations and decisions between the U.S. Department of Defense and the commonwealth government are a local matter, and I will continue to respect that process,\u201d he said in an email, Tuesday.\nLast week, he added, \u201cLt. Gen. Anthony Crutchfield made it clear that the Air Force decision to locate the divert airfield on Tinian was in response to Governor Torres\u2019 request. I respect that \u2014 both the governor\u2019s request and the Air Force response,\u201d he said.\nOver the weekend, Kilili reported in his e-newsletter that the Air Force included $9 million in its military construction budget request for the lease of 7.1 hectares of land in support of divert activities and exercise initiatives.\nKilili said the land will be identified during negotiations with the commonwealth which is expected to begin this summer.\nHe said based on a Navy real estate survey, the cost to acquire the land by fee is $3.2 million, \u201cbut the Air Force is prepared to lease the property at a higher cost in order to conform to the Covenant agreement to acquire only the minimum real property interest necessary to meet mission requirements.\u201d\nThis $9 million funding proposal is part of President Obama\u2019s FY 2017 budget proposal sent to the U.S. Congress on Tuesday last week.\nKilili said he made the case for the selection of Tinian in his 2012 response to the Air Force Draft Environmental Impact Statement.\nIn his e-newsletter, he said the \u201cdivert airfield will be used for training and will give the Air Force a backup in case planes cannot use Andersen field on Guam. Saipan was considered and the Air Force also looked at dividing its activities between Saipan and Tinian. Specifics of the Tinian-only plan are not yet fully available. I look forward to learning more once the final environmental impact statement is released this spring and I will continue to listen to the voices of constituents and the commonwealth government as the details of the Tinian-only plan emerge.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/tinian-selected-air-force-divert-airfield", "Tinian selected for Air Force divert airfield", "2016-02-16", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tinian selected for Air Force divert airfield                                           \n              Feb 15, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Miranda A.A. Ballentine, Assistant Secretary for Installations, Environment, and Energy, called on Wednesday to inform me of the decision to select Tinian for the U.S. Air Forces\u2019 divert activities and exercises in the Northern Mariana Islands.\nI made the case for citing on Tinian in my 2012 response to the Air Force\u2019s Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The divert airfield will be used for training and will give the Air Force a backup in case planes cannot use Andersen field on Guam. Saipan was considered and the Air Force also looked at dividing its activities between Saipan and Tinian.\nSpecifics of the Tinian-only plan are not yet fully available. I look forward to learning more once the final environmental impact statement is released this spring; and I will continue to listen to the voices of constituents and the Commonwealth government as the details of the Tinian-only plan emerge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/ucgc-program-offers-glimnpse-cadet", "UCGC program offers glimnpse of cadet", "2016-02-16", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "UCGC program offers glimnpse of cadet                                            \n              Feb 15, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Since the 1950s, thousands of high school students have discovered the United States Coast Guard Academy by attending the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program.\nAIM is exclusively for students preparing to enter their senior year of high school. Immerse yourself in Academy tradition and cadet life during this six-day program in New London, Connecticut.\nThere are three AIM sessions scheduled for July 2016. The Academy has a limited amount of funds to provide scholarships for students with legitimate financial need. Students with demonstrated financial need may receive a scholarship for tuition, travel, or both.\nInformation and application materials are available online at http://www.cga.edu/admissions.aspx?id=88. The application period ends April 1, 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/uscis-director-provides-update-cw-processing", "USCIS Director provides update on CW processing", "2016-02-16", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "USCIS Director provides update on CW processing                                           \n              Feb 15, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Initial processing of the 2,800 Commonwealth-only (CW) worker applications, expiring December 31, 2015, is finished, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez reported to me last week.\nOf these, 805 received Requests for Evidence and processing will resume as soon as additional supporting documents are received from employers.\nIn his letter, Director Rodriguez also confirmed that the rule, allowing CW workers to continue working for up to 240 days while a timely-filed petition is pending, will take effect on Tuesday, February 16. Workers whose CW petitions have been delayed may resume working on that day.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-12-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 12, 2016", "2016-02-16", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue: \n____________________________________________________________________________\nPresident Obama sent his Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal to Congress\u00a0on Tuesday. This is the final set of spending priorities the President will submit before ending his time in office. From the hundreds of pages of explanations, legislative language, and allocation tables we have selected a few items of key interest to the Northern Mariana Islands:\n Education: Funding increase for NMI schools.\u00a0Last year\u2019s reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act made only one change to the Title I program that supports students from low-income families: my proposal to increase funding for the Northern Marianas and the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The increase is contingent in an overall increase in Title I funding, which the President has now proposed for FY17. If the President\u2019s request for $15.36 billion, $450 million over the 2016 enacted level, is approved, then funding for the Marianas Public School System will go up from about $6.8 million this year to $11.2 million in 2017, a $4.4 million increase for our students.\n\tHealthcare: Equal treatment under Medicaid.\u00a0A long-sought goal of insular areas\u2014 getting the same funding as U.S. states for Medicaid coverage of low income persons\u2014is part of the President\u2019s budget proposal. The budget removes the cap on funding, which is currently about $5.5 million per year for the Northern Mariana Islands, although the Affordable Care Act has tripled that through 2019. And the President proposes a gradual increase in the share of Medicaid costs covered by the federal government as territories modernize their Medicaid programs. Currently, insular areas cover 45 percent, the federal government 55 percent. But in some states the federal percentage is as high as 74 percent.\n\tExtending the Compact with Palau: $273 million over ten years.\u00a0The President\u2019s budget includes the funding necessary for the extension of the Compact of Free Association with Palau. (See story below.)\n\tAir Force land lease in NMI: $9 million.\u00a0The Air Force included $9,002,000 in its\u00a0military construction budget\u00a0request to lease 7.1 hectares of land in support of the divert activities and exercises initiative. (See story below.) While not specified in the budget, the land will be identified during negotiations with the Commonwealth, which are expected to begin this summer. According to a Navy real estate survey, the cost to acquire the land by fee is $3.2 million, but the budget reports the Air Force is prepared to lease the property at a higher cost in order to conform to the Covenant agreement to acquire only the minimum real property interest necessary to meet mission requirements.\n\tOffice of Insular Affairs: Funds increased to address economic challenges.\u00a0The President\u2019s budget adds funds for insular area energy security, protection of natural and cultural resources, and adaptation to climate change:\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 - Technical assistance, primarily for climate resilience projects: +$5.6 m.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 - Maintenance assistance to improve school facilities: +3.9 m.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 - Invasive species control under the Coral Reef Program: +$1 m. (corresponding $500,000 reduction in Brown Tree Snake Control)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 - Empowering insular communities to cut residential energy costs: +$2 m.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 - Compact Impact program remains unchanged at $3 million.\n Clean Water and Drinking Water funds cut.\u00a0A change we have been able to include in every appropriation bill since FY10 has raised water and sewer infrastructure funding for the Marianas from under $1 million in 2009 to over $6 million every year since. But for FY17 the President has recommended cutting nationwide funding for the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water funds from $2.3 billion to $2 billion. If the President\u2019s proposal is enacted, funds for the NMI would be reduced from this year\u2019s $6.5 million to $5.9 million.\n\tCommunity Development Block Grants hold steady.\u00a0Although the President proposed reducing the Community Development Block Grant from $3 billion to $2.8 billion, he did not change a $7 million set-aside for the insular areas. So annual funding for the Marianas would be unchanged. CDBG pays for neighborhood revitalization projects such as the Kagman Community Park, which has just gone out to bid.\n\tInflation increase added for Section 8 vouchers.\u00a0Nationally, and in the Northern Marianas, demand exceeds funding for this low-income housing assistance. While the President has proposed an additional $765.5 million over the FY16 level, the new money only covers increases in rental costs, and will not open the program to more families.\n\tFull funding for WIOA.\u00a0The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was drafted in the Education and the Workforce Committee, where I sit. But funding for training and skills development the Act authorizes lagged last year. For FY17, the President has returned the WIOA formula grants to the full amount we authorized. In the NMI, WIOA\u2019s Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker programs are currently receiving $1.39 million.\n To see the President\u2019s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget in full, go to\u00a0the Office of Management and Budget website.\nThis week\u00a0I introduced legislation, approving the agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau to extendPalau\u2019s Compact of Free Association\u00a0through 2024. The U.S. and Palau signed the agreement on September 3, 2010. Overfive years later, however, Congress has yet to approve the extension, which provides annually decreasing amounts of financial assistance to our island neighbor. The U.S. also helps with postal, weather, and civil aviation services, and offers continued access to a limited number of federal grant programs. Instead, Congress has been meeting the financial aspects of the extension on a year-by-year basis. This is no way to treat a friend. Fortunately, President Obama does include the costs of the Compact extension in his FY17 budget proposal; and with introduction of my legislation, H.R. 4531, Congress may finally confirm\u00a0the importance of our relationship\u00a0with the Republic of Palau.\nMiranda A.A. Ballentine, Assistant Secretary for Installations, Environment, and Energy, called\u00a0on Wednesday\u00a0to inform me of the\u00a0decision to select Tinian\u00a0for the U.S. Air Forces\u2019 divert activities and exercises in the Northern Mariana Islands.\u00a0I made the case for citing on Tinian in my 2012 response\u00a0to the Air Force\u2019s Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The divert airfield will be used for training and will give the Air Force a backup in case planes cannot use Andersen field on Guam. Saipan was considered and the Air Force also looked at dividing its activities between Saipan and Tinian. Specifics of the Tinian-only plan are not yet fully available. I look forward to learning more once the final environmental impact statement is released this spring; and I will continue to listen to the voices of constituents and the Commonwealth government as the details of the Tinian-only plan emerge.\nInitial processing of the 2,800 Commonwealth-only (CW) worker applications, expiring December 31, 2015, is finished, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez\u00a0reported to me\u00a0this week. Of these, 805 received Requests for Evidence and processing will resume as soon as additional supporting documents are received from employers. In his letter, Director Rodriguez also confirmed that\u00a0the rule, allowing CW workers\u00a0to continue working for up to 240 days while a timely-filed petition is pending, will take effect on Tuesday, February 16. Workers whose CW petitions have been delayed may resume working on that day.\nSince the 1950s, thousands of high school students have discovered the United States Coast Guard Academy by attending the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program. AIM is exclusively for students preparing to enter their senior year of high school. Immerse yourself in Academy tradition and cadet life during this six-day program in New London, Connecticut. There are three AIM sessions scheduled for July 2016. The Academy has a limited amount of funds to provide scholarships for students with legitimate financial need. Students with demonstrated financial need may receive a scholarship for tuition, travel, or both. Information and application materials are available online at\u00a0http://www.cga.edu/admissions.aspx?id=88. The application period ends\u00a0April 1, 2016.\nThe Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is offering three scholarships for academic years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. These scholarships aim to help build the capacity of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa to sustainably manage their fisheries through the employment of their own people. The scholarships are available to graduate students and undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year at the Hawai\u2019i Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Hawai\u2019i, the University of Hawai\u2019i at Hilo, Hawai\u2019i Pacific University, or the University of Guam. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals with strong ties to the Northern Marianas, Guam, or American Samoa.\u00a0Completed application and letters of recommendation are due by\u00a0February 29, 2016.\u00a0To learn more,\u00a0click here, call\u00a0(808) 522-5341, or email atinfo@wpcouncil.org.\nGrants: \n Smart Supervision: Reducing Prison Populations, Saving Money, and Creating Safer Communities\u00a0\u2013 The FY 2015 Smart Supervision Program seeks to improve supervision success rates and reduce crime, which would in turn reduce admissions to prisons and jails and save taxpayer dollars. Funds can be used to implement evidence-based supervision strategies and to develop innovative strategies to improve outcomes for probationers. Current closing date is\u00a0April 11, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281427.\n\tSwift, Certain, and Fair Sanctions/Replicating the Concepts Behind Project HOPE\u00a0\u2013 The Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications from states, localities, and tribes that are interested in implementing or enhancing a Swift, Certain, and Fair Sanctions program model. This program furthers the Department\u2019s mission by providing resources for state, local, and tribal governments to establish or enhance programming focused on modifying and reducing criminal behavior and enhancing public safety. Current closing date isApril 11, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281426.\n\tJustice Reinvestment Initiative: Maximizing State Reforms\u00a0\u2013 BJA, in a public/private partnership launched the Justice Reinvestment Initiative in 2010 as a multistaged process in which a jurisdiction reduces unnecessary incarceration, increases the cost-effectiveness of its criminal justice system and reinvests savings into high-performing public safety strategies. Current closing date is\u00a0April 11, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281428.\n\tSecond Chance Act Reentry Program for Adults with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders\u00a0\u2013 Second Chance Act Programs are designed to help communities develop and implement comprehensive and collaborative strategies that help individuals make a successful transition from prison, jail, or juvenile residential facilities to the community. Current closing date is\u00a0March 30, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281473.\n\tIntellectual Property Enforcement Program\u00a0\u2013 The Intellectual Property Enforcement Program, administered by BJA, is designed to provide national support and improve the capacity of state, local, and tribal criminal justice systems to address IP criminal enforcement, including prosecution, prevention, training, and technical assistance. Current closing date is\u00a0March 28, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281450.\n\tDrought Contingency Planning Grants for Fiscal Year 2016\u00a0\u2013 The objective of this FOA is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost-sharing Drought Contingency Planning with Reclamation to build resilience to drought in advance of a crisis. Current closing date is\u00a0April 11, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281448.\n\tCommunity-based Restoration Program Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants\u00a0\u2013 Proposals submitted under this solicitation will be primarily evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate how the proposed habitat restoration actions will help recover threatened and endangered species listed under the Endangered Species Act and sustain or help rebuild fish stocks managed under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Current closing date is\u00a0May 6, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281357.\n\tNOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Research Program 2016\u00a0\u2013 Applicants must describe how their proposed work will rapidly and significantly advance U.S. aquaculture development in the short term (1-2 years after project completion). Current closing date is\u00a0May 12, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281438.\n\tFY16 Flood Mitigation Assistance\u00a0\u2013 This program makes available federal funds to state, local and tribal governments to implement and sustain cost-effective measures that reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. Current closing date isJune 15, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281474.\n\tFY16 Pre-Disaster Mitigation\u00a0\u2013 This program provides federal funds to state, local and tribal governments to implement and sustain cost-effective measures designed to reduce the risk to individuals and property from natural hazards, while also reducing reliance on federal funding from future disasters. Current closing date is\u00a0June 15, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281453.\n\tHOPE VI Main Street Grant Program\u00a0\u2013 These grant funds can be used to revitalize an historic or traditional central business district, or Main Street, by building new affordable housing or reconfigure obsolete or surplus commercial space (or extremely substandard, vacant housing) into affordable housing units. Current closing date is\u00a0April 12, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281471.\n\tSummer Jobs and Beyond: Career Pathways for Youth\u00a0\u2013 The purpose of this program is to provide employment-related services to eligible youth who are new entrants to the workforce, including those with limited current or past work experience. The program will provide youth with work experience opportunities, including summer and year-round part-time job opportunities, and exposure to career pathways in in-demand job sectors. Current closing date is\u00a0March 25, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281342.\n\tEnvironmental Education Local Grants Program\u00a0\u2013 EPA is seeking grant proposals from eligible applicants to support locally-focused environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens. Current closing date is\u00a0April 8, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281449.\n\tFiscal Year 2016 Recovery Implementation Fund\u00a0\u2013 The FWS Ecological Services Program provides Federal financial assistance on a competitive basis to States, other Federal agencies, landowners, educators, non-profit organizations, researchers, and other partners to secure information about endangered, threatened or candidate species, to aid in the recovery of these species, to avert listing of species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, and to help conserve the ecosystems upon which these species depend. Current closing date is\u00a0July 31, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281338.\n\tFiscal Year 2016 Candidate Conservation Action Funds\u00a0\u2013 Financial assistance is available to secure candidate and other at-risk species information or undertake restoration actions that will help avert federal listing of species. The purpose is to provide a means by which the ecosystems upon which candidate and at-risk species depend may be conserved, to provide a program for the conservation of these species. Current closing date is\u00a0July 31, 2016. For more information, go to\u00a0http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281344.\n\tTelehealth Network Grant Program\u00a0\u2013 The primary objective of the TNGP is to demonstrate how telehealth programs and networks can improve access to quality health care services in rural, frontier, and underserved communities. TNGP networks are used to: (a) expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of health care services; (b) improve and expand the training of health care providers; and/or (c) expand and improve the quality of health information available to health care providers, and patients and their families, for decision-making. Current closing date is\u00a0April 8, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281424.\n\tInstitutes for Advanced Topics in the Digital Humanities\u00a0\u2013 Through these programs, NEH seeks to increase the number of humanities scholars using digital technology in their research and to broadly disseminate knowledge about advanced technology tools and methodologies relevant to the humanities. Current closing date is\u00a0March 15, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281355.\n \nTHIS WEEK: \nOn the floor\n H.R.3016\u00a0\u2013 VA Provider Equity Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3106\u00a0\u2013 Construction Reform Act of 2016 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.677\u00a0\u2013 American Heroes COLA Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3234\u00a0\u2013 VA Medical Center Recovery Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.2915\u00a0\u2013 Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3894\u00a0\u2013To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the prompt notification of State Child Protective Services by military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense required by law to report suspected instances of child abuse and neglect (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3293\u00a0\u2013 Scientific Research in the National Interest Act (Passed, 236-178)\n  H.R.3442\u00a0\u2013 Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2015 (Passed, 267-151)\n  H.R.2017\u00a0\u2013 Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015 (Passed, 266-144)\n  H.R.757\u00a0\u2013 North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enforcement Act of 2016 (Concurred in the Senate amendment, 408-2)\n Sponsored Legislation\n H.R.4531\u00a0\u2013 To approve an agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau, and for other purposes\n NEXT WEEK:\nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/igisomar-kilili-discuss-exception-cabotage-cnmi", "Igisomar, Kilili discuss exception of cabotage in CNMI", "2016-02-11", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety- Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) and U.S. Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) discussed the merits and pitfalls of having the Commonwealth exempted from federal cabotage laws to allow foreign airlines travel to or from Guam and the CNMI, according to letters between the two officials in recent weeks.\nU.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced a billS.2360 that Igisomar believes would exempt American Samoa from cabotage and allow foreign airlines to land on American Samoa and then another U.S. territory or Compact Impact Nation.\nCurrently, cabotage law prevents foreign airlines form traveling solely between two U.S./territory airports, Igisomar said. The foreign airline must return back to a foreign point after landing at one U.S./territory airport.\nIgisomar proposed that the bill be amended to provide the same exemption to the CNMI and Guam, as cabotage law applies to in the region.\nSince 2006 with the departure of Japan Airlines and other airlines, the CNMI has endured diminished air transportation traffic. I truly believe that with a cabotage exception, the CNMI can tremendously boost its air transportation traffic and revenue, and create more competition thereby driving down the airfare prices, Igisomar said, requesting that Sablan offer an amendment to the bill to reflect these concerns.\nBut Sablan, in a letter to Igisomar on Feb. 4., attempts to corrects Igisomars understanding of the bill.\nSablan said the bill would not expand authorization to allow foreign airlines to fly between American Samoa and another U.S. territory or Compact nation, but would allow a foreign carrier to provide service solely between the American Samoa islands of Tutuila and Manua.\nSablan said this would be allowed without the requirement to have an emergency service waiver for the route renewed every thirty.\nStill, he said, the Secretary of Transportation would be required to revoke the emergency service waiver for any foreign airlines in the event that a U.S. carrier entered the market.\nWhat you really seek is to exempt foreign airlines from federal cabotage laws altogether for flights to and from Rota, Tinian, Saipan, Guam, and international destinations, Sablan said in his letter.\nSablan said he appreciated the frustration we have all experienced with the increased cost and diminished convenience of reliable air travel, but that lifting cabotage would not guarantee that a foreign carrier would enter the market or that a foreign carrier would duplicate the routes currently being served by domestic carriers.\nSablan said it is essentiallybefore changing the lawto understand fully the effect that competition or foreign carriers would have on domestic carriers. I believe it would be a mistake to take any action that could drive out U.S. carriers, leaving Rota and Tinian without any air service at all or placing the Saipan-Guam route in the hands of a single, foreign carrier.\nSablan said he would not want to move forward without input from local lawmakers, the governor, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and from local businesses that would be affected. He also suggested that Igisomar obtain the agreement of the government of Guam, so that all stakeholders agree with Igisomars position.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/cool-connected-webinar", "Cool & Connected webinar", "2016-02-08", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cool & Connected webinar                                            \n              Feb 7, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    How to use broadband service to promote community development is the topic of a series of webinars being hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency.\nA team of experts will assist participants in developing strategies and action plans to use in their communities. A growing number of communities have combined broadband service with other local assets such as cultural and recreational amenities to attract and retain investment and people, including young people. This can help diversify local economies.\nLearn more on February 9 or on February 16 at 7 am ChST. Register here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-5-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 5, 2016", "2016-02-08", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 5, 2016                                           \n              Feb 7, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    In this issue:\n Cool & Connected webinar\n\tOpportunities - Federal grants, jobs for/in the Marianas\n\tHighlights in the legislative program\n ___________________________________________________________________________\n Cool & Connected webinar. \nHow to use broadband service to promote community development is the topic of a series of webinars being hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. A team of experts will assist participants in developing strategies and action plans to use in their communities. A growing number of communities have combined broadband service with other local assets such as cultural and recreational amenities to attract and retain investment and people, including young people. This can help diversify local economies. Learn more on February 9 or on February 16 at 7 am ChST. Register here.\n Opportunites - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas \nGrants:\n Special Education - State Personnel Development Grants  The purpose of this program is to assist State educational agencies in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and professional development in early intervention, educational, and transition services in order to improve results for children with disabilities. Current closing date is March 21, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281309.\n\tCommunity Assistance Program State Support Services Element  The State Support Services Element program provides funding for technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program and to evaluate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities. Current closing date is April 15, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281297.\n\tCommunities Addressing Childhood Trauma  The Communities Addressing Childhood Trauma Program seeks to address unhealthy behaviors in minority and/or disadvantaged youth, ages 5-15 years, who have been exposed to childhood trauma. ACT is intended to test the effectiveness of innovative approaches in promoting healthy behaviors among minority and/or disadvantaged youth at-risk for poor health/life outcomes due to childhood trauma. Current closing date is April 18, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281316.\n\tHazardous Materials Public Sector Training and Planning Grants  The purpose of this grant program is to increase effectiveness in safely and efficiently handling hazardous materials incidents, enhance implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and encourage a comprehensive approach to emergency training and planning by incorporating the unique challenges of responses to transportation situations. Current closing date is May 2, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281252.\n Jobs:\n Electronics Technician  The Department of the Navy is accepting applications for an Electronics Technician in Guam. Incumbent will perform Defense Switched Network administration, operation, maintenance, and system control functions within the Naval Computer Telecommunications Station. Position is open until February 8, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/428590700.\n\tHealth System Specialist  The Air Force Personnel Center, Department of the Air Force is accepting applications for a Health System Specialist in Guam. Incumbent analyzes, evaluates, advises on and/or coordinates health care delivery systems and operations supporting the provision of health care to authorized beneficiaries. Position is open until April 30, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/428484800.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK:\nOn the floor\n H.R. 2187 Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act (Passed, 347-8)\n  H.R. 4168  Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act (Passed, 390-1)\n  H.R. 515  International Megans Law to Prevent Child Exploitation and Other Sexual Crimes through Advanced Notification of Traveling Sex Offenders (Concurred in Senate amendments, by voice vote)\n  H.R. 4188  Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (Concurred in Senate amendments, by voice vote)\n  H.R. 3700  Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015 (Passed, 427-0)\n  H.R. 3662  Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act (Passed, 246-181)\n  Presidents Veto Message on H.R. 3762  Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 (Failed, 241-186)\n  H.R. 766  Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2015 (Passed, 250-169)\n NEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor\n H.R. 3293  Scientific Research in the National Interest Act\n\tH.R. 3442  Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act\n\tH.R. 2107  Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act\n Committee Hearings\nFebruary 10", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-29-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 29, 2016", "2016-02-02", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n___________________________________________________________________________\n AAFES Troop Store expansion project awarded. \nThe Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced that local contractor, RNV Construction, has been awarded a $1.8 million contract for expansion of the troop store at the Army Reserve Center on Saipan. The 1,120 square-foot store will be expanded to 5,000 square-feet. Construction is expected to be complete by December 2016. I have been working on improving the store since my first term in Congress. A study I included in the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act determined the project to be viable, but the expansion was delayed for over two years, while a team from the U.S. Navy made sure there was no unexploded ordnance on the site. The existing store, which serves nearly 4,000 active and reserve service members, retirees, and their families is small, deteriorating, and in need of a major overhaul. Our service members, veterans, and their families deserve better and can finally look forward to a new and improved AAFES Troop Store on Saipan opening soon.\n Medicaid drug savings extended to NMI. \nThe Northern Mariana Islands and other U.S. insular areas will be able to achieve savings in their drug expenditures for Medicaid patients as a result of a final rule published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services last week. The rule revises the definition of state to include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas. It also addresses changes made to Medicaid Drug Rebate Program by the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Changes to rebate percentages in the Affordable Care Act will increase Medicaid rebates being paid to federal, state, and non-state governments by manufacturers of covered outpatient drugs, including higher cost brand name drugs. See CMS for more information.\n EPA releases new guide for healthier school renovations.  \nWith Typhoon Soudelor repairs underway, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys new manual on best practices for protecting childrens health and minimizing environmental health risks is most timely. The manual includes an overview of potential environmental hazards that may emerge during school renovations, such as exposure to lead, asbestos, mold, mercury, and radon, and offers guidance for avoiding exposure, as well as a review of regulations and resources available to schools. The Sensible Guide to Healthier School Renovations can be found online at https://www.epa.gov/schools/sensible-guide-healthier-school-renovations.\n High school students: Become a Junior Statesman. \nNow is the time for high school students to apply to attend the Junior Statesman summer program at Stanford University, Princeton University, or Georgetown University. Students are schooled in civic engagement, leadership, and political studies, while getting a feel for the life and work in college. Those who apply by February 28, 2016 will be automatically considered for one of the four scholarships set aside for the Northern Marianas. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and transportation costs. For more information, and to apply, visit https://summer.jsa.org. Complete applications include an online account, two essays, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and a current transcript. Transcripts can be emailed directly to JSA Territory Program Director Ed Banayat at ebayanat@jsa.org. All other parts of the application may be completed online.\n Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: \nGrants: \n Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants  This program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve and or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Because of land alienation issues in the NMI, qualified applicants are limited to unsecured loans of up to $7,499. Qualified applicants age 62 and older may also apply for grant funding of up to $7,500. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. No deadline applies. For more information, go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/hi and click here.\n\tSMART FY 16 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program  The Program assists jurisdictions with developing and/or enhancing programs designed to implement requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The SMART Office is interested in proposals that facilitate, enhance and maintain jurisdictional implementation of SORNA. Closing date is April 7, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281058.\n\tNational Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program  The NCWCG program provides states with financial assistance to protect and restore coastal environments. Projects can include: 1. acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters (coastal wetlands ecosystems) from willing sellers or partners for long-term conservation; 2. restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems; or 3. a combination of acquisition, restoration, and management. Closing date is June 29, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281103.\n\tPresidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) Mentoring  The STEM program recognizes individuals for their mentoring of persons from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, women, persons with disabilities, and persons from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has done exemplary, measurable mentoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields over a sustained 5 year period is eligible for nomination. Closing date is June 17, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281097.\n\tOVW FY 2016 Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities Grant Program  Disability Grant Program funds programs that establish and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborative relationships; increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and deaf individuals who are victims of violence and abuse; and identify needs within the grantees organization and/or service area, and develop a plan to address those identified needs that builds a strong foundation for future work. Closing date is March 10, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281165.\n\tFederal Planning Assistance for Broadband and Sustainable Community Development  Cool & Connected  USDA Rural Utilities Service encourages communities interested in using broadband service to help revitalize small-town main streets and promote economic development to apply for Cool & Connected, a pilot program sponsored by USDA Rural Utilities Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Sustainable Communities. Closing date for letters of interest is February 24, 2016. For more information, click here.\n\tFarm Labor Housing Direct Loans & Grants  USDA Rural Development is soliciting applications for Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants. The programs provide affordable financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers. Housing may be constructed in rural and urban areas with a demonstrated need. Approved applicants receive a 1 percent fixed rate with up to a 33-year payback period. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-applications packages may be obtained at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/FLH_Preapplication_FY2016.pdf. Pre-applications are due by 5 p.m. April 12 to the Hawaii State Office. Pre-applications may be submitted to USDA Rural Development, Room 311, Federal Building, 154 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720. For more information, call (808) 933-8300 or go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants/hi.\n Jobs:\n Transportation Security Officer  The Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security is accepting applications for a Transportation Security Officer in Saipan. Incumbent will operate various screening equipment and technology, perform searches and screening, control terminal entry and exit points, interact with public, maintain focus and awareness in a stressful environment, engage in development of critical thinking skills, and retain and implement knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures. Position is open until February 2, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427535500.\n\tLoan Adjuster  The Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for TWO Loss Adjusters; one for Saipan and the other for Rota. A Loss Adjuster is an independent contractor who will visit farms for the purpose of inspecting, measuring and appraising agricultural crops. Positions are open until February 8, 2016. For inquiries, please call 671-300-8550. Applications can be accessed at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/fm_ct_001_02212014.pdf.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program:  \nTHIS WEEK:\n Votes were postponed this week due to inclement weather.\n NEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor\n Complete Consideration of H.R.3662  Iran Terror Finance Transparency\n  Consideration of the Veto Message on H.R.3762  Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Act\n  H.R.2187  Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act\n  H.R.3784  SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2016\n  H.R.4168  Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act\n  Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R.515  International Megans Law to Prevent Child Exploitation and Other Sexual Crimes Through Advanced Notification of Traveling Sex Offenders\n  H.R.400  Trafficking Prevention in Foreign Affairs Contracting Act\n  Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R.4188  Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015\n  H.R.3700  Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015\n  H.R.1675  Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015\n Committee Hearings \nFebruary 2\n Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans Legislative Hearing\n  Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Oversight Hearing on The Need for the Establishment of a Puerto Rico Financial Stability and Economic Growth Authority\n  Committee on Education and Workforce Full Committee Markup\n February 3\n Committee on Education and the Workforce Hearing on Expanding Educational Opportunity Through School Choice\n  Committee on Natural Resources Full Committee Markup", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/aafes-troop-store-expansion-project-awarded", "AAFES Troop Store expansion project awarded", "2016-02-01", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced that local contractor, RNV Construction, has been awarded a $1.8 million contract for expansion of the troop store at the Army Reserve Center on Saipan. The 1,120 square-foot store will be expanded to 5,000 square-feet. Construction is expected to be complete by December 2016 at a total cost of $2.8 million.\nI have been working on improving the store since my first term in Congress. A study I included in the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act determined the project to be viable, but the expansion was delayed for over two years, while a team from the U.S. Navy made sure there was no unexploded ordnance on the site.\nThe existing store, which serves nearly 4,000 active and reserve service members, retirees, and their families is small, deteriorating, and in need of a major overhaul. Our service members, veterans, and their families deserve better and can finally look forward to a new and improved AAFES Troop Store on Saipan opening soon.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/epa-releases-new-guide-healthier-school-renovations", "EPA releases new guide for healthier school renovations", "2016-02-01", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "EPA releases new guide for healthier school renovations                                            \n              Jan 31, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    With Typhoon Soudelor repairs underway, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys new manual on best practices for protecting childrens health and minimizing environmental health risks is most timely.\nThe manual includes an overview of potential environmental hazards that may emerge during school renovations, such as exposure to lead, asbestos, mold, mercury, and radon, and offers guidance for avoiding exposure, as well as a review of regulations and resources available to schools.\nThe Sensible Guide to Healthier School Renovations can be found online at https://www.epa.gov/schools/sensible-guide-healthier-school-renovations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/high-school-students-become-junior-statesman", "High school students: Become a Junior Statesman", "2016-02-01", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Now is the time for high school students to apply to attend the Junior Statesman summer program at Stanford University, Princeton University, Georgetown University, or Capitol Normal University in China. Students are schooled in civic engagement, leadership, and political studies, while getting a feel for the life and work in college.\nThose who apply by February 28, 2016 will be automatically considered for one of the four scholarships set aside for the Northern Marianas. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and transportation costs.\nFor more information, and to apply, visit https://summer.jsa.org. Complete applications include an online account, two essays, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and a current transcript. Transcripts can be emailed directly to JSA Territory Program Director Ed Banayat at ebayanat@jsa.org. All other parts of the application may be completed online.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-says-tennis-courts-will-re-open-march", "Kilili says tennis courts will re-open in March", "2016-02-01", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan said the tennis courts at American Memorial Park will re-open for daylight play sometime in March. He said there are still typhoon-damaged trees adjacent to the courts that have to be cut down as they are threats to the public.\nKilili is responding to Rep. Antonio Sablans inquiries regarding the repair of the federal park facilities and its pathways that were damaged by Typhoon Soudelor in August.\nIn his letter to Rep. Antonio Sablan, Kilili said the tennis courts have been cleared of fallen trees, but a few damaged trees adjacent to the courts may fall on the fence.\nHe said the U.S. Park Service is purchasing a fence replacement that will be installed as soon as it can be shipped to the island.\nThey are [also] cutting off and removing the many lights on the tennis courts that were damaged and are no longer safe. Replacement lights have been ordered and are expected to be installed by a local contractor soon after they arrive. There is some damage to the court surface. The courts are expected to be open for daylight play sometime in March, with nighttime play to resume after the lights are installed, Kilili said.\nAs for access, he said nearly 90 percent of the trees in the park were either uprooted or were significantly damaged.\nWhile all of the sidewalks have been initially cleared for access, several leaning trees and threatening branches must be removed before the sidewalks can be safely opened for the public, Kilili said, adding that access to the sidewalks is only for day-use until lighting can be replaced.\nHe said access to Smiling Cove and Outer Cove Marinas were opened two days after the typhoon. But the Outer Cove docks have significant safety issues, are not open to normal public use, and provide very limited berthing for owners, he added.\nHe said public boarding of boats is safely occurring at Smiling Cove but only temporarily while the commonwealth is still working on a more permanent solution for the Outer Cove docks.\nThe Visitor Center, Kilili said, is open to the public on regular hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. However, he said the auditorium is still closed due to water and mold damage, and one wall at the back will have to be replaced along with exhibits on that wall.\nThe memorial portion of the park is open and being maintained regularly, Kilili said, but added that the park is open only during daylight hours as most of the safety and security lighting was damaged in the storm.\nThe replacement of the American flagpole at the center of the Court of Honor is expected to arrive on island soon, Kilili said.\nAmerican Memorial Park, he added, was able to use fiscal year 2015 operational funds to address its recovery needs.\nIn an interview, Rep. Antonio Sablan said he appreciated Kililis efforts in providing him with a thorough report on the status of all of the parks facilities, adding that a lot of people have been inquiring about the state of American Memorial Park.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/medicaid-drug-savings-extended-nmi", "Medicaid drug savings extended to NMI", "2016-02-01", "2016", "2016-02", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Medicaid drug savings extended to NMI                                           \n              Feb 1, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Northern Mariana Islands and other U.S. insular areas will be able to achieve savings in their drug expenditures for Medicaid patients as a result of a final rule published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.\nThe rule revises the definition of state to include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas. It also addresses changes made to Medicaid Drug Rebate Program by the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Changes to rebate percentages in the Affordable Care Act will increase Medicaid rebates being paid to federal, state, and non-state governments by manufacturers of covered outpatient drugs, including higher cost brand name drugs.\nSee CMS for more information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-22-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 22, 2016", "2016-01-24", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 22, 2016                                           \n              Jan 24, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    In this issue:\n__________________________________________________________________________\n Opportunites - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: \nGrants: \n Market Development Cooperator Program The International Trade Administration creates economic opportunity for U.S. workers and firms by promoting international trade and investment, strengthening industry competitiveness, and ensuring fair trade. The Market Development Cooperator Program strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry by generating exports of nonagricultural goods and services produced in the United States. Closing date isMarch 15, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281029.\n\tState Energy Program The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energys State Energy Program seeks applications to advance policies, programs, and market strategies that accelerate job creation, reduce energy consumption, and help achieve energy and climate security for the nation. Closing date isMarch 31, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281050.\n\tEarly Comprehensive Childhood Systems Impact The purpose of this program is to enhance early childhood systems building and demonstrate improved outcomes in population-based childrens developmental health and family well-being indicators using a Collaborative Innovation and Improvement Network approach. An additional goal of the ECCS Impact grant is the development of collective impact expertise, implementation and sustainability of efforts at the state, county and community levels. Closing date isMarch 15, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281007.\n\tSecondary and Two-Year Postsecondary Agriculture Education Challenge Grants The Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants program seeks to promote and strengthen secondary education and two-year postsecondary education in agriscience and agribusiness in order to help ensure the existence in the U.S. of a qualified workforce to serve the food and agricultural sciences system. Closing date isMarch 18, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281049.\n Jobs:\n Test Administrator The Department of the Army, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command is accepting applications for a Test Administrator in Saipan. Incumbent will conduct the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Enlistment Test Session to determine individual qualifications for enlistment into military service. Closing date isJanuary 26, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/420331900.\n\tChief U.S. Probation/Pretrial Services Officer The U.S. District Courts of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are accepting applications for a Probation/Pretrial Services Officer to be located in Guam. Incumbent will organize the probation/pretrial services office; review, analyze, and interpret requirements; maintain administrative liaison with the Court, chief judge, and all judges; and other related duties. Position is open untilFebruary 19, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.nmid.uscourts.gov/employment.php.\n\tChief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Aircraft Computer Software The Federal Aviation Administration is accepting applications for a Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Aircraft Computer Software in Guam. Incumbent defines and advances new technologies in software evaluation techniques to establish leadership in the development and implementation of technical standards for new advances in software technology related to aviation safety. Position is open untilFebruary 2, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427016000.\n\tElectronics Technician The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is accepting applications for an Electronics Technician in Guam. Incumbent will perform field maintenance technical services and related support for a wide range of complex electronic, electro-mechanical, data acquisition, communications equipment, and standalone and networked computer systems. Position is open untilFebruary 2, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/423796600.\n   \n Highlights in the Legislative Program  \nTHIS WEEK: \nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.\nNEXT WEEK: \nThe House floor schedule for next week has not yet been released.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/chci-summer-internships-open-nmi-students", "CHCI summer internships open to NMI students", "2016-01-18", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CHCI summer internships open to NMI students                                            \n              Jan 18, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Full-time college undergraduate students from the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible for paid summer internships with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.\nCHCI interns will have the opportunity to work in a congressional office and get training in the legislative process, constituent casework, legislative research, and other meaningful work.\nOther benefits include round-trip airfare to Washington, DC, a $2,500 stipend, free housing, academic credit, leadership training, networking opportunities, and more.\nApplications for the 2016 Congressional Summer Internship are due January 22, 2016. For more information, go to https://chci.org/programs/internships/.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-15-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 15, 2016", "2016-01-18", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue: \n__________________________________________________________________________\n 240-day grace period for CW renewals finalized.  \nHomeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson signed the final rule allowing foreign workers in the Northern Mariana Islands to keep working for up to 240 days, even if their CW-1 permit renewal has not been processed, as long as a new permit was applied for before the old permit expired. The rule is published in the Federal Register today and goes into effect on February 14. Even workers whose employers applied for an extension before that date may qualify. The new rule is an improvement to the immigration system, but is not a solution to the ongoing problem of delayed CW processing. The delays have meant lost income for NMI businesses and workersforeign and U.S. I have pressed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Lon Rodrguez to clear the backlog and met with his processing staff in California last week to make sure they understand the costs of the slowdown to the NMI economy.\n CHCI summer internships open to NMI students.  \nFull-time college undergraduate students from the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible for paid summer internships with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. CHCI interns will have the opportunity to work in a congressional office and get training in the legislative process, constituent casework, legislative research, and other meaningful work. Other benefits include round-trip airfare to Washington, DC, a $2,500 stipend, free housing, academic credit, leadership training, networking opportunities, and more. Applications for the 2016 Congressional Summer Internship are due January 22, 2016. For more information, go to https://chci.org/programs/internships/.\n Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs, for and in the Mariana:  \nGrants: \n FY2016 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship  Qualified organizations may submit proposals for administering the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The intent of the program is to broaden the U.S. student population that participates in study abroad by focusing on those students who would not otherwise study outside the U.S. due to financial constraints. Closing date is March 14, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280938.\n\tCooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund  The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund is a tool that provides grants to states and territories to participate in voluntary conservation projects for candidate, proposed, and listed species. The program provides funding to states and territories for species and habitat conservation actions on non-federal lands. Closing date is March 18, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280853.\n\tNorth American Wetlands Conservation Act 2017 U.S. Standard Grants  The U.S. Standard Grants Program supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. These projects must involve only long-term protection, restoration, enhancement and/or establishment of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. Closing date is February 26, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280961.\n\tOVW FY 2016 Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations  This program is to develop and implement outreach strategies targeted at, and provide victim services to, adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking in underserved populations. Closing date is March 9, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280922.\n\tLinking to Employment Activities Pre-Release through Specialized American Job Centers  The purpose of this pilot program is to provide incarcerated individuals with workforce services prior to release and link them to a continuum of services offered through their community-based AJCs post-release. These grants are job-driven and build connections to local employers that will enable transitioning offenders to secure employment. Closing date is February 26, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280963.\n\tDistance Learning & Telemedicine Grants  The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Closing date is March 14, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants.\n\tHousing Preservation Grants  This program provides grants to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing occupied by low and very low income people. Closing date is February 12, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/housing-preservation-grants.\n Jobs:\n Supply Technician  The US Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army Signal Command is accepting applications for a Supply Technician in Guam. Incumbent will perform a wide variety of complex assignments related to maintaining specialized property accounts and records, completing individual transactions, providing customer assistance, screening reference riles, conducting data searches, and distributing output files, among other duties. Position is open until January 25, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425989700.\n\tAudiologist  The Naval Medical Command, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for an Audiologist in Guam. Incumbent will perform clinical audiometric services, consult customers, develop operational standards, and identify commonly unrecognized hearing loss trends. Position is open until January 20, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/426530200.\n\tFire Protection Engineer  The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Fire Protection Engineer in Guam. Incumbent will provide fire protection engineering direction, approve plans developed by Architect-Engineer, interpret the guidelines and practices, and conduct fire protection engineering surveys and reports. Position is open until January 26, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425914900.\n\tClinical Nurse  The US Naval Hospital Guam, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Clinical Nurse in Guam. Incumbent will provide training resources, lead planning and coordination for the annual influenza vaccination program, ensure inpatients immunizations, maintain and update immunization instruction and standard operating procedures, and document all immunization in patients health records. Position is open until January 22, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/426371800.\n\tDiagnostic Radiological Technologist (Mammography)  The Naval Medical Command, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Diagnostic Radiological Technologist in Guam. Incumbent will perform radiographic examinations, keep up-to-date and review new documents, assist in performing complex procedures, provide patient support, perform and maintain quality assurance tests. Position is open until January 22, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/426320400.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK: \nOn the floor\n S.142  Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.757 North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2015 (Passed, 418-2)\n  H.R.1777  Presidential Allowance Modernization Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.1069  Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  S.1115  Grants Oversight and New Efficiency (GONE) Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.598  Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.653  FOIA Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3231  Federal Intern Protection Act of 2015 (Passed, 414-0)\n  H.R.1644  STREAM Act (Passed, 235-188)\n Co-sponsored Legislation \n H.R.4370  Compact Impact Relief Act of 2016\n NEXT WEEK: \nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/240-day-grace-period-cw-renewals-effective-feb-14", "240-day grace period for CW renewals effective on Feb. 14", "2016-01-15", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune- If their papers arent in yet, foreign workers kept from working because of the federal governments delay in processing thousands of contract worker permit renewals can get back on the job starting Feb. 14, after U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson signed off on a rule to allow a 240-day grace period for these waiting CW-1 workers.\nThe rule has been a long time coming since being published in the Federal Register for public comments in May 2014, and will become effective in February, a month after its published on the Federal Register this Jan. 15.\nThe rule grants a grace period for CW workers to continue working if an application for a new permit was filed before the old permit expired and if the new permit is still waiting approval. It also fixes inconsistency that allows for a loophole CW workers who change employers to continue working. Currently, a CW-1 worker who changes employer may continue working for up to 240 days while the new employers petition is pending. In the case of renewal petitions, however, the worker cannot stay on the job once their permit has expired, even if a petition for renewal was filed months in advance. The new rule means that the workers who are being renewed will get the same extended work authorization as workers who are transfers from one employer to another or who are terminated and then find a new employer.\nIts about time, said Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) in a statement yesterday. The disruption to the Northern Marianas economy, the lost income of businesses and workersthat is still going onwould have been completely avoided if USCIS had not waited over a year and half to finalize this rule.\nWhile the business community has expressed elation over the new rule, it does little to assure or ease the negative effects already being experienced on the ground, with the short business hours, closed shops or restaurants, and out-of-work residents continuing their toll on businesses and livelihoods.\nThe fiasco came about after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services failed to process a backlog of 2,800 CW permit renewals by the beginning of the new year.\nAll these 2,800 employees comprise 23 percent of the CNMIs total foreign national workforce base, Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Alex Sablan said yesterday. Practically every mom-and-pop business in the Commonwealth was impacted or affected by the lack of CW workers, Sablan said.\nHe said business leaders had hoped that the rule would have been implemented prior to the end of last year, relieving a considerable amount of heartache and loss of business and individual worker opportunity. Instead, employers have had to shut down their businesses or downsize their business to a level where they are not allowed to have full opportunity.\nAt this stage, [the new rule] would helpGod forbidif we have another incident like this next year, said Sablan. He hopes this is not repeated next year and USCIS has the manpower and capability to get all permits out regardless of when they are placed in order of acceptance, as permit submitted even within 90 days of expiration should be processed.\nNo adverse economic impact\nThe federal law that wrested control of immigration from the local to federal government assured that the transition would be implemented in a way that minimizes adverse economic impact, according to Delegate Sablan.\nMany times over the last seven years USCIS has made choices that were consistent with that requirement to minimize negative impacts, he said, and we should not forget that. But not this time. The delay in approving this rule has definitely hurt the people I represent.\nThey didnt fulfill their promise, added Alex Sablan.\nIn a statement, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres called the new rule a step in the right direction and applauded Delegate Sablan for his untiring efforts to resolve this issue with our federal counterparts.\nWe are not done yet and discussions on improvements will be ongoing, said Torres. I also extend the Commonwealths appreciation to Sen. Murkowski of Alaska who serves as the chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that oversees issues regarding insular areas. In my communication with the senators office, I was informed that she recognized our concerns and had communicated with USCIS to assist in resolvingthis current matter.\nDelegate Sablan said the new rule is an improvement to the immigration system overall, but not a solution to the ongoing problem of delayed CW processing.\nI call on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to continue to use all its resources to clear the backlog of CW applications as quickly as possible, so that the Northern Marianas can get back to business.\nSablan spoke directly with USCIS Director Len Rodrguez on Jan. 3 to demand action on the processing delay and make clear what it costs Marianas businesses and workers. And the congressman met last week directly with USCIS staff in California who are responsible for the processing to drive that point home.\nSablan also urged Rodrguez to get the 240-day rule approved immediately.\nThe rule was originally opened for public comment on May 12, 2014, in response to a Dec. 20, 2012, request from the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Society for Human Resource Management CNMI. All six comments received by USCIS favored the 240-day grace period for delayed processing.\nOnce the new rule goes into effect on Feb. 14, any worker whose employer files a renewal petition before the workers CW-1 permit expires will be able to stay on the job legally for up to an additional 240 days.\nThe new rule also covers workers with H-1B1 or E-3 visas. The H-1B1 program allows employers to temporarily employ foreign workers from Chile and Singapore in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant basis in specialty occupations. The E-3 does the same for workers from Australia. Both categories have annual numerical caps, similar to the cap on CW-1 permits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-attends-last-obama-state-union", "Kilili attends last Obama State of the Union", "2016-01-13", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Congressional Delegate)  U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan joined his colleagues in the U.S. Congress tonight to witness President Obama deliver his final State of the Union address.\nCongressman Sablan issued this statement following the State of the Union:\nThe people of the Northern Mariana Islands gave me the incredible opportunity to be a witness to history  to see our first African American president sworn in to office and now to hear him talk to America about the road we traveled over the last seven years and where we can go from here.\nIn some ways the history of this president matches the recent history of the Northern Marianas. We, too, people of color, gained representation in our national government that we had never had before. We, too, had to struggle back from a great economic recession and today see a brighter future ahead.\nPresident Obama has been good for the people of the Northern Marianas. Even though I was just a freshman representative in 2009, the Obama administration treated the Northern Marianas as the equal of any other insular area when the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was drafted and passed. When health care reform legislation would have given the islands short shrift, it was President Obama who decided to add more money for our Medicaid program. I know. I was sitting right there at the table when he made the decision.\nThe Obama administration used its executive authority in response to my call to help the poor by raising food stamp funding for the Marianas and energy assistance for our low-income households. The Obama administration eased us through the transition to federal immigration, using parole authority to keep families together and to keep our doors open to tourists from Russia and China.\nAnd the President wound down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, so that our brave service men and women from the Northern Marianas would no more have to put their lives on the line in those distant lands.\nThe president has also set the stage for a better future for Americans and for all the worlds people by helping bring about the Paris agreement on climate change, which is an especially great danger to those of us on islands subject to typhoons and sea level rise. His negotiation of the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement will lift the economies of nations that surround the Marianas and of our region as a whole.\nAs a son of the Pacific islands, President Obama knows in his bones that we have to work together, cooperate, find consensus, if we want to survive. That is the Pacific culture and creed. He said it tonight in words we know are true:\n The future we want  opportunity and security for our families; a rising standard of living and a sustainable, peaceful planet for our kids  all that is within our reach. But it will only happen if we work together.\nThose are words for all of us to remember from President Obamas final State of the Union address; and words for all of us in Congress to remember as we work to improve the lives of all Americans in this final year of the Obama presidency.\nWatch the entire State of the Union address here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-inspects-cw-processing-center-california", "Kilili inspects CW processing center in California", "2016-01-13", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune- WASHINGTON, D.C.Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) made a snap inspection of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services California Service Center last Thursday. The center handles all the applications for CW foreign workers in the Northern Mariana Islands. Delays in processing there, as well as a large number of applications submitted with less than the recommended 90 days lead time, have resulted in CNMI businesses cutting hours and in lost income for employees of those businessesboth foreign and U.S. workers.\nThe CW applications represent only 2 percent of the total workload of the California Service Center, Sablan said. But what is of small importance to their overall operation is of huge importance to the people I represent in the Northern Marianas. I wanted to make that point clear by making a personal inspection of the center.\nAccording to USCIS officials, all application for CW permits that expired on Dec. 31 have been taken out of the regular line and are being processed separately.\nThe 800 applications submitted at least 90 days in advanceas recommendedhave all been processed, I am told, and I expect the remaining 2,000 applications to be done by mid-January.\nKathy Baran, director of the California Service Center, and a team of department heads took Sablan through the centers operational process from mail intake and data entry to the office where adjudications occur.\nThe congressman explained to Baran and to the adjudication staff that he wanted to impress on them how important CW workers still are to the Northern Marianas economy and how disruptive the delays in processing have been.\nSablan said that, if 90 days is not sufficient lead time for the submission of renewal applications, then better guidelines need to be issued to Northern Marianas businesses.\nWe cannot afford to have this kind of a back-up occur again in the future, Sablan told the USCIS staff. (Office of the Delegate)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/another-sign-recovery%E2%80%A6", "Another sign of recovery", "2016-01-11", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Another sign of recovery                                           \n              Jan 10, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The U.S. Small Business Administration announced last Friday that it will close its Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Capitol Hill on Saipan at the close of business, today, Monday, January 11.\nSBA has approved more than $10.9 million in low interest disaster loans to Saipan businesses and more than $13.3 million to individuals, the agency said. And, though the deadline to apply for property damage loans has expired, small businesses and nonprofits may continue to apply for working capital loans of up to $2 million.\nThese Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available even if no property damage occurred to the business or nonprofit and may be used to pay fixed debt, payroll, and other bills that cannot be covered because of Typhoon Soudelor. The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for private nonprofits with terms up to 30 years.\nThe deadline for EIDL applications is May 5, 2016. Apply at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, call: 800.659.2955, or e-mail: disastercustomerassistance@sba.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/bill-seeks-expand-americorps-service-coverage-fas-citizens-kilili-one-bill%E2%80%99s-co-sponsors", "Bill seeks to expand AmeriCorps service coverage to FAS citizens: Kilili one of bills co-sponsors", "2016-01-11", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune- WASHINGTON, D.C.Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU) has introduced federal legislation to extend eligibility for national service programs to citizens of the Freely Associated States who reside in the United States and are otherwise eligible for these programs. Specifically her bill would amend Section 5 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to include citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands who reside in the U.S. on the list of eligible individuals. The current statute only allows U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents to participate in these programs.\nBecause of the unique relationship between the U.S. and the Freely Associated States, FAS citizens are not required to obtain a visa or become lawful permanent residents to enter and reside in the U.S. Congresswoman Bordallo believes that FAS citizens who live in the U.S. should be allowed to participate in national service programs, similar to their ability to serve in our military or receive student financial aid. Her bill would fix this disparity and ensure that those who wish to participate in these programs are not disqualified simply because they do not meet the citizenship guidelines.\nThe bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) of Hawaii and Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (Ind-MP) of the Northern Mariana Islands.\nCitizens from the Freely Associated States who reside in the U.S. should be allowed to participate in national community service programs, just as they are allowed to serve in our military or receive student aid to further their education, said Congresswoman Bordallo. It is only fair that if we can allow FAS citizens to serve in our military and protect our way of life, then we should also allow them to serve our local communities through community service. I was disappointed when last year several FAS citizens who had already begun their service projects were removed from the AmeriCorps program simply because they did not meet the citizenship eligibility requirements. These individuals are role models who want to help our community, and they should be allowed to do so through community service.\nI appreciate the leadership of Senator B.J. Cruz for championing this issue in the Guam Legislature and working with me to develop this bill. I also appreciate the support of my colleagues, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and Congressman Kilili Sablan from the Northern Mariana Islands, who are cosponsors of this bill. I look forward to working with them to move this bill through the legislative process and having it enacted it into law.\nThis legislation would help tens of thousands of COFA migrants living in the United States, including more than 12,000 in Hawaii, gain valuable job training and skills, and give back to our community, by participating in programs that provide disaster relief services, educational opportunities, environmental restoration, and health care assistance to communities across the country, said Gabbard, who introduced legislation to reinstate Medicaid eligibility for COFA migrants last year. Bordallo is an original cosponsor of Gabbards bill.\nI thank Congresswoman Bordallo for identifying this problem in Guam and offering a solution that will help young people from the Freely Associated States living in the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii, and throughout the United States, said Sablan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/congressional-app-challenge-deadline-extended", "Congressional App Challenge deadline extended", "2016-01-11", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressional App Challenge deadline extended                                           \n              Jan 10, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n        \n            \n        \n      \n    \n    \n    High school students who would like to take the Congressional App Challenge now have until Thursday, January 21, 2016, 3:00pm EST (Friday, January 22, 2016, 6:00am CHST) to do so.\nThe App Challenge invites young programmers across the nation to showcase their talents and learn valuable computer science skills.\nFor more information, including competition guidelines and coding resources for students, visit https://www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us/ or contact your congressional office at Kilili@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/republicans-want-cut-insular-medicaid", "Republicans want to cut insular Medicaid", "2016-01-11", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Republicans want to cut insular Medicaid                                            \n              Jan 10, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    President Obama vetoed on Friday Republican legislation that cut Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands by an estimated $26 million. Medicaid for the other insular areas  American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands  would also have been cut.\nThe vetoed bill passed the House this week with Republicans all voting to cut insular Medicaid funding, Democrats all voting against it. I worked very hard to get that money into the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. It increased NMI Medicaid from about $50 million to $158 million through the period ending in 2019  a three-fold jump.\nThat money has been essential to keeping the Commonwealth Health Center open after the Commonwealth government took away its local funding. Health Center executive officer Esther Muna told the Saipan Tribune the Republican bill would be devastating for our people, the hospital and the entire health care system.\nGovernor Ralph Torres echoed that concern. To reduce the federal funding for this important program that provides for lower-income households in the CNMI is a disservice to the disproportionate amount of the population living under the federal poverty guidelines, the Governor said. I agree with the Governor and thank President Obama for his action.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-8-2016", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 8, 2016", "2016-01-11", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n__________________________________________________________________________\n Republicans want to cut insular Medicaid. \nPresident Obama vetoed today Republican legislation that cut Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands by an estimated $26 million. Medicaid for the other insular areas  American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands  would also have been cut. The vetoed bill passed the House this week with Republicans all voting to cut insular Medicaid funding, Democrats all voting against it. I worked very hard to get that money into the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. It increased NMI Medicaid from about $50 million to $158 million through the period ending in 2019  a three-fold jump. That money has been essential to keeping the Commonwealth Health Center open after the Commonwealth government took away its local funding. Health Center executive officer Esther Muna told the Saipan Tribune the Republican bill would be devastating for our people, the hospital and the entire health care system. Governor Ralph Torres echoed that concern. To reduce the federal funding for this important program that provides for lower-income households in the CNMI is a disservice to the disproportionate amount of the population living under the federal poverty guidelines, the Governor said. I agree with the Governor and thank President Obama for his action.\n Another sign of recovery. \nThe U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that it will close its Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Capitol Hill on Saipan at the close of business on Monday, January 11. SBA has approved more than $10.9 million in low interest disaster loans to Saipan businesses and more than $13.3 million to individuals, the agency said. And, though the deadline to apply for property damage loans has expired, small businesses and nonprofits may continue to apply for working capital loans of up to $2 million. These Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available even if no property damage occurred to the business or nonprofit and may be used to pay fixed debt, payroll, and other bills that cannot be covered because of Typhoon Soudelor. The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for private nonprofits with terms up to 30 years. The deadline for EIDL applications is May 5, 2016. Apply at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, call: 800.659.2955, or e-mail: disastercustomerassistance@sba.gov.\n Opportunites - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: \nGrants:\n Accountable Health Communities  The Accountable Health Communities model provides funding opportunities to community based organizations, healthcare providers practices, hospitals and health systems, institutions of higher education, local government entities, and local and national entities for the purpose of testing whether systematically identifying the health-related social needs of community-dwelling Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and addressing their identified needs impacts those beneficiaries. Current closing date is March 31, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280812.\n\tTelehealth Resource Center Grant Program  Telehealth Resource Centers (TRCs) assist health care organizations, health care networks and health care providers in the implementation of cost-effective telehealth programs to serve rural and medically underserved areas and populations. Current closing date is March 4, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280809.\n\tSmall Health Care Provider Quality Improvement  This program supports rural providers engaged in quality improvement initiatives through evidence-based quality improvement models, tests of change focused on improvement and use of health information technology to collect and report data. Current closing date is March 4, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280808.\n\tImproving Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking  This program furthers the Department of Justices mission by encouraging partnerships between governments, courts, victim service providers, coalitions and rape crisis centers, to ensure that sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are treated as serious violations of criminal law requiring the coordinated involvement of the entire criminal justice system and community-based victim service organizations. Current closing date is March 3, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280869.\n Jobs:\n Store Workers  The Defense Commissary Agency, Department of Defense is accepting applications for Store Workers in Guam. Incumbents will maintain adequate stock, identify spoilage, damage, and out-of-date merchandise, receive supplies and items, operate computer system, and transport and display store items. Position is open until March 31, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424794700.\n\tSales Store Checkers  The Defense Commissary Agency, Department of Defense is accepting applications for Sales Store Checkers in Guam. Incumbents will operate an electronic system, manage change machines, assist customers, and manage self-check-out registers. Position is open until March 31, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424794400.\n\tMedical Administrative Assistant  The Air Force Reserve Command is accepting applications for a Medical Administrative Assistant in Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve Technician Enlisted position is to serve as a Medical Administrative Assistant who will accomplish a variety of duties involving assisting in determining unit's readiness and capability to perform its peacetime/wartime mission. Position is open until January 11, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425337800.\n\tOperations Technician  The Air Force Reserve Command is accepting applications for an Operations Technician in Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve Technician Enlisted position is to serve as an Operations Technician assisting the aviation resource management specialist in managing flying operations resources. Position is open until January 11, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425348400.\n\tHuman Resources Assistant  The Air Force Reserve Command is accepting applications for a Human Resource Assistant in Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve Technician Enlisted position is to serve as a Human Resources Assistant accomplishing military personnel functions within the unit personnel activity and to train reservists in the accomplishment of such tasks. Position is open until January 11, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425349600.\n\tExecutive Officer  The Air Force Reserve Command is accepting applications for an Executive Officer in Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve Technician Officer position is to serve as an Executive Officer or the group senior ART. The incumbent will administer and direct the group's executive support functions and ensure that day-to-day operations comply with the policies of the senior ART and the command. Position is open until January 11, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425438800.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK:\nOn the floor\n H.R.3762  Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 (Agreed to the Senate amendment, 240-181)\n  H.R.1155  SCRUB Act of 2015 (Passed, 245-174)\n  H.R.712  Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015 (Passed, 244-173)\n  H.R.1927  Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015 (Passed, 211-188)\n Co-sponsored Legislation \n H.R.4345  To expand the eligibility of individuals from Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau for participation in National Service Programs, and for other purposes\n NEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor\n H.R.757  North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act\n  H.R.3662  Iran Terror Transparency Act\n  S.J.Res.22  A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of waters of the United States under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-us-republicans-cut-medicaid-nmi-other-insular-areas", "Kilili: US Republicans cut Medicaid for NMI, other insular areas", "2016-01-08", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety   WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Congressional Delegate) -The Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives voted to take away approximately $26 million in Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands that was part of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.\nFunding for the other insular areas  American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands  was similarly cut. Republicans also voted to raise the local match required for Medicaid to 50 percent. The Affordable Care Act had lowered the local share for the insular areas to 45 percent.\nThe bill, H.R. 3762, has already passed the Senate and now goes to President Obama for action. He is expected to veto it.\nWe worked very, very hard to get increased Medicaid funding for our islands into the Affordable Care Act in 2009, said U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan in response to the Republican action.\nTo date that amounts to over $52 million, new money that was essential to keeping the Commonwealth Health Center open after the hospital lost local funding.\nAnd the Northern Marianas still has another $57 million in the Affordable Care Act pipeline between now and 2019.\nWhat the Republican bill would do is end all of that funding in 2017  a loss of about $26 million to CHC and to the low-income families who depend on Medicaid to pay for their health care.\nI just do not understand how any political party can justify taking so much from people who have so little, Sablan said.\nIn addition to the straight loss of federal Medicaid dollars for the insular areas, H.R. 3762 is also a setback to the effort to get the same treatment as states on the local match for Medicaid.\nThe Affordable Care Act took a step in the right direction by changing the local/federal cost-share from 50/50 to 45/55, Sablan said. That gave us a better local/federal match than 22 states.\nOf course, if we were treated exactly like a state and the match was calculated based on income levels in the Marianas, it would be in the neighborhood of 20 percent local and 80 percent federal.\nBeing treated like a state for Medicaid remains my goal. But todays Republican vote takes us in the opposite direction.\nI am glad that President Obama will be vetoing this bad legislation and standing up for families in the Northern Mariana Islands, who would not have access to health care except for the Medicaid program, Sablan said.\nUnder the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid funding increased from about $50 million to $158 million over the 10-year period ending in September 2019  a three-fold increase.\nWhat I want to be talking about now is what comes after 2019, Congressman Sablan explained. CHC and poor families here cannot go back to the days when we only received $5 million per year for Medicaid.\nWe should be enacting legislation that continues  or expands  the new funding provided by the Affordable Care Act. Instead, the majority wants to take us backwards to the way Medicaid worked in the Northern Marianas before 2009.\nIn a separate interview, Gov. Ralph Torres said: Regardless of the politics surrounding the Affordable Care Act in Washington, D.C, the fact of the matter is that Medicaid services provide access to healthcare to a vast number of our residents. To reduce the federal funding for this important program that provides for lower-income households in the CNMI is a disservice to the disproportionate amount of the population living under the federal poverty guidelines. I appreciate and applaud Congressman Sablans efforts to protect our Medicaid program and our ability to continue the necessary work to improve the overall health outcomes of our people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/uscis-processes-800-cw-applications", "USCIS processes 800 CW applications", "2016-01-05", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan says U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processed 800 CW-1 permit renewal applications on Tuesday, local time, and assured him that most of these applications will be approved.\nIn a media conference, Sablan said he received a call from Leon Rodriguez, the USCIS director, on Tuesday morning telling the congressman that the 800 applications for CW permit renewals submitted at least 90 days before expiration would be processed by the end of the day, Tuesday.\nRodriguez was in Washington, D.C. while Sablan was on Saipan when they spoke on the phone.\nHe assured me that they are going to approve most of the applications and only a small number will require more evidence from the applicants and a smaller number will probably be denied, Sablan said during the press conference.\nUSCIS, he added, will continue to process the other 2,000 pending renewal applications submitted later than 90 days before their expiration.\nSablan said USCIS informed him that there were 2,800 applications backlogged at the processing center in California of which 800 were filed 90 days before expiration and 2,000 were filed later.\nThat was unacceptable to me and we are already seeing the negative effects of that backlog with businesses having to close or cut back hours, he said.\nSablan urged employers to go online and check the status of their applications. If these have been approved already, employers should print them out and keep copies until the originals come in by mail.\nHe said USCIS will continue to provide additional resources and the people assigned to review this process will continue to review the other petitions as they move forward  hopefully we can resolve this issue sooner rather than later.\nSablan said he also inquired about the status of his request for a 240-day grace period regulation.\nMr. Rodriguez doesnt have an immediate answer for me  they are again circling the wagons as they talk to lawyers. Because my request was for an emergency regulation, even if they were to approve it after the final publication in the Federal Register, it still needs 30 days to become effective. But I will continue to urge them to approve it, and I have a good feeling about getting that finalized sooner than later.\nI cant say when, but I can say that we will not have this kind of problem [again this year] orcome 2017, he added.\nSablan said he asked USCIS to include the CWs in their review of the processing for all kinds of visas.\n240 days is for certain H visas and other kinds of visas so we ask that they include the CW permits in the drafting of those regs.\nSablan said that his office has been working daily even during the holidays to make sure that USCIS put extra people to work on the processing of CW renewal applications and other measures that could help keep affected CNMI businesses open.\nHe said they have been in touch with USCIS officials every day since the backlog was revealed.\nI very much appreciate that Director Rodriguez called today to give me an update and give me his personal commitment that he is taking action and that we will see results today, Sablan said.\nHe plans to visit the USCIS office in California on Thursday to find out if there are more updates.\nHe wont be able to attend the memorial services that the CNMI government is preparing for the late Gov. Eloy S. Inos, as Sablan said he will be in the states to follow up on the 902 consultations with the White House that the late governor requested in October.\nSablan said Gov. Ralph Torres has asked him to deliver a letter to the White House.\nThe administration plans to discuss CW and military buildup issues during the 902 talks.\nThe end of the CW program in 2019 is still a very important issue, Sablan said. We have workers here that dont qualify for H visas and so CW is a catch-all. I dont want the employers to lose their CW employees because the CW slots are being filled by construction workers who should be hired through the H--B visa process instead.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-december-30-2015", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - December 30, 2015", "2016-01-05", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n__________________________________________________________________________\n Working together with the new Torres administration. \nOur new Governor, Ralph DLG Torres, led the response and recovery to Typhoon Soudelor; and the congressional office assisted by making sure that every federal resource he called for was provided fully and quickly. In a meeting with Governor Torres this week I pledged to continue that model of cooperation and partnership with his new administration for the benefit of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. I thanked the Governor, too, for leading us all through these days of grief with grace and courage.\n 2015 - The Year in Review.  \n2015 will be remembered in part as the year of Typhoon Soudelor. Complete recovery is still to be accomplished, but federal assistance helped local hands respond to the immediate emergency and will continue to aid in restoration of homes and public infrastructure. 2015 was also a year of significant accomplishment in Washington. January\n16% NAP benefit increase for Saipan takes effect- Food stamp beneficiaries on Saipan received a 16 percent increase in their benefits. The Saipan increase followed a 28 percent increase for Tinian and 62 percent for Rota and the Northern Islands that took effect in 2014.\nSeniority pays off in Committee assignment- Six years of seniority allowed the Northern Marianas Delegate to win promotion to Vice-Ranking Member for the Natural Resources Committee.  \n\t\nFebruary\nH.R. 851 aims to increase federal funding for PSS- As it became apparent that the Elementary and Secondary Education Act would finally be reauthorized, I introduced legislation to increase federal education funding for our Public School System  a move that paid off in December.  \n\t\nMarch\nPresidents budget includes funding for Rota National Park study- The study was only authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2014, but the President immediately proposed funding.  \n\t\nApril\nCommunity Health Centers, CHIP benefit from doc fix- The Kagman Community Health Center was assured of funding through 2017 in Public Law 114-10. The law also extended the CHIP program, which will provide $1.4 million for health insurance for children from low-income families in the Northern Marianas in 2016.  \n\t\nJune\nGeothermal explorations get green light- CUC got the go-ahead to use technical assistance funds provided by Congress to continue exploring geothermal potential on Saipan. Hot water deep below the surface could generate electricity and lower the cost of power.  \n\t\nJuly\nFoxx-Messer-Sablan Act would help students select college- Along with Education and the Workforce Committee members Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Luke Messer (R-IN), I introduced H.R. 3178 to help students and their families get the facts they need to make decisions about college. TheSablan.house.govwebsite also added resources for college-bound students.  \n\t\nAugust\nPresident signs disaster declaration, releasing federal aid- We worked with the White House to get a declarationwithin 30 hoursof the request from the CNMI and federal aid quickly followed:\n Home repair:$24.6 million in aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency reached 4,821 households.\n\tCommonwealth Health Center:The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped CUC quickly restore power to the hospital.\n\tDebris removal:U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit cleared debris from schools and roadways, making it easier to replace power poles.\n\tWater:Marines also set up a reverse osmosis purification system and gave out drinking water in villages around Saipan.\n\tReplacement food:The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved emergency food stamps helping over 12,000 households.\n\tBusiness recovery:The U.S. Small Business Administration loaned out $23 million to get business and individuals back on their feet.\n\tPostal services:The U.S. Post Office in Saipan resumed operations using generator power.\n\tImmigration services:The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services center on Saipan maintained regular hours. Customs and Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration kept their airport operations up and running.\n\tEnvironmental protection:Along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Coast Guard contained a dangerous spill of gasoline and helped remove damaged boats blocking the Saipan harbor. EPA also provided hazardous waste disposal around the island.\n Establishing NMI National Guard found feasible- The report I included in the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act was issued and found that it would be feasible to have a Northern Marianas National Guard unit. Soudelor underscored the need for the Governor to have this additional resource in times of emergency. I followed up with introduction ofH.R. 3649, creating an NMI Guard.  \n\t\nSeptember\nHis Holiness Pope Francis addressed a joint meeting of Congress- To maintain a proper decorum as the Pope entered, sixteen Members, including the representative of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, were selected to line the corridor.  \n\t\nOctober\nSaipan Troop Store project bids close- Contractors submitted proposals for the 5,000-square-foot expansion of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Troop Store located at the Army Reserve Center on Saipan. Bidding had been delayed to check for unexploded ordnance. The store serves about 4,000 active and reserve service members, retirees, and their families and needs a major overhaul.\nFirst year of stretched-out CW program- Last year, I was able to get the foreign worker program extended through 2019, instead of ending in 2014. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services set the cap on workers at 12,999 for 2016, but with four years now remaining the need to convert to U.S. workers remains pressing, if growth is to continue in our islands.  \n\t\nNovember\nCollege and Career workshops begin for NMI students- As part of the effort to beef up the local workforce, the congressional office began workshops for Northern Marianas high school students. We offered information on how to decide on college, in-demand jobs and options for vocational training, and opportunities for service in the military, AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps.\nThree academy slots added for NMI students- President Obama signed the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act into law, adding three new slots for Northern Mariana Islands students at the U.S. service academies. Now, we have gone from three slots, when I came into office in 2009, to nine positions set aside for NMI young people.  \n\t\nDecember\nHighway funds for NMI increased- Transit and safety programs worth $1.2 million annually to the Northern Marianas and an additional $8 million in highway construction funds for the NMI, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands are included in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Public Law 114-94.\nNew education law means millions for NMI schools- Millions of dollars in new funding for Northern Mariana Islands schools will result from the Every Student Succeeds Act, Public Law 114-95. The new law contains proposals from my bill,H.R. 851, to raise Title I-A grant funds going to U.S. insular areas. The Congressional Research Service projects Northern Marianas funding will go up from the current $6.8 million to $11.1 million each year, beginning next October.\nSoudelor commendations added to the Congressional Record- In a statement before Congress, I recognized and expressed appreciation to all who made possible the recovery from Typhoon Soudelor. The hard work of the local government, charitable organizations, businesses, and many friends near and far deserves this lasting recognition.\nConsolidated appropriations act aids the NMI- The fiscal 2016 funding and tax extension law, P.L. 114-113 contains numerous benefits for people and programs in the Northern Marianas:\n Rota and Tinian harbor projects get $600,000:The law includes my request to fund the Rota and Tinian harbor improvements. This is the first year of direct funding for the two projects, which will eventually cost about $3 million each.\n\tRota National Park study funded:The study was only authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2014, but funding is now available.\n\t$6 million for Clean Water/Safe Drinking Water:The improved formula for the NMI and other insular areas continues, bringing total funding over the last 7 years to approximately $51.6 million.\n\tPell Grants increased.The maximum grant will be $5,915, an increase of $140 in the 2016-2017 school year for NMC students.\n\tTeacher tax credit made permanent:Teachers may continue to deduct up to $250 in out-of-pocket costs.\n\tAmerican Opportunities Tax Credit made permanent:Families get a credit of up to $2,500 per college student per school year. Funds are covered over to the CNMI Treasury.\n\tChild Tax Credit made permanent:The credit is based on the number of children in a family. Funds are covered over to the CNMI Treasury.\n  USCIS assures action on pending CW petitions. \nThe U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has responded to my calls for action on delayed renewals of Commonwealth-only worker permits by moving CW applications submitted over 90 days ago for permits that expire this week to the front of the line for processing  about 800 in all. Extra staff have also been added to clear the backlog of CW applications. USCIS has told me that they expect to act on these 800 CW petitions by the end of this week. Another 2,000 applications that were not submitted before the recommended 90 days will also receive the extra staff attention I called for. I urge employers with applications that are more than 90 days old to contact the congressional office. I also recommend that employers submit applications for renewals as early as possible  they may do so up to 180 days prior to expiration.\n FEMA obligates $1.2 million for CUC Soudelor repairs.  \nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency announced this week a grant of $1,194,653.70 to the Northern Mariana Islands. The funds are intended to be passed through to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation for costs of restoring power on Saipan following Typhoon Soudelor. These public assistance funds are authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act and should continue to be obligated for a variety of public infrastructure that was damaged during the storm. FEMA provides 90 percent of funding; the Commonwealth provides 10 percent, a reduction of the usual 25 percent match.\n Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: \nGrants:\n National Arts and Humanities The Presidents Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, invites applications for the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards. Current closing date isFebruary 2, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/pcah/national-arts-and-humanities-youth-program-awards.\n Jobs:\n Immigration Services Assistant (Office Automation) The Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security is accepting applications for an Immigration Services Assistant in Guam. Incumbent will be supporting Immigration Services Officers, providing security checks in accordance with DHS/USCIS laws and policies; researching, collecting, correlating and analyzing data to ensure the integrity of information and preparation of report; providing direct service to customers and their representatives, and managing files, databases and correspondence. Position is open until January 4, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425257600.\n\tBiologist The Geological Survey, Department of the Interior is accepting applications for a Biologist in Guam. Incumbent will conduct fieldwork on brown tree snakes and other reptiles on Pacific Islands; perform quality assurance and control on data and transmitting results to project leaders; organize, coordinate, and lead brown tree snake projects; and conduct workshop, outreach materials and work with government, local authorities, and private citizens. Position is open until January 4, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424910300.\n\tIT Specialist (Data Management) The National Guard Unit, Department of the Army is accepting applications for an IT Specialist in Guam. Incumbent will develop and review the administration, implement policy for use of data, analyze database operations, determine equipment demands, and provide technical advice, among other duties. Position is open untilJanuary 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/423212900.\n\tClosed Microphone Reporter The Air Force Personnel Center, Department of the Air Force is accepting applications for a Closed Microphone Reporter. Incumbent will utilize a closed microphone or similar mechanical equipment, transcribe and assemble records of trail, performs actions necessary to prepare hearings, uses varied and advanced functions of word processing software. Position is open untilJanuary 12, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425124300.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK:\nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.\nNEXT WEEK:\nThe House floor schedule for next week has not been released.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-no-reason-be-alarmed-video-woman%E2%80%99s-threats-cops", "Kilili: No reason to be alarmed by video of womans threats to cops", "2016-01-04", "2016", "2016-01", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune- Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan has assured that, at this time, there is no reason to be alarmed by a video circulating on social media that captured a womans call warning Guam and Saipan police about an alleged group coming to kill the police force and take over families.\nSaipan Tribune tried yesterday to obtain comments from the Department of Public Safetys information office, but there was no reply as of press time.\nOn his Facebook account, Sablan said a video of a telephone call discussing threats against police officers in Guam and the CNMI has gone viral.\nSablan said federal authorities have informed his office that while they have not found this call to be credible, they are aware of the call and are looking into its origin.\nThe delegate was referring to the video of a womans call to a Guam police precinct that the Guam Police Department confirmed was received last New Years Eve and classified as terroristic conduct.\nThe caller first identified herself as Victoria Tudela, but later changed it to Stephanie Doris Cruz.\nTheyre American citizens trying to come on island to kill the police force and to take over our families. Im going to call the international police for the islands of the Marianas Islands. And I am going to notify the FBI here in the United States and let everybody know, the woman stated in the recording.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/2015-year-review", "2015 - The Year in Review", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2015 will be remembered in part as the year of Typhoon Soudelor. Complete recovery is still to be accomplished, but federal assistance helped local hands respond to the immediate emergency and will continue to aid in restoration of homes and public infrastructure. 2015 was also a year of significant accomplishment in Washington. January\n16% NAP benefit increase for Saipan takes effect - Food stamp beneficiaries on Saipan received a 16 percent increase in their benefits. The Saipan increase followed a 28 percent increase for Tinian and 62 percent for Rota and the Northern Islands that took effect in 2014.\nSeniority pays off in Committee assignment - Six years of seniority allowed the Northern Marianas Delegate to win promotion to Vice-Ranking Member for the Natural Resources Committee.\n  February\nH.R. 851 aims to increase federal funding for PSS - As it became apparent that the Elementary and Secondary Education Act would finally be reauthorized, I introduced legislation to increase federal education funding for our Public School System  a move that paid off in December.\n  March\nPresidents budget includes funding for Rota National Park study - The study was only authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2014, but the President immediately proposed funding.\n  April\nCommunity Health Centers, CHIP benefit from doc fix - The Kagman Community Health Center was assured of funding through 2017 in Public Law 114-10. The law also extended the CHIP program, which will provide $1.4 million for health insurance for children from low-income families in the Northern Marianas in 2016.\n  June\nGeothermal explorations get green light - CUC got the go-ahead to use technical assistance funds provided by Congress to continue exploring geothermal potential on Saipan. Hot water deep below the surface could generate electricity and lower the cost of power.\n  July\nFoxx-Messer-Sablan Act would help students select college - Along with Education and the Workforce Committee members Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Luke Messer (R-IN), I introduced H.R. 3178 to help students and their families get the facts they need to make decisions about college. The Sablan.house.gov website also added resources for college-bound students.\n  August\nPresident signs disaster declaration, releasing federal aid - We worked with the White House to get a declaration within 30 hours of the request from the CNMI and federal aid quickly followed:\n Home repair: $24.6 million in aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency reached 4,821 households.\n\tCommonwealth Health Center: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped CUC quickly restore power to the hospital.\n\tDebris removal: U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit cleared debris from schools and roadways, making it easier to replace power poles.\n\tWater: Marines also set up a reverse osmosis purification system and gave out drinking water in villages around Saipan.\n\tReplacement food: The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved emergency food stamps helping over 12,000 households.\n\tBusiness recovery: The U.S. Small Business Administration loaned out $23 million to get business and individuals back on their feet.\n\tPostal services: The U.S. Post Office in Saipan resumed operations using generator power.\n\tImmigration services: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services center on Saipan maintained regular hours. Customs and Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration kept their airport operations up and running.\n\tEnvironmental protection: Along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Coast Guard contained a dangerous spill of gasoline and helped remove damaged boats blocking the Saipan harbor. EPA also provided hazardous waste disposal around the island.\n Establishing NMI National Guard found feasible - The report I included in the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act was issued and found that it would be feasible to have a Northern Marianas National Guard unit. Soudelor underscored the need for the Governor to have this additional resource in times of emergency. I followed up with introduction of H.R. 3649, creating an NMI Guard.\n  September\nHis Holiness Pope Francis addressed a joint meeting of Congress - To maintain a proper decorum as the Pope entered, sixteen Members, including the representative of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, were selected to line the corridor.\n  October\nSaipan Troop Store project bids close - Contractors submitted proposals for the 5,000-square-foot expansion of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Troop Store located at the Army Reserve Center on Saipan. Bidding had been delayed to check for unexploded ordnance. The store serves about 4,000 active and reserve service members, retirees, and their families and needs a major overhaul.\nFirst year of stretched-out CW program - Last year, I was able to get the foreign worker program extended through 2019, instead of ending in 2014. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services set the cap on workers at 12,999 for 2016, but with four years now remaining the need to convert to U.S. workers remains pressing, if growth is to continue in our islands.\n  November\nCollege and Career workshops begin for NMI students - As part of the effort to beef up the local workforce, the congressional office began workshops for Northern Marianas high school students. We offered information on how to decide on college, in-demand jobs and options for vocational training, and opportunities for service in the military, AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps.\nThree academy slots added for NMI students - President Obama signed the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act into law, adding three new slots for Northern Mariana Islands students at the U.S. service academies. Now, we have gone from three slots, when I came into office in 2009, to nine positions set aside for NMI young people.\n  December\nHighway funds for NMI increased - Transit and safety programs worth $1.2 million annually to the Northern Marianas and an additional $8 million in highway construction funds for the NMI, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands are included in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Public Law 114-94.\nNew education law means millions for NMI schools - Millions of dollars in new funding for Northern Mariana Islands schools will result from the Every Student Succeeds Act, Public Law 114-95. The new law contains proposals from my bill, H.R. 851, to raise Title I-A grant funds going to U.S. insular areas. The Congressional Research Service projects Northern Marianas funding will go up from the current $6.8 million to $11.1 million each year, beginning next October.\nSoudelor commendations added to the Congressional Record - In a statement before Congress, I recognized and expressed appreciation to all who made possible the recovery from Typhoon Soudelor. The hard work of the local government, charitable organizations, businesses, and many friends near and far deserves this lasting recognition.\nConsolidated appropriations act aids the NMI - The fiscal 2016 funding and tax extension law, P.L. 114-113 contains numerous benefits for people and programs in the Northern Marianas:\n Rota and Tinian harbor projects get $600,000: The law includes my request to fund the Rota and Tinian harbor improvements. This is the first year of direct funding for the two projects, which will eventually cost about $3 million each.\n\tRota National Park study funded: The study was only authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2014, but funding is now available.\n\t$6 million for Clean Water/Safe Drinking Water: The improved formula for the NMI and other insular areas continues, bringing total funding over the last 7 years to approximately $51.6 million.\n\tPell Grants increased. The maximum grant will be $5,915, an increase of $140 in the 2016-2017 school year for NMC students.\n\tTeacher tax credit made permanent: Teachers may continue to deduct up to $250 in out-of-pocket costs.\n\tAmerican Opportunities Tax Credit made permanent: Families get a credit of up to $2,500 per college student per school year. Funds are covered over to the CNMI Treasury.\n\tChild Tax Credit made permanent: The credit is based on the number of children in a family. Funds are covered over to the CNMI Treasury.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/fema-obligates-12-million-cuc-soudelor-repairs", "FEMA obligates $1.2 million for CUC Soudelor repairs", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FEMA obligates $1.2 million for CUC Soudelor repairs                                           \n              Dec 30, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced this week a grant of $1,194,653.70 to the Northern Mariana Islands. The funds are intended to be passed through to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation for costs of restoring power on Saipan following Typhoon Soudelor.\nThese public assistance funds are authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act and should continue to be obligated for a variety of public infrastructure that was damaged during the storm. FEMA provides 90 percent of funding; the Commonwealth provides 10 percent, a reduction of the usual 25 percent match.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/uscis-assures-action-pending-cw-petitions", "USCIS assures action on pending CW petitions", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "USCIS assures action on pending CW petitions                                           \n              Dec 30, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has responded to my calls for action on delayed renewals of Commonwealth-only worker permits by moving CW applications submitted over 90 days ago for permits that expire this week to the front of the line for processing  about 800 in all. Extra staff have also been added to clear the backlog of CW applications. USCIS has told me that they expect to act on these 800 CW petitions by the end of this week.\nAnother 2,000 applications that were not submitted before the recommended 90 days will also receive the extra staff attention I called for.\nI urge employers with applications that are more than 90 days old to contact the congressional office. I also recommend that employers submit applications for renewals as early as possible  they may do so up to 180 days prior to expiration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/working-together-new-torres-administration", "Working together with the new Torres administration", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Working together with the new Torres administration                                            \n              Dec 31, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Our new Governor, Ralph DLG Torres, led the response and recovery to Typhoon Soudelor; and the congressional office assisted by making sure that every federal resource he called for was provided fully and quickly.\nIn a meeting with Governor Torres this week I pledged to continue that model of cooperation and partnership with his new administration for the benefit of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.\nI thanked the Governor, too, for leading us all through these days of grief with grace and courage.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-december-23-2015", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - December 23, 2015", "2015-12-28", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue: \n Bill introduced to pay for earned income tax credit in NMI. \nI have introduced legislation,H.R. 4309, that would use federal funds to cover the cost of the earned income tax credit in the Northern Mariana Islands and other U.S. insular areas. The EITC provides extra money to U.S. workers, who have low wage jobs, up to $6,000 annually. Here in the Northern Marianas, where incomes are half the national average, the EITC would put more money into peoples pockets and into our local economy. Unlike other forms of welfare that go to people without jobs, the EITC is only paid to those who are working. It rewards work. The EITC would apply in the same way as the Child Tax Credit that many families now receive. Taxpayers file for the credit on their CNMI tax return; and then the federal government gives the money to the CNMI to cover the cost. The Commonwealth tried to provide the EITC in the 1990s, but had to stop because the program was too expensive. Getting tax law changed is not easy to do in Congress. And what I am proposing costs money, so it is even more difficult. But our new Speaker, Paul Ryan, wants to reform the tax code  perhaps in the next Congress. My proposal starts the discussion and prepares us for the work that could get done in 2017 or 2018.\n New Marianas High School cafeteria approved. \nMarianas High School students will be getting a new cafeteria and kitchen valued at $1.4 million. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service approved use of 2015 Nutritional Assistance Grant funds for the project this week. The Public School System asked for approval in September. I registered support with FNS Administrator Audrey Rowe and have been working with the agency ever since to clear procedural hurdles. The present cafeteria, built in 1969, was designed to serve 450 students. The new cafeteria will be five times larger. This will allow the current enrollment of 1,604 students to all be served in two lunch periods of 30 minutes each. At the recommendation of FNS the new facility will also include a full kitchen, where students will be able to learn cooking and nutritional skills for their own benefit and as part of the MHS vocational curriculum. Federal NAG funds previously built cafeterias at San Vicente Elementary and Dandan Middle schools. Congratulations to PSS and all the MHS Dolphins.\n Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas  \nGrants:\n State Wildlife Grant Program The State Wildlife Grants Program provides grant funds for the development and implementation of programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished. Eligible activities include both planning and implementation. Closing date isSeptember 30, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280580.\n\tCancer Prevention and Control Programs The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will provide a continuation of funds intended for grantees previously awarded under DP12-1205 - Cancer Prevention and Control Programs for State, Territorial and Tribal Organizations. Closing date isFebruary 26, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280676.\n\tCommercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks The Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks grant program provides funding to advance technological capability and promote the deployment of intelligent transportation systems applications for commercial vehicle operations, including commercial motor vehicle, commercial driver, and carrier-specific information systems and networks. Current closing date isMarch 3, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280327.\n Jobs:\n Psychiatry/Mental Health APRN The Department Of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration is accepting applications for a Psychiatry/Mental Health APRN in Guam for the Guam Community Based Outpatient Clinic. Duties include using expert clinical judgment in the management of care to complex and specialized patient populations; and guiding staff in the implementation of nursing processes and evaluation of patient care outcomes. Position is open untilJanuary 29, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424769800.\n\tFish and Wildlife Biologist The Department of Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting applications for a Fish and Wildlife Biologist in Guam. As a Biologist (Endangered Species) with the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office incumbent will plan, conduct, and report on ecological investigations to determine the effects of land and water development projects on the fish, botanical, and wildlife resources, and make recommendations concerning these projects which may result in decisions to oppose or modify major land and water development plans. Position is open untilDecember 31, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/419227800.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK:\nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.\nIntroduced \n H.R.4309 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reimburse each possession of United States for the cost of the earned income tax credit\n Co-sponsorships\nNEXT WEEK:\nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/new-marianas-high-school-cafeteria-approved", "New Marianas High School cafeteria approved", "2015-12-24", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Marianas High School cafeteria approved                                           \n              Dec 23, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Marianas High School students will be getting a new cafeteria and kitchen valued at $1.4 million.\nThe U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service approved use of 2015 Nutritional Assistance Grant funds for the project this week. The Public School System asked for approval in September.\nI registered support with FNS Administrator Audrey Rowe and have been working with the agency ever since to clear procedural hurdles. The present cafeteria, built in 1969, was designed to serve 450 students. The new cafeteria will be five times larger. This will allow the current enrollment of 1,604 students to all be served in two lunch periods of 30 minutes each.\nAt the recommendation of FNS the new facility will also include a full kitchen, where students will be able to learn cooking and nutritional skills for their own benefit and as part of the MHS vocational curriculum. Federal NAG funds previously built cafeterias at San Vicente Elementary and Dandan Middle schools.\nCongratulations to PSS and all the MHS Dolphins.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/investors-told-hire-construction-workers-through-h2b-visa-process", "Investors told to hire construction workers through H2B visa process", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Camacho Kilili Sablan on Tuesday said new investors such as Honest Profit can hire temporary workers using the H-2B visa program if they want to proceed with construction projects.\nGuam hires foreign workers, including construction workers, through the H-visa process.\nRep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero earlier asked Sablan to look into the delay in the processing of Honest Profits petitions for CW workers. The investor wants to construct a new hotel in San Antonio.\nVariety learned from other employers that they, too, are still waiting for a response from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for CW petitions submitted in August.\nSablan said H-2B visas are for workers who are only needed for a specific project and a specific length of time. In the rest of the U.S. there is a limit on the number of H visas each year. But there is no limit here in the Marianas because of the language I put into .S.S Public Law 113-235 last December. That law allows for an unlimited number of H visa construction workers to work in the Marianas without using up any CW permits.\nHe said CW permits for construction workers are limited.\nThere are only 12,999 CW permits available this year. Those CW permits are too valuable to our existing businesses to use for temporary construction workers. CW permits are limited. We can have 12,999 in 2016 but by 2019 that number is supposed to go to zero, Sablan said.\nWe may need to stretch out that transition period further. I do not know yet. But I do know that with every year that goes by CW permits will become more and more valuable and should, in my opinion, only be used for workers we cannot get through any other means.\nSablan said Guerrero had not written to him or met with him to discuss the issue.\nBut I would explain the situation to him if he asks.\nSablan said there are other companies with CW permits for construction workers because the employers were able to justify their claims that no U.S. workers were available for those jobs.\nWhen an employer applies for a CW permit, they have to attest that no U.S. worker is available for the job and that they cannot use any other visa category.\nI would say that if anyone has evidence that people are making false attestations on their CW applications, they should give that evidence to USCIS or to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Sablan added.\nIn a separate interview, Guerrero said that he raised this concerns with Sablans staff and asked a staffer to relay them to the congressman.\nHe commended Sablan for responding to his appeal and added that he hopes the congressman, as a federal official, will also provide guidance to investors regarding federal labor and immigration rules.\nI am also asking him to address our issue with the foreign workers that new investors need. Its useless to continue inviting investors to the CNMI when there are not enough workers.We dont have enough manpower. All of us elected officials should be asking this question, Who do we work for? We work for the people of the CNMI. We need new investments so we can have more revenue to provide services, jobs and programs for our people. If we are working for the CNMI and its people and not just for ourselves then theres no reason for us to go wrong.\nActing Gov. Ralph Torres, in a separate interview said: The CW program is set to be phased out in 2019 by federal law. It is in our best interests to continue training our U.S. eligible workforce to make up the shortfall in labor and to seek out more appropriate visa classifications for jobs that are needed such as construction jobs. The new developments we have in sight will require a large construction workforce. And for those positions we cannot fill locally, the H-visa classification is an opportunity for project developers to bring in foreign construction workers in a manner consistent with our responsibility to transition from the CW program by 2019.\nTorres added, I encourage developers to pursue the available local workforce first then seek alternative visa classifications before considering the CW program. This issue and the need to create a lasting solution for our workforce needs are things I intend to work on further and incorporate into our 902 consultation talks [with the White House.]", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-proposes-federally-funded-earned-income-tax-credit-program-nmi", "Kilili proposes federally funded Earned Income Tax Credit program for NMI", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has introduced a measure that will provide federal funds for the CNMI Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC program.\nSablans H.R. 4309 will allow taxpayers in the Northern Marianas to receive a refundable tax credit if they have earned income in a given year.\nThe earned income tax credit is an important public policy because it rewards people for working, Sablan said in a media statement.\nEven if people have to work for low wages, which many people do in the Northern Marianas, it will still be worthwhile to get a job because there will be this extra supplemental income from the government, Sablan said.\nActing Gov. Ralph Torres on Tuesday praised Sablan for introducing the bill.\nI commend and appreciate Congressman Sablans efforts to extend a federal cover-over for the cost the CNMI would pay for the Earned Income Tax Credit. This is an important incentive for low-income residents. The EITC program is supposed to work in tandem with [other] programsto be a safety net for low-income families while supporting self-sufficiency through gainful employment, but the [EITC] has been unavailable in the CNMI.\nHe added, This is an issue we have brought up during the formation of the Governors Special Commission on Economic Opportunity. In order to build a stronger society we need all the resources we have at our disposal to encourage greater workforce participation rates among our people and provide them the tools they need to succeed. I thank Congressman Sablan for his efforts on this issue and will follow the progress of this legislation closely.\nSablan said the commonwealth tried to provide the EITC to its people in the 1990s but had to discontinue the program because it was too expensive for the CNMI government.\nGuam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have an EITC program in place and pay for it using local funds.\nSablans bill would cover the cost with federal funds.\nThis would work in the same way that families in the Northern Marianas are now getting the refundable child tax credit each year, he said.\nTaxpayers would file their return with the commonwealth government then the federal government would provide the money to cover the cost of the earned income tax credit. The commonwealth would make the payments to individual taxpayers.\nSablan said he modeled his legislation after two provisions in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which made federal funds available to the commonwealth government to cover the cost of the Making Work Pay tax credit and the American Opportunity tax credit for families with children in college.\nOne of the big wins in the tax extenders that was passed on Friday and signed by President Obama was making the American Opportunity tax credit permanent. The credit had been scheduled to phase out in 2017, but now families will continue to be able to claim a $2,500 tax credit each year for each of their eligible college students. That is worth $10,000 over the course of a four year undergraduate program.\nSablan said changes in the federal tax code can be difficult to achieve and H.R. 4309 could be costly, but he believes it is important to put the idea on the table for consideration.\nIn the event that we take up comprehensive tax reform legislation in the next several years, or some other legislative opportunity presents itself, I want to be ready, he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/many-cw-permits-expiring-dec-31-kilili-uscis-working-remedy-delay", "WITH MANY CW PERMITS EXPIRING ON DEC. 31- Kilili, USCIS working to remedy delay", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune- A 48-year-old wait staff at a restaurant is having sleepless nights as his CW-1 permit has yet to be adjudicated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service less than a month before his current permit expires on Dec. 31, 2015.\nSonny (not his real name) is one of probably hundreds of CW-1 permit holders who are on pins and needles waiting for USCIS decision on their renewal permits.\nUnder USCIS rules, a CW-1 permit holder should stop work immediately after his permit expires. But Sonny, who hails from the Philippines, said that stopping from work is not an option as the father of six has living expenses to meet.\nAre we just going to stop eating and using electricity? How about the rent in our apartment and payment of utilities? How are we going to pay for gas for our cars? Whos going to pay for all of that? And besides its Christmas and the New Year. I really hope USCIS approves my permit soon, he told Saipan Tribune.\nFor many businesses such as hotels, the idea of stopping as much as a third of their workforce from working on one of the busiest nights of the year, Dec. 31, is also not an option.\nAs of Dec. 1, 2015, USCIS has approved a total of 9,195 beneficiaries under the CW-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker program and denied 1,092.\nThe 9,195 counts against the 2015 cap of 12,999 set by the USCIS earlier in the year.\nDelegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) said he is aware of the anxiety not only on the part of CW-1 permit holders but their employers as well. He said a number of businesses have already approached him about the delay in the issuance of CW-1 renewal permits.\nThe congressional office continues to work with employers who come seeking our help with their CW visa petitions. I cannot name the companies or petitioners because when anyone comes to us for assistance, their case is treated with complete confidentiality, he told Saipan Tribune in an email.\nHe also confirmed what USCIS told Saipan Tribune about the current number of approved and denied CW-1 petitions. And I can report that there were 9,195 CW visa beneficiaries as of December 1, 2015.\nSablan said the high number of approvals would mean that USCIS has adjudicated majority of the CW-1 permit petitions.\nI cannot provide you with an answer to your general statement that a lot of CW workers have stopped working because while not all 9,195 are CW-1 visas, this number of beneficiaries of CW visas certainly reflects that most petitions are approved.\nSablan said he continues to push for solutions to help the CNMI, its businesses, and contract workers from the annual drama of looking at their permit deadlines in the calendar without the permit approvals in sight.\nI have also written to [Department of Homeland Security] Secretary [Jeh C.] Johnson urging his approval of the Proposed Rule, Enhancing Opportunities for H-1B1, CW-1, and E3 Nonimmigrants and EB-1 Immigrants, which would have provided a 240-day grace period for Departmental action on petitions reviews, he said.\nSablan had proposed to DHS to have CW-1 workers be allowed to continue working for up to 240 days or eight months while their CW permit renewal applications are being processed.\nSaipan Chamber of Commerce president Alex Sablan said the delay in the adjudication of CW-1 permits is unfortunate and that many Chamber members are worried about its impact on businesses once the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, 2015.\nOn his own, Sablan surmises that the reasons for the delay in the issuance of CW-1 renewals could be: USCIS waiting for the cap on CW-1 permits that now stand at 12,999; delay in the decision to extend the CW program after Dec. 31, 2014; and the jump in applications for CW permits because of new developers such as Best Sunshine International, Ltd., Honest Profit, and Alter City Group.\nSablan said one solution is to have businesses petition qualified workers for U.S. visa categories other than CW-1 or have companies that need temporary workers apply for temporary visa status.\nReyes Reyes, founding president of Marianas Advocates for Humanitarian Affairs Ltd., said he is calling not only on Sablan but the administration of Gov. Eloy S. Inos and the entire business community to find a solution to the impending crisis out-of-work contract workers will experience because of their expired CW-1 permits.\nSome have already stopped working. They dont want to name their companies because of fear that they would not be allowed to return to work once their permits are approved. Their concern is what will happen to their financial situation especially with the holidays approaching. Its almost Dec. 31 and they will be losing their status. Most of these workers I talked to also have U.S. citizen children, so the children will suffer.\nReyes said that local businesses would also stand to lose a lot with the absence of experience, skilled, and long-term foreign workers.\nWhat will happen to local businesses? They will be losing skilled workers as well as experienced CWs. Their operations will be paralyzed. Its a pity because the economy is growing while the workforce is decreasing.\nHe also requested USCIS to give some clarification on the whole situation and provide updates on why they are having delays in the processing of CW-1 permits.\nWere calling also on the USCIS. We understand the backlogs but at least give some positive words to all concerned employees and employers so it will not create panic, he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/fy16-funding-tax-extenders-approved", "FY16 funding, tax extenders approved", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FY16 funding, tax extenders approved                                            \n              Dec 20, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    On Friday, The House and Senate passed, and the President already signed, an appropriations and tax bill, providing $1.067 trillion in funding for the federal government for the rest of fiscal year 2016 and extending a variety of tax provisions. Highlights of funding and tax provisions that benefit the Northern Marianas include:\n $22.5 billion for Pell Grants, which is the same as the 2015 enacted level. When combined with mandatory funding, these discretionary funds will enable the maximum grant to increase to an estimated $5,915, an increase of $140 in the 2016-2017 school year for NMC students.\n\t$6.35 billion to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in FY16. The amount is lower than the FY15 enacted level due to decreases in program participation and is expected to provide full benefits to participants. WIC provides nutritional foods and services to nutritionally at-risk low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children in the Northern Marianas. The Northern Marianas WIC program received $5.4 million in FY15.\n\t$638 million for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, an increase from the FY 2015 enacted level. The Northern Marianas received $456,074 in FY 2014 to help address the health needs of mothers, infants and children, including children with special health care needs and their families.\n\tIncreases in funding for major housing programs: $19.63 billion for Section 8 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, an approximate increase of $324 million from the FY15 enacted level. Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance increases $890 to $10.62 billion. And the HOME Investment Partnership program is funded at $950 million, a $50 million increase from FY15.The Community Development Block Grant remains at the FY15 funding level of $3 billion.\n\tA total of $600,000 appropriated for the Army Corps of Engineer to conduct the feasibility studies for the Rota West Harbor and the Tinian Harbor. These studies will determine the changes needed to make the Rota harbor more accessible. The Tinian Harbor study will focus on ensuring the harbor can support increased military activity.\n\tMilitary personnel will receive a 1.3% pay raise beginning January 1.\n\tH.R. 2029 reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which Republicans allowed to expire on September 30, for three years. The LWCF is one of our countrys most successful outdoor recreation and conservation programs. Over the last 50 years, it has conserved national parks and forests, farms and ranches, fish and wildlife refuges, trails, and state and local parks.\n\tExtension of the $250 tax credit for teacher classroom expenses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/nmi-educators-apply-now-loc-summer-institutes", "NMI educators: Apply now for LOC Summer Institutes", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NMI educators: Apply now for LOC Summer Institutes                                           \n              Dec 20, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The application period for the Library of Congress 2016 Summer Teacher Institutes is now open, and educators from the Northern Marianas are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is February 29, 2016.\nThe highly acclaimed Summer Teacher Institutes provide educators with the tools and training to effectively utilize the Librarys rich collection of primary sources in the classroom. Educators will also be given the resources to share what they learn with their colleagues in their respective districts.\nFive weeklong institutes will be offered from June to July next year, including one institute focused on science, engineering, and technology. The week-long training is free, but participants are responsible for the costs of travel to Washington, DC, and room and board.\nTo learn more about the Summer Teacher Institutes, and to apply, visit: https://www.loc.gov/teachers/professionaldevelopment/teacherinstitute/.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/soudelor-commendations-added-congressional-record", "Soudelor commendations added to Congressional Record", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Soudelor commendations added to Congressional Record                                            \n              Dec 20, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n        \n            \n        \n      \n    \n    \n    In a statement to the U.S. House of Representatives last week, I gave an account of the damage we suffered in Typhoon Soudelor and the response that followed. And I gave thanks to all who made possible our remarkable rebound from adversity.\nMore than four months after one of the worst typhoons in memory, the initial recovery is substantially complete, and long-term rebuilding is well under way. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency transitioned its recovery operations back to the Region IX office in San Francisco this week. Assistance from FEMA and other federal agencies will continue; and when all is said and done, the Northern Marianas will have received an estimated $100 million in federal disaster aid to help us get back on our feet.\nBut it is the hard work and charity of so many individuals within our community and from outside who have really made our recovery possible. I cannot put a dollar value on that human effort; but I wanted to recognize and thank everyone and make a permanent memorial of their accomplishment in the official record of the U.S. Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-december-18-2015", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - December 18, 2015", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n_________________________________________________________________________\n Soudelor commendations added to Congressional Record. \nIn a statement to the U.S. House of Representativesthis week, I gave an account of the damage we suffered in Typhoon Soudelor and the response that followed. And I gave thanks to all who made possible our remarkable rebound from adversity. More than four months after one of the worst typhoons in memory, the initial recovery is substantially complete, and long-term rebuilding is well under way. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency transitioned its recovery operations back to the Region IX office in San Francisco this week. Assistance from FEMA and other federal agencies will continue; and when all is said and done, the Northern Marianas will have received an estimated $100 million in federal disaster aid to help us get back on our feet. But it is the hard work and charity of so many individuals within our community and from outside who have really made our recovery possible. I cannot put a dollar value on that human effort; but I wanted to recognize and thank everyone and make a permanent memorial of their accomplishment in the official record of the U.S. Congress.\n FY16 funding, tax extenders approved. \nThe House and Senate today passed, and the President already signed,an appropriations and tax bill, providing $1.067 trillion in funding for the federal government for the rest of fiscal year 2016 and extending a variety of tax provisions. Highlights of funding and tax provisions that benefit the Northern Marianas include:\n $22.5 billion for Pell Grants, which is the same as the 2015 enacted level. When combined with mandatory funding, these discretionary funds will enable the maximum grant to increase to an estimated $5,915, an increase of $140 in the 2016-2017 school year for NMC students.\n\t$6.35 billion to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in FY16. The amount is lower than the FY15 enacted level due to decreases in program participation and is expected to provide full benefits to participants. WIC provides nutritional foods and services to nutritionally at-risk low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children in the Northern Marianas. The Northern Marianas WIC program received $5.4 million in FY15.\n\t$638 million for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, an increase from the FY 2015 enacted level. The Northern Marianas received $456,074 in FY 2014 to help address the health needs of mothers, infants and children, including children with special health care needs and their families.\n\tIncreases in funding for major housing programs: $19.63 billion for Section 8 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, an approximate increase of $324 million from the FY15 enacted level. Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance increases $890 to $10.62 billion. And the HOME Investment Partnership program is funded at $950 million, a $50 million increase from FY15.The Community Development Block Grant remains at the FY15 funding level of $3 billion.\n\tA total of $600,000 appropriated for the Army Corps of Engineer to conduct the feasibility studies for the Rota West Harbor and the Tinian Harbor. These studies will determine the changes needed to make the Rota harbor more accessible. The Tinian Harbor study will focus on ensuring the harbor can support increased military activity.\n\tMilitary personnel will receive a 1.3% pay raise beginningJanuary 1.\n\tH.R. 2029 reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which Republicans allowed to expire onSeptember 30, for three years. The LWCF is one of our countrys most successful outdoor recreation and conservation programs. Over the last 50 years, it has conserved national parks and forests, farms and ranches, fish and wildlife refuges, trails, and state and local parks.\n\tExtension of the $250 tax credit for teacher classroom expenses.\n  NMI educators: Apply now for LOC Summer Institutes. \nThe application period for the Library of Congress 2016 Summer Teacher Institutes is now open, and educators from the Northern Marianas are encouraged to apply. The application deadline isFebruary 29, 2016. The highly acclaimed Summer Teacher Institutes provide educators with the tools and training to effectively utilize the Librarys rich collection of primary sources in the classroom. Educators will also be given the resources to share what they learn with their colleagues in their respective districts. Five weeklong institutes will be offered from June to July next year, including one institute focused on science, engineering, and technology. The week-long training is free, but participants are responsible for the costs of travel to Washington, DC, and room and board. To learn more about the Summer Teacher Institutes, and to apply, visit:https://www.loc.gov/teachers/professionaldevelopment/teacherinstitute/.\n Opprtunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas  \nGrants:\n 2020 Census Integrated Communications Contract The Census Bureau is planning to award a contract to design, plan, produce, implement, and assess an integrated communications program for the 2020 Census. The contractor will be responsible for providing services in multiple communications areas to build awareness and promote self-response for the 2020 Census. For more information and important dates, go tohttps://www.census.gov/about/business-opportunities/opportunities/vender-opps/2014-10-15-2020-comm.html.\n\tSparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries are a special funding opportunity within the IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. These small grants encourage libraries and archives to test and evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. Current closing date isFebruary 1, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280610.\n\tDrug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program The DFC Program was created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-20) and has two goals: 1. Establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies; as well as federal, state, local, and tribal governments to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth. 2. Reduce substance use among youth and, over time, reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse. Current closing date isMarch 18, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280572.\n Jobs:\n Safety and Occupational Health Specialist The US Naval Base, Naval Facilities Engineering Command is accepting applications for a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist in Guam. Incumbent will monitor base operation services, conduct periodic inspections, review written plans and methods of safety programs, and coordinate with program managers, among other duties. Position is open untilDecember 21, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424012500.\n\tClinical Nurse The Naval Hospital, Naval Medical Command, is accepting applications for a Clinical Nurse in Guam. Incumbent will initiate and retrieve reports of laboratory tests and examinations, prepare patients for surgery, provide education, assessment, teaching and care of wound for after surgery, and receive, assess, monitor and documents findings. Position is open untilDecember 22, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424004700.\n\tMaterials Handler The Defense Commissary Agency, Department of Defense is accepting applications for a Materials Handler in Guam. Incumbent will receive incoming property, equipment and subsistence items, prepare shipping and inventory documents, document and report overages, shortages and damaged items, and operate forklifts, pallet jacks to receive, or deliver merchandise, among other duties. Position is open untilDecember 28, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/423901300.\n\tPark Ranger The National Park Services, Department of the Interior is accepting applications for a Park Ranger in Guam. Incumbent will work in the park's visitor center and in the field providing a variety of formal interpretive programs including orientation talks, environmental education programs, conducted walks, demonstrations, and outreach programs, among other related duties. Position is open untilDecember 21, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/423751000.\n\tMedical Officer The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services is accepting applications for a Medical Officer in Guam. Incumbent will provide support, perform non-clinical duties involving evaluations, apply epidemiological principles, research findings, make substantive courses of action, and streamline public health processes and procedures, among other duties. Position is open untilMarch 15, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/420979600.\n\tWater Treatment Plant Operator The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Water Treatment Plant Operator in Guam. Incumbent will maintain waterworks system, record pressure gauge indicators, adjust water chemicals, ensure adequate supply of chlorine and other chemicals, monitor operation of plant equipment, and adhere to safety and security. Position is open untilDecember 21, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424363300.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program  \nTHIS WEEK:\nOn the floor \n H.R.2029 Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (Passed, 316-113 ) / Tax Extenders (Passed, 318-109)\n  H.R.3654 Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act (Passed, 423-0)\n  H.R.2820 Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Concurred in the Senate amendment, 421-0)\n  H.R.4246 National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act of 2015 (Passed, 419-1)\n  S.1090 Emergency Information Improvement Act of 2015 (Passed, 420-1)\n  H.R.3654 Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.2297 Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 (Concurred in the Senate amendments, 425-0)\n  H.R.3750 First Responders Passport Act of 2015 (Passed, 421-2)\n  H.R.3878 Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n NEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor \nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/feature-nmi-gets-100-million-federal-disaster-aid", "FEATURE: NMI gets $100 million in federal disaster aid", "2015-12-20", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety- The following is a statement made to the U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 15, 2015 and included in the U.S. Congressional Record.\nMISTER Speaker, on the night of August 2nd and through the early morning of August 3rd this year, Typhoon Soudelor lashed through the Northern Mariana Islands, causing widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, uprooting the lives of the people I represent here in Congress.\nToday, I want to reflect on that event, and on the exceptional grace and generosity that have made recovery possible. \nThe typhoons impact was especially grave on Saipan, the most populated island in the Northern Marianas. Soudelor rendered hundreds of families homeless overnight. It also decimated infrastructure  knocking out power and water systems, shutting down the ports, ravaging the college, schools and other public buildings.\nSurvival is a way of life in our islands. We are accustomed to bracing ourselves through tropical storms and picking ourselves up when skies clear. But the sheer ferocity of Typhoon Soudelor caught us all off-guard. Even the National Weather Service failed to foresee the force of this storm.\nThat there was no loss of life is testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of our people. And we are grateful to Providence for sparing us. \nAs long as we live, those of us who experienced Soudelor will not forget the wreckage we saw the morning after. Nor will we forget the hardship that followed, the long hours in line for food and fuel and other necessities, the days of physical suffering and distress, the weeks without power and running water.\nSoudelor tested our infrastructure, our government, and our capacity as a community to deal with disaster.\nNow, however, four months after the storm, I can report that conditions are greatly improved, since that long and terrifying night in August.\nElectricity is restored, and residents have daily water service. Streets have been cleaned in our villages and commercial districts. Students are in school. Businesses have reopened.\nWorkers are employed again. Families are putting their lives back together.\nThough there is still much to reconstruct and strengthen to be better prepared and more resilient than before, it is remarkable how far we have come on the road to recovery.\nSo, today, I want to thank all those who contributed to this successful response to adversity. There are so many individuals and organizations. It is not possible for me to know and name each and every one. Their collective efforts prove how much can be done, when people work together towards a common goal.\nFirst we thank the American people, who gave without hesitation to fellow citizens in need. When all is said and done, American taxpayers will have contributed an estimated 100 million dollars in federal disaster aid to feed those who had no food, shelter those who lost their homes, repair residences and replace lost property, reopen shops and return the economy to life, revive the power and water systems. In doing all this, they gave us the hope that we needed to work our way to recovery.\nWe thank President Barack Obama and Gov. Eloy Inos for their leadership in ensuring the prompt availability of resources to address the state of disaster in the Northern Marianas.\nWe thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency team, led by Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen De Blasio. FEMAs collaborative spirit set the tone for the response, working with other federal agencies and responders to aid the thousands of typhoon survivors.\nWe thank our U.S. service members, who mobilized quickly to produce and distribute drinking water, clear debris, clean up fuel spills, and transport critical supplies and equipment.\nWe thank our commonwealth emergency management crews, utility workers, police officers and firefighters, healthcare professionals, educators, and other local government employees, who answered the call to serve even as their own families were picking up the pieces of their shattered homes and lives.\nWe thank our local businesses, shuttered by the storm, who nevertheless rallied together to raise funds for the recovery effort.\nWe thank the legions of volunteers  of all ages, all religions and races, many survivors themselves  who came forward to share food, water, clothing, shelter, and comfort with their fellow human beings.\nAnd we thank our friends from throughout the Pacific region, and indeed throughout the world, for sending supplies, expertise, and equipment by air and by sea to help us back on our feet.\nToday, the marks of Typhoon Soudelor are still to be seen in homes and businesses yet to be repaired, debris yet to be removed. But beneath these physical scars, a new strength is arising.\nA new community-based working group known as CARE  the Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts  has emerged. The people in CARE  from all walks of life, private and public sector, formal and informal organizations  are committed to rebuilding our island home so that it is stronger and better than before. \nWith this newborn spirit of hope, cooperation and interdependence I am confident that we will succeed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/24-hour-water", "24-hour water", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety- NOW that 96 percent of Saipans population has access to 24-hour water and the work of the Water Task Force has been handed over to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, I would like to add my congratulations and thanks to everyone responsible. I join the Acting Governor in his praise of Mr. Pete Sasamoto and his Water Task Force colleagues for a job well done.\nAdditionally, I want to acknowledge the partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has been a guiding hand throughout this process. I understand that Saipan was the only major population area in the U.S. without 24-hour water; and Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld, Pacific Islands Program Manager John McCarroll, and the staff at EPAs Region IX office in San Francisco partnered with the congressional office and we made it our mission to fix that.\nAchieving 24-hour water would not have been possible without a substantial increase in funding beginning in 2009. As EPA reported in its review of Consolidated Grants program accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2014, the achievement of having the public water supply system provide 24 hour service to 95 percent of its population[is] a result of the increase in [State Revolving Fund] funding .\nBefore 2009 the Commonwealth was getting about $1 million annually from the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund grants that Congress provides. Beginning with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009 and in every fiscal year from 2010 to today, annual funding has always exceeded $6 million  a 619 percent increase over pre-2009 levels and a seven year total of $51.6 million.\nI made this increase a priority when I came to office in 2009 and have worked to keep the change in place in every annual appropriation since then. In fact, in the fiscal 2016 appropriation that we expect to see enacted this week there should be an additional $6.5 million, bringing the eight year total for the Northern Marianas to $58.1 million.\nWithout this increased funding from Congress, most households on Saipan would still lack 24-hour water. Or CUC ratepayers would have had to cover those millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades in their water and sewer bills  an additional $40 per month for the average customer.\nThere are a lot of numbers in this letter, so I have included a graph to show how much funding has improved since 2009.\nRegards,\nGREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN  Member, U.S. Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/5-day-spending-bill-keeps-government-open", "5-day spending bill keeps government open", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "5-day spending bill keeps government open                                            \n              Dec 15, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The House passed a short-term appropriation bill last Friday and sent it to the President for signature into law.\nH.R. 2250 will keep the lights on in the federal government until midnight on December 16. Without enactment of H.R. 2250 funding would have ended that Friday.\nThe President is expected to sign the bill, so critical federally-funded programs in the Northern Marianas will continue for now. Legislation providing funding for the rest of fiscal year 2016 is expected to be introduced on Monday.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/new-education-law-means-millions-nmi-schools", "New education law means millions for NMI schools", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Millions of dollars in new funding for Northern Mariana Islands schools will result from the Every Student Succeeds Act, signed by President Obama on Thursday, December 12, 2015. The new law reforms education policy nationwide, but also contains proposals from my bill, H.R. 851, that apply specifically to the U.S. insular areas. Section 1014 of the law raises the set-aside of Title I-A grant funds going to the islands.\nThe Congressional Research Service projects Northern Marianas funding will go up from the current $6.8 million to $11.1 million, beginning next October. Increasing school funding was a top goal when I came to office in 2009. Our annual Title I-A grant then was just $3.6 million, so funding will have tripled by 2017.\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act also makes the Northern Marianas eligible for Preschool Development and Education Innovation and Research grants, two competitive programs now open only to states.\nThanks to Committee Chairman John Kline (R-Minnesota) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) for helping me get changes I proposed into the new law. And thanks to Congresswoman Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa) for working with me in a bipartisan fashion to make sure our island youth have the education they will need to succeed in life and to contribute to the prosperity of our communities 10, 20, 30 years into the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/500000-cnmi-coral-reef-conservation", "$500,000 for CNMI Coral Reef Conservation", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$500,000 for CNMI Coral Reef Conservation                                            \n              Dec 13, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Commonwealth government was awarded $500,000 for its Coral Reef Conservation program this week. Congress provides the funding to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help with protecting coral reefs against the harmful impacts of global warming, ocean acidification, degradation of water quality, and other changes in the marine environment. The grant to the Northern Marianas was part of a total of $8.5 million announced. The Commonwealth will also benefit from grants to the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council and the Nature Conservancy. See the complete list of awards here. Congratulations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/rhodes-scholarships-open-insular-university-students", "Rhodes scholarships open to insular university students", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rhodes scholarships open to insular university students                                            \n              Dec 13, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The prestigious Rhodes Scholarship is now open to scholars attending university in U.S. insular areas. Thanks to the efforts of Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D) this opportunity, previously offered only to students at universities in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, is now available to students throughout the U.S. The Rhodes Scholarship is awarded for graduate study at the University of Oxford in England. Thirty-two U.S. students between the ages of 18 and 24 are selected each year. The scholarship covers all university fees, a personal stipend, and airfare to and from Oxford. For more information, go tohttps://www.rhodesscholar.org/.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-every-student-succeeds-act-bring-millions-dollars-more-nmi-schools", "Kilili: Every Student Succeeds Act to bring millions of dollars more to NMI schools", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety  As a result of the Every Student Succeeds Act, public education in the Northern Mariana Islands is about to get a major boost, U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan announced Thursday.\nOverall, the new law will increase Title I-A funding to the insular areas by 30 percent. The Northern Marianas, however, is expected to receive a 60 percent increase over its current funding. That will bring a total of $11.1 million to the Public School System in 2017. Further increases should continue through 2020.\nPresident Obama has indicated he will sign the Every Student Succeeds Act into law on Thursday.\nPublic school officials have told me they will use this new money to hire more teachers and reduce student-teacher ratios in our schools, Congressman Sablan said. And we know from educational research that lower student-teacher ratios improve student performance.\nI remain convinced that education is key to the success of our people and our economy now, and 10, 20, 30 years into the future.\nSablan has been working to strengthen education funding to the Northern Marianas since he first came into office in 2009. At that time, PSS was receiving just $3.6 million in Title I-A funds. The $11.1 million that PSS can now expect in 2017 represents a 208 percent increase.\nI am particularly grateful because this is the only change in the Title I-A funding formula that was included in the entire bill. This is one of the most difficult changes in law that I have worked on for the Northern Mariana Islands, said Sablan.\nIt would not have been possible without the understanding and support of Chairman John Kline and Ranking Member Bobby Scott of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. I also owe special thanks to Ranking Member Marcia Fudge of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.\nEarlier this year, Sablan introduced H.R. 851, which separated Title I-A funding for the insular areas and Bureau of Indian Education schools, and increased funds for both. Sablans proposals were incorporated in the Every Student Succeeds Act.\nTitle I-A helps low-income communities like the Northern Mariana Islands by providing special federal funding for their school systems. It is the nations largest federal aid program for K-12 public education.\nThe new law also makes the Northern Marianas eligible to compete for Preschool Development Grants and Education Innovation and Research Grants, which were previously open only to states.\nThe additional funding for the Northern Marianas and the other insular areas is contingent on the passage of 2017 appropriations that increase Title I-A funding overall to ensure that the states do not lose funding. Sufficient appropriations to support the increase are projected for 2017.\nEvery Student Succeeds is not the first increase for education during Sablans term in office. He also worked with the Department of Education to make adjustments in funding based on the 2010 Census, which showed a 55 percent rise in children living in poverty in the Northern Marianas since 2000. Funding did go up for NMI schools, from $3.6 million in 2009, to $4 million in 2012, and to $6.6 million in 2015.\nSablan says he is now looking forward to working with the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the coming year on legislation to enhance higher education.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/air-force-divert-comments-due-december-15", "Air Force Divert comments due by December 15", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Air Force Divert comments due by December 15                                           \n              Dec 7, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The public review period for the U.S. Air Force Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for proposed divert airfield activities remains open until December 15.\nThe purpose of the divert airfield is to give the Air Force backup capacity in the Marianas region in the event planes cannot use Andersen Air Force Base on Guam because of a natural disaster or military attack.\nThe revised draft EIS, now open for comment, includes a Saipan-only, a Tinian-only, and a hybrid alternative that divides activities between the two islands. The original deadline of December 1 was extended by the Air Force at the request of Acting Governor Ralph Torres because of the disruption caused by Typhoon Soudelor.\nThe revised draft EIS is available at https://www.pacafdivertmarianaseis.com/docs.html. Comments can be submitted at https://pacafdivertmarianaseis.com/comment-form.html.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/congress-passes-5-year-highway-bill-increases-nmi-funding", "Congress passes 5-year highway bill, increases NMI funding", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Transit and safety programs worth $1.2 million annually and an additional $1 million in highway construction funds for the Northern Mariana Islands over the next five years are part of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, passed by both the House and Senate on Thursday, December 3, 2015.\nThe five-year, $305 billion surface transportation reauthorization bill retained a provision, Section 1115, to increase annual funding for the Territorial Highway Program from $40 to $42 million, which the Northern Mariana Islands shares with American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The $2 million increase in annual THP funds was contained in the House reauthorization bill, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act, but not the Senate bill, the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act.\nI am thankful that conferees decided that funding increases, though relatively small, should apply to all areas of our country and not just the states. The measure now heads to the White House, and President Obama is expected to sign shortly.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/house-passed-education-bill-boost-funds-nmi-schools", "House-passed education bill to boost funds for NMI schools", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House-passed education bill to boost funds for NMI schools                                           \n              Dec 7, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    A major increase in federal education funding for our schools is one step closer to becoming law. The House passed the Every Student Succeeds Act last Wednesday and the Senate is expected to do the same this week.\nThe bipartisan bill, S. 1177, includes a provision I have been working on intensely all year that increases Title I funding for the Northern Mariana Islands and other insular areas. Title I assists areas with a high percentage of students from low-income families. My provision is designed to give the insular areas about 30 percent more funding than we have been receiving.\nFor the Northern Marianas, the Congressional Research Service estimates Title I to increase to $11.1 million in 2017, up by $4.3 million from the 2016 funding of $6.7 million. The change is contingent upon overall Title I funding increasing so that states, as a whole, do not lose funding because of the change for insular areas. But appropriations for education are expected to rise in 2017.\nEvery Student Succeeds also makes the NMI eligible to compete for Preschool Development Grants and Education Innovation and Research Grants, two competitive grant programs previously open only to states. The President has signaled he will sign the bill into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/typhoon-soudelor-update-week-18", "Typhoon Soudelor Update - Week 18", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As our community continues to heal from Typhoon Soudelor, FEMA and SBA made some important announcements this week.\nThe SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) has relocated to the Juan A. Sablan Memorial Building, Office of the Governor on Isa Drive in Capitol Hill, Saipan. The DLOC hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.  4:30 p.m. Additionally, FEMA is winding down recovery operations on Saipan and closing the Joint Field Office on December 18, 2015. Approximately 20 personnel will remain until that time to coordinate the transition with the Commonwealth government and various volunteer agencies. Your congressional office will continue to work with residents requiring assistance with respect to FEMA issues.\nAs of December 4, FEMA has granted more than $24 million in assistance to individuals and households and obligated nearly $5 million for public assistance. As of November 30, SBA has approved 361 home loans totaling approximately $13 million, and 104 business loans totaling more than $10 million.\nFHWA announces $609,000 in highway repair funding. The Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation has awarded the CNMI Department of Public Works $609,063 in Emergency Relief program grant funds. Emergency Relief funds may be issued for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways that are seriously impacted by natural disaster. Typhoon Soudelor caused widespread damage to traffic signal heads, poles, signs and guardrail across the island. Program funds will be used to help make permanent repairs necessary to restore highways to pre-disaster conditions. Congratulations to DPW.\nVolunteer debris cleanup in Kagman last Saturday. The Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts, or C.A.R.E., and United 4 Saipan continued their community cleanup efforts last Saturday, December 5 in Kagman from 8:30am - 12:00pm. Volunteers assistted in sorting storm debris that was then collected and disposed of by the CNMI Department of Public Works and the Saipan Mayors office. To help with the project, volunteers were asked to meet at Kagman High School at 8:30am. They will be assigned to a team leader who will direct cleanup activities at pre-identified sites. For more information on future cleanups, contact C.A.R.E. at (670) 783-7790 or visit www.cnmicare.com.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/new-aafes-troop-store", "New AAFES Troop Store", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New AAFES Troop Store                                            \n              Dec 7, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    \nAbout 4,000 service members and families in the Northern Marianas can look forward to a new, improved Army & Air Force Exchange Troop Store on Saipan.\nThe AAFES is expected to announce the winning bidder shortly. Construction of the 5,000-square-foot facility will take about one year. I have been working on expanding the store since my first days in Congress.\nA feasibility study in the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act was an early milestone. But the possibility of unexploded ordnance on the site has caused delays. Now the project is really moving forward.\n(Image credit: Building elevations drawing for the AAFES troop store, developed by EMCE Consulting Engineers and Architects Pacific, Inc. Additional plans and drawings are available here.)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-december-07-2015", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - December 04, 2015", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House-passed education bill to boost funds for NMI schools\n\tCongress passes 5-year highway bill, increases NMI funding \n\tAir Force Divert comments due by December 15\n\tTyphoon Soudelor Update - Week 18\n\tOPPORTUNITIES - Federal contracts, grants, jobs for/in the Marianas\n\tHighlights in the Legislative Program \n \n House-passed education bill to boost funds for NMI schools. \nA major increase in federal education funding for our schools is one step closer to becoming law. The House passed theEvery Student Succeeds Acton Wednesdayand the Senate is expected to do the same next week. The bipartisan bill, S. 1177, includes a provision I have been working on intensely all year that increases Title I funding for the Northern Mariana Islands and other insular areas. Title I assists areas with a high percentage of students from low-income families. My provision is designed to give the insular areas about 30 percent more funding than we have been receiving. For the Northern Marianas, the Congressional Research Service estimates Title I to increase to $11.1 million in 2017, up by $4.3 million from the 2016 funding of $6.7 million. The change is contingent upon overall Title I funding increasing so that states, as a whole, do not lose funding because of the change for insular areas. But appropriations for education are expected to rise in 2017. Every Student Succeeds also makes the NMI eligible to compete for Preschool Development Grants and Education Innovation and Research Grants, two competitive grant programs previously open only to states. The President has signaled he will sign the bill into law.\n Congress passes 5-year highway bill, increases NMI funding. \nTransit and safety programs worth $1.2 million annually and an additional $1 million in highway construction funds for the Northern Mariana Islands over the next five years are part of theFixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, passed by both the House and Senateon Thursday. The five-year, $305 billion surface transportation reauthorization bill retained a provision, Section 1115, to increase annual funding for theTerritorial Highway Programfrom $40 to $42 million, which the Northern Mariana Islands shares with American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The $2 million increase in annual THP funds was contained in the House reauthorization bill, theSurface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act, but not the Senate bill, theDeveloping a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act. I am thankful that conferees decided that funding increases, though relatively small, should apply to all areas of our country and not just the states. The measure now heads to the White House, and President Obama is expected to sign shortly.\n Air Force Divert comments due by December 15. \nThe public review period for the U.S. Air Force Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for proposed divert airfield activities remains open untilDecember 15. The purpose of the divert airfield is to give the Air Force backup capacity in the Marianas region in the event planes cannot use Andersen Air Force Base on Guam because of a natural disaster or military attack. The revised draft EIS, now open for comment, includes a Saipan-only, a Tinian-only, and a hybrid alternative that divides activities between the two islands. The original deadline of December 1 was extended by the Air Force at the request ofActing Governor Ralph Torresbecause of the disruption caused by Typhoon Soudelor. The revised draft EIS is available athttps://www.pacafdivertmarianaseis.com/docs.html. Comments can be submitted athttps://pacafdivertmarianaseis.com/comment-form.html.\n Typhoon Soudelor Update - Week 18: \nAs our community continues to heal from Typhoon Soudelor, FEMA and SBA made some important announcements this week. The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) has relocated to the Juan A. Sablan Memorial Building, Office of the Governor on Isa Drive in Capitol Hill, Saipan. The DLOC hours areMondaythrough Friday,8 a.m.  4:30 p.m.Additionally, FEMA is winding down recovery operations on Saipan and closing the Joint Field Office on December 18, 2015. Approximately 20 personnel will remain until that time to coordinate the transition with the Commonwealth government and various volunteer agencies. Your congressional office will continue to work with residents requiring assistance with respect to FEMA issues.\nAs of December 4, FEMA has granted more than $24 million in assistance to individuals and households and obligated nearly $5 million for public assistance. As of November 30, SBA has approved 361 home loans totaling approximately $13 million, and 104 business loans totaling more than $10 million.\nFHWA announces $609,000 in highway repair funding. The Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation has awarded the CNMI Department of Public Works $609,063 in Emergency Relief program grant funds. Emergency Relief funds may be issued for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways that are seriously impacted by natural disaster. Typhoon Soudelor caused widespread damage to traffic signal heads, poles, signs and guardrail across the island. Program funds will be used to help make permanent repairs necessary to restore highways to pre-disaster conditions. Congratulations to DPW.\nVolunteer debris cleanup in Kagman on Saturday. The Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts, or C.A.R.E., and United 4 Saipan will continue their community cleanup efforts this Saturday, December 5 in Kagman from8:30am - 12:00pm. Volunteers will assist in sorting storm debris that will then be collected and disposed of by the CNMI Department of Public Works and the Saipan Mayors office. To help with the project, volunteers are asked to meet at Kagman High School at 8:30am. They will be assigned to a team leader who will direct cleanup activities at pre-identified sites. For more information, contact C.A.R.E. at (670) 783-7790 or visitwww.cnmicare.com.\n OPPORTUNITIES - Federal contracts, grants, jobs for/in the Marianas: \nGrants: \n FY 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Grants- The AFG program provides financial assistance to help fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Service organizations and State Fire Training Academies for critically needed resources to protect the public, to train emergency personnel, and to foster interoperability and support community resilience. Current closing date isJanuary 15, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280249.\n\tNational Fish Passage Program- The National Fish Passage Program is a voluntary program that provides direct technical assistance and financial assistance in the form of cooperative agreements to partners to provide fish (and other aquatic organisms) passage and restore aquatic connectivity for the benefit of federal trust resources. Current closing date isSeptember 1, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280260.\n\tR1 Endangered Species Sec 6 Traditional- Funds in the amount of $300,000 are available to implement conservation projects for state-listed, candidate, federally listed, and recently recovered species. This grant program was established by the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Current closing date isMarch 9, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280253.\n\tRyan White HIV/AIDS Program Part D Grants- The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to assist currently funded RWHAP Part D WICY recipients in their efforts to strengthen their organizational interventions to improve health outcomes along the HIV care continuum. Current closing date isFebruary 1, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280269.\n\tDigital Humanities Implementation Grants- The Digital Humanities Implementation Grants program awards substantial grants to support the implementation of experimental projects that have successfully completed a start-up phase and demonstrated their value to the humanities. The program can support innovative digital humanities projects that address multiple audiences, including scholars, teachers, librarians, and the public. Current closing date isFebruary 17, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280266.\n\tNational Child Traumatic Stress Initiative- The purpose of this program is to provide and increase access to effective trauma-focused treatment and services systems in communities for children, adolescents, and their families who experience traumatic events throughout the nation. Current closing date isFebruary 4, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280297.\n Jobs:\n Clinical Nurse (Mother Baby Unit)- The Department of the Navy, Naval Medical Command is accepting applications for a Clinical Nurse in Guam. Incumbent will observe and report changes in patient conditions, document patient care, prepare patients for delivery, help with recovery, and evaluate and provide professional, comprehensive nursing care. Position is open untilDecember 7, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/422702300. \n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK:\nOn the floor\n S.611 Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3490 Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3279 Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.1755 To amend title 26, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the congressional charter of the Disabled American Veterans (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.1541 Preservation Research at Institutions Serving Minorities Act or the PRISM Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.22 Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (Conference report agreed to in House, 359-65)\n  S.1177 To reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that every child achieves (Conference report agreed to in House, 659-64)\n NEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor\n S.614 Federal Improper Payments Coordination Act\n  H.R.2241 Global Health Innovation Act of 2015\n  Concur in the Senate Amendment toH.R.2297 Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015\n  Possible Consideration of the Conference Report to AccompanyH.R.644 Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015\n  Possible Consideration of Legislation to Extend Certain Provisions of the Tax Code\n  Possible Consideration of a Consolidated Appropriations Act\n  Possible Consideration of the Senate Amendment toH.R. 3762- Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 \n Committee Hearings \nDecember 7\n Committee on Natural Resources Oversight Field Hearing on Restoring Atlantic Fisheries and Protecting the Regional Seafood Economy\n December 8\n Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Legislative Hearing (Part II) on H.R. 3764, Tribal Recognition Act of 2015\n December 9\n Committee on Natural Resources Oversight Hearing on the Department of the Interiors role in the EPAs Animas Spill", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-november-25-2015", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - November 25, 2015", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - November 25, 2015                                           \n              Nov 29, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    In this issue: \n BREAKING NEWS: Three new academy slots now available. \nPresident Obama signed the2016 National Defense Authorization Actinto law this afternoon, adding three new slots for Northern Mariana Islands students at the U.S. service academies. Section 556 of the new law increases academy positions for NMI students by one each at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. This is the second time openings for the Northern Marianas have been increased. I included language in the2010 Defense Authorization (527)doubling the total slots at the time from three to six. All but one of those are currently filled, a testament to the high caliber of applicants from our islands. With the Presidents action, we now have nine positions set aside for the Northern Marianas with four openings available now for applicants in this years admissions cycle. For information about applying for a congressional nomination to a service academy, visit the congressional website athttps://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/academy-nominationsor contact yourlocal congressional office. The deadline to apply for my nomination isFriday, December 11, 2015.\nErratum:In last week's e-newsletter, we mistakenly identified the school mascot of the Tinian Elementary School as the Stallion. The Colt is the mascot of Tinian Elementary School, while the Stallion is the mascot of the Tinian Junior Senior High School. Our apologies for the error.\n OPPORTUNITIES: Federal contracts, grants, jobs for/in the Marianas: \nGrants: \n 2016 Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program- The National Marine Fisheries Service is soliciting competitive applications for the 2016 Pacific Islands Region Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program. Projects are being solicited to improve communication, education, and training on marine resource issues throughout the region and increase scientific education for marine-related professions among coastal community residents, including indigenous Pacific islanders, Native Hawaiians and other underrepresented groups in the region. Current closing date isFebruary 3, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=279985.\n\tTechnical Assistance to Brownfields Communities- The EPAs Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization is soliciting proposals from eligible entities to provide technical assistance to assist communities facing brownfields challenges. Grants awarded under the Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communities announcement will help communities tackle the challenge of assessing, cleaning up and preparing brownfields sites for development, especially underserved/rural/small and otherwise distressed communities. The technical assistance provided through this grant will cover technical support on various brownfields subject areas. Current closing date isDecember 21, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=279966.\n\tEmergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Regionalization of Care- The goal of the EMSC Program is to reduce child and youth mortality and morbidity caused by severe illness or trauma. The EMSC Program intends to enhance the pediatric capabilities of EMS systems originally designed primarily for adults. EMS for Children broadly means a continuum of care that includes the following components: prevention, pre-hospital care, hospital-based emergency care, and rehabilitation and reentry of the child from the emergency care environment into the community. The overall purpose of this grant program is to reduce pediatric morbidity and mortality by developing regionalized systems of care thus increasing access to pediatric specialists for children in rural, territorial, insular and/or tribal communities. Current closing date isJanuary 20, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280007.\n\tScreening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Health Professions Student Training (SBIRT- Student Training)- The purpose of this program is to develop and implement training programs to teach students in health professions (physician assistants, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, counselors, and medical students and residents) the skills necessary to provide evidence-based screening and brief intervention and refer patients who are at risk for a substance use disorder (SUD) to appropriate treatment. Additionally, the training will develop the leadership skills needed in order to champion the implementation of SBIRT throughout the United States healthcare system with the ultimate goal of helping clients avoid substance use disorders. Current closing date isJanuary 4, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=279965.\n Jobs:\n Principal- The Defense Education Activity, Department of the Defense is accepting applications for a Principal in Guam. Incumbent will monitor the delivery and evaluation of the education program and manages the facilities, personnel matters, and budget, and logistical support for a school. Position is open untilDecember 31, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/401432700.\n\tAssistant Principal- The Defense Education Activity, Department of Defense is accepting applications for an Assistant Principal in Guam. Incumbent will monitor the delivery and evaluation of the education program and manages the facilities, personnel matters, and budget, and logistical support for a school. Position is open untilDecember 31, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/401433000.\n  Highlights in the Legislative Program  \nTHIS WEEK:\nOn the floor\nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.\nCo-sponsorships\n H.Res.523 Supporting the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month\n NEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor \n S.611 Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act\n  H.R.3490 Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act\n  H.R.3279 Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act\n  H.R.1755 To amend title 26, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the congressional charter of the Disabled American Veterans\n  H.R.1541 Preservation Research at Institutions Serving Minorities Act or the PRISM Act\n  Possible Consideration of the Conference Report to AccompanyH.R.22 Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015\n  Possible Consideration of the Conference Report to AccompanyH.R.5 Student Success Act\n Committee Hearings \nDecember 2\n Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Hearing on Principles for Ensuring Retirement Advice Serves the Best Interests of Working Families and Retirees", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/three-new-academy-slots-now-available", "Three new academy slots now available", "2015-11-29", "2015", "2015-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Obama has signed the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act into law, adding three new slots for Northern Mariana Islands students at the U.S. service academies.\nSection 556 of the new law increases academy positions for NMI students by one each at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. This is the second time we have been able to increase the openings for the Northern Marianas.\nI first included language in the 2010 Defense Authorization (Section 527) doubling the total slots at the time from three to six. All but one of those are currently filled, a testament to the high caliber of applicants from our islands.\nNow, with enactment of the 2016 Defense Authorization, we have nine positions set aside for the Northern Marianas; and four of those are immediately available for applicants in this years admissions cycle.\nFor information about applying for a congressional nomination to a service academy, visit the congressional website at https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/academy-nominations or contact your local congressional office. The deadline to apply for my nomination is Friday, December 11, 2015.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-november-20-2015-1", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - November 20, 2015", "2015-11-25", "2015", "2015-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n High school students invited to Service Academy Workshop. \nHigh school students interested in applying to a U.S. service academy are invited to attend a workshop hosted by the congressional office onWednesday, November 25, 10am - 11am at the Napu Room, Pacific Islands Club on Saipan. A congressional nomination is the first step in applying for the service academies, and by law I am able to nominate up to ten students per available slot for the Northern Marianas. There are currently two slots available for Northern Marianas students for the 2016-2017 school year  one each at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Additional slots may soon open up for NMI students at the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the Military Academy in West Point, New York, if theNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016that was sent to President Obamas desk this week becomes law. For more information about the Service Academy Workshop, contact the congressional office at(670) 323-2647or email kilili@mail.house.gov. To learn more about requesting a congressional nomination to the service academies, visit https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/academy-nominations. Applications are dueDecember 11, 2015.\n Typhoon Soudelor Update - Week 16: \nSBA Relocates Disaster Office to Capital Hill.\nThe Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center relocates to the Juan A. Sablan Memorial Building, Office of the Governor, on Capitol Hill as of Monday, November 23. The Center, which has processed and approved $22.1 million in federal disaster loans to businesses, nonprofits, and individual residents, has been located at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe since Typhoon Soudelor. Although the deadline to apply for property damage loans has expired, businesses and private nonprofit organizations may still apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to provide working capital. The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open8 a.m. 4:30 p.m., Monday  Friday. No appointments are necessary.\n Opportunities - Federal contracts, grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: \nGrants:\n Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment- These cooperative agreements will support outreach strategies and grantee participation in key outreach initiatives coordinated by the Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign. The Campaign provides a full range of outreach and enrollment materials including customizable posters and flyers, as well as radio and TV public service announcements, videos featuring successful outreach strategies and outreach strategy guides that suggest effective ways to use the materials produced by the Campaign. Current closing date isJanuary 20, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280091.\n\tTech Hire Partnership Grants- This grant program is designed to equip individuals with the skills they need through innovative approaches that can rapidly train workers for and connect them to well-paying, middle- and high-skilled, and high-growth jobs across a diversity of H-1B industries such as Information Technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and broadband. Projects funded by this grant program will help participants begin careers in H-1B occupations and industries which are in-demand and/or high growth in the area applicants are proposing to serve. On a limited basis, this grant program will also enable applicants to work with companies on increasing the skills of existing workers in lower-skilled jobs to move into more highly skilled positions requiring technology-related skills. Current closing date isMarch 11, 2016. For more information, gohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280094.\n\tEnvironmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants- This notice solicits proposals from eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, to deliver environmental workforce development and job training programs that recruit, train, and place local, unemployed and under-employed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental field, with a focus on solid and hazardous waste remediation, environmental health and safety, integrated pest management, and wastewater-related training. Current closing date isJanuary 14, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280040.\n\tNational Fish Habitat Action Plan- Funds appropriated to implement the Action Plan will be utilized in collaboration with the National Fish Habitat Board and Fish Habitat Partnerships. Fish Habitat Partnerships are the primary work units of the Action Plan, formed around distinct geographic areas, \"keystone\" fish species, or system types (e.g. large lakes, impoundments, estuaries). Funds will support national and regional science and coordination activities to protect, restore, or enhance fish habitats. All or a portion or project funds may be transferred to partner organizations if the Service lacks the capability to implement a project. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280034.\n\tGroundwater and Streamflow Information Program- The Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program of the USGS is offering a two-year cooperative agreement opportunity to state or local water-resources agencies that collect groundwater data to participate in the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network. The USGS is working with the Federal Advisory Committee on Water Information and its Subcommittee on Ground Water to develop and administer a National Ground-Water Monitoring Network. This funding opportunity is to support data providers for the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network. Current closing date isJanuary 19, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280077.\n\tAdvanced Nursing Education Program- Funded projects will implement creative academic-practice partnerships within advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) primary care programs. Partnerships between academic institutions and rural and/or underserved primary care practice sites will promote APRN students readiness to practice upon graduation by improving training and competencies for both students and preceptors. Working collectively, these partnerships will: facilitate the meaningful exchange of information to identify the needs of the community and the clinical workforce; use this information to enhance curriculum, preceptor recruitment, training and evaluation; and shape the experiential training of advance practice nursing students to be better prepared upon graduation to provide care for rural and underserved populations. Current closing date isJanuary 15, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280099.\n\tOral Health Service Expansion- This announcement solicits applications for Fiscal Year 2016 Oral Health Service Expansion funding. The purpose of this supplemental funding opportunity is to increase access to oral health care services and improve oral health outcomes for Health Center Program patients. Eligible applicants must be existing Health Center Program award recipients funded under section 330(e), (g), (h) and/or (i) of the Public Health Service Act. Current closing date isJanuary 19, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280107.\n\tMaternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program- The purpose of this program is to support the delivery of coordinated and comprehensive high-quality voluntary early childhood home visiting services to eligible families. This program is administered by HRSA in partnership with the Administration for Children and Families. Current closing date isJanuary 19, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280143.\n\tStatewide Consumer Network Program- The purpose of this program is to improve mental health services for people with serious mental illness. In doing so, the program seeks to enhance statewide mental health consumer-run and controlled organizations to promote service system capacity and infrastructure that is consumer-driven, recovery-focused, trauma-informed, culturally relevant, holistic, and resiliency-oriented. Current closing date isJanuary 20, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280080.\n\tStatewide Family Network Program- The purpose of this program is to enhance state capacity and infrastructure to better respond to the needs of children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances and their families by providing information, referrals, and support to families who have a child, youth, or adolescent with mental health challenges, and to create a mechanism for families to participate in state and local mental health services planning and policy development. Current closing date isJanuary 21, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280108.\n\tSummer Seminars for K-12 and College Educators- The list of NEHs Summer Seminars, Institutes and Landmarks Workshops for K-12 teachers and 2- and 4-year college faculty is available. Educators will have until early March to apply to attend a professional development summer program. For more information, and to view campuses and deadlines, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/divisions/education/summer-programs.\n\tScholarly Editions and Translations Grants- Scholarly Editions and Translations grants support the preparation of editions and translations of pre-existing texts of value to the humanities that are currently inaccessible or available in inadequate editions. Typically, the texts and documents are significant literary, philosophical, and historical materials; but other types of work, such as musical notation, are also eligible. Current closing date isDecember 9, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/research/scholarly-editions-and-translations-grants.\n\tCollaborative Research Grants- Collaborative Research Grants support interpretive humanities research undertaken by two or more collaborating scholars, for full-time or part-time activities for periods of one to three years. Support is available for various combinations of scholars, consultants, and research assistants; project-related travel; field work; applications of information technology; and technical support and services. Current closing date isDecember 9, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/research/collaborative-research-grants.\n\tMedia Projects: Development Grants- Development grants enable media producers to collaborate with scholars to develop humanities content and to prepare programs for production. Grants should result in a script or detailed treatment and may also yield a plan for outreach and public engagement. Current closing date isJanuary 13, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/public/media-projects-development-grants.\n\tMedia Projects: Productions Grants- Media Projects: Production Grants support film, television, and radio projects for general audiences that encourage active engagement with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. All projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship in disciplines such as history, art history, film studies, literature, drama, religious studies, philosophy, or anthropology. Projects must also demonstrate an approach that is thoughtful, balanced, and analytical (rather than celebratory). Current closing date isJanuary 13, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/public/media-projects-production-grants.\n\tMuseums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations: Planning Grants- This grant program supports projects for general audiences that encourage active engagement with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. Many different formats are supported, including permanent and traveling exhibitions, book or film discussion programs, historic site or district interpretations, living history presentations, and other face-to-face programs in public venues. Current closing date isJanuary 13, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/public/museums-libraries-and-cultural-organizations-planning-grants.\n\tMuseums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations: Implementation Grants- Implementation grants are for projects in the final stages of preparation to go live before the public. Grants support final scholarly research and consultation, design development, production, and installation of a project for presentation to the public. Current closing date isJanuary 13, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/public/museums-libraries-and-cultural-organizations-implementation-grants.\n\tNational Digital Newspaper Program- NEH is soliciting proposals from institutions to participate in the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP). NDNP is creating a national digital resource of historically significant newspapers published between 1836 and 1922, from all the states and U.S. territories. This searchable database will be permanently maintained at the Library of Congress (LC) and will be freely accessible via the Internet. Current closing date isJanuary 14, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/national-digital-newspaper-program.\n\tPublic Scholar Program- The Public Scholar program supports well-researched books in the humanities intended to reach a broad readership. Although humanities scholarship can be specialized, the humanities also strive to engage broad audiences in exploring subjects of general interest. They seek to deepen our understanding of the human condition as well as current conditions and contemporary problems. Current closing date isFebruary 2, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/research/public-scholar-program.\n\tDigital Humanities Implementation Grants- This program is designed to fund the implementation of innovative digital-humanities projects that have successfully completed a start-up phase and demonstrated their value to the field. Such projects might enhance our understanding of central problems in the humanities, raise new questions in the humanities, or develop new digital applications and approaches for use in the humanities. Current closing date isFebruary 17, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/odh/digital-humanities-implementation-grants.\n Jobs:\n Store Associate- The Defense Commissary Agency, Department of Defense is accepting applications for a Store Associate in Guam. Incumbent will assist customers, operate electronic checkout system, perform duties related to preparing and maintain stock levels of grocery and produce items, review stock levels, prepare and maintain documents, and maintain security, safety and sanitation practices and procedures. Position is open until November 24, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/421595500. \n  Highlights in the Legislative Program  \nTHIS WEEK:\nOn the floor \n H.R.308 Keep the Promise Act (Failed, 263-146)\n  H.R.1694 Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act of 2015 (Passed, 285-138)\n  H.R.3114 To provide funds to the Army Corps of Engineers to hire veterans and members of the Armed Forces to assist the Corps with curation and historic preservation activities, and for other purposes (Passed, 422-3)\n  H.R.1073 Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.3144 Partners for Aviation Security Act, as amended (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.1338 Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2015 (Passed, 409-0)\n  H.R.1384 Honor Americas Guard-Reserve Retirees Act (Passed, 407-0)\n  H.R.1478 Policyholder Protection Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.511 Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015 (Passed, 249-177)\n  H.Res.524 Condemning in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in Paris, France on November 13, 2015m, that resulted in the loss of at least 129 lives (Agreed to by voice vote)\n  H.R.1737 Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act (Passed, 241-185)\n  H.R.3189 Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization (FORM) Act of 2015 (Passed, 241-185)\n  H.R.4038 American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015 (Passed, 289-137)\n Co-sponsorships\n H.R.3711 Chicano Park Preservation Act\n NEXT WEEK:\nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/push-dc-15k%E2%80%9335k-foreign-workers", "Push in DC for 15K35K foreign workers", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune- A casino investor, among other business interests, are lobbying in Washington, D.C. for as much as 15,000 to 35,000 foreign nationals to be allowed employment as contract workers in the CNMI, according to Delegate Gregoro Kilili C. Sablan yesterday. That 35,000-worker demand, he said, would amount to about 65 percent of the CNMIs population and result in irrevocable changes to the Commonwealth that should be questioned.\nHow much is enough for us? and Who will it benefit? are questions that should be asked, Sablan told reporters yesterday.\nThe federal government in October set the annual limit for contract worker permits for next fiscal year at 12,999, a one-thousand drop from last year, as federal immigration officials looks to phase out the contract worker program that federal law mandates an end in 2019.\nIn an interview with reporters yesterday at his office in Susupe, Sablan compared the $13 billion reported investment on the table to the The Wharf in Washington, D.C., a mega-project that he said would amount to several buildings, restaurants, apartments and condos, office streets, boat slips, 27 acres of land, 50 acres of waterall coming with six years of permitting.\nIts going to cost $1.5 billion. And here in the Northern Marianas, we are talking about $13 billion, he said.\nSablan said there have been conversations in the Capitol about increasing the number of CW workers. Some have suggested 15,000 workers, he said, while others have gone up to as many as 35,000.\nThose are numbers being tossed at meby different business interests primarily, Sablan said when asked.\nWhen pressed for more details, he said, I am aware that a casino has retained lobbyists in D.C. Yes. To work on both the CW workers and the Chinese visa-waiver [program].\nHe was responding to a question from Saipan Tribune on whether Imperial Pacific CNMI (LLC)the owner of the Saipan casino that has reported project demands requiring more than 10,000 workerswere lobbying in the Capitol.\nHowever, as this develops, Sablan said he has taken a backseat to the contract worker issue for now out of respect for Gov. Eloy S. Inos request for 902 negotiations with the White House to hammer out a worker program packagebelieved to be a new visa class for the CNMIfor eventual introduction in the U.S. Congress.\nWhile the governor is going through the 902 effort, these people are going through another effort. Out of respect for the governor and his request for 902 consultation, I have taken a pause in my approach to this 2019 problem, but of course, if there is a free-for-all, then I am going to start doing my part.\nOn the visa-waiver programwhich allows thousands of Chinese to travel as tourists into the CNMI without a visaSablan noted this is discretionary and dependent on the Secretary of Homeland Security.\nI have not heard anything recently that would alarm me to its being discontinued, he said.\nRight-sizing development\nSablans comments yesterday echo recent concerns of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, which has expressed unease about the roughly six large developments in the CNMI that are nascent or ongoing despite a clear lack of a sufficient local, foreign, or national workforce.\nThe Chamber has been asking for a deep look at this, Chamber president Alex Sablan said last month, after the recent cut in contract worker limit. What weve been asking for is planned development. I think we need to right-size some of these projects like the Best Sunshine project. We believe its way too bigbecause of the lack of resourceshuman resources, infrastructure, many different facets of our islands.\nSome Inos administration officials have also expressed concern about rampant development, Saipan Tribune learned, noting that approving every project that wishes to invest in the CNMI would be irresponsible. However, they urge that solutionsand not necessarily anti-casino or anti-development solutionsmust be developed, as there will remain a shortage of workers even without future development after 2019, Saipan Tribune gathered recently.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/high-school-students-invited-service-academy-workshop", "High school students invited to Service Academy Workshop", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "High school students interested in applying to a U.S. service academy are invited to attend a workshop hosted by the congressional office on Wednesday, November 25, 10am - 11am at the Napu Room, Pacific Islands Club on Saipan.\nA congressional nomination is the first step in applying for the service academies, and by law I am able to nominate up to ten students per available slot for the Northern Marianas.\nThere are currently two slots available for Northern Marianas students for the 2016-2017 school year  one each at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Additional slots may soon open up for NMI students at the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the Military Academy in West Point, New York, if the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 that was sent to President Obamas desk this week becomes law. For more information about the Service Academy Workshop, contact the congressional office at (670) 323-2647 or email kilili@mail.house.gov. To learn more about requesting a congressional nomination to the service academies, visit https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/academy-nominations. Applications are due December 11, 2015.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/typhoon-soudelor-update-%E2%80%93-week-16", "Typhoon Soudelor update  week 16", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FEMAs Region IX Administrator Robert Fenton, Deputy Regional Administrator Ahsha Tribble, and Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen De Blasio visited the congressional office this week. FEMA has issued more than $24 million in financial assistance to individuals and households to help replace or repair damaged property. The agency anticipates providing an additional $30 million to rebuild public infrastructure, $13 million for hazard mitigation, and additional grants to the Commonwealth for long-term disaster case management and crisis counseling.Though the agency is winding down operations in the NMI in December, Mr. Fenton reiterated FEMAs commitment to following through on the long-term recovery, mitigation, and planning work that will continue into 2016 and beyond, so that we are better prepared for the next storm. Thank you, FEMA, for all that you have done to help the people of the Northern Marianas get back on their feet.\nU.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX Pacific Islands Manager John McCarroll (left) and NMI Program Manager Carl Goldstein (right) gave me a Soudelor recovery update this week. Mr. McCarroll reported on one crisis that we escaped, a sewage backup. Because we increased the Clean Water Fund appropriations from Congress from about $600,000 to $3.4 million in each of the last six years, the vast majority of wastewater pump stations on Saipan has been upgraded and continued operating throughout the storm. Out of 40 pump stations the only 5 that failed were the ones that have not been upgraded. EPA also helped with hazard waste removal and restoration of the drinking water system in the weeks after Soudelor. Thank you.\nSBA Relocates Disaster Office to Capital Hill\nThe Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center relocates to the Juan A. Sablan Memorial Building, Office of the Governor, on Capitol Hill as of Monday, November 23. The Center, which has processed and approved $22.1 million in federal disaster loans to businesses, nonprofits, and individual residents, has been located at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe since Typhoon Soudelor. Although the deadline to apply for property damage loans has expired, businesses and private nonprofit organizations may still apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to provide working capital. The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open 8 a.m.  4:30 p.m., Monday  Friday. No appointments are necessary.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-lauds-customs-division-its-anti-drug-efforts", "Kilili lauds Customs Division for its anti-drug efforts", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune- U.S. Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) honored the CNMI Division of Customs yesterday for their diligence against the spread of methamphetamine, or ice, in the Commonwealth, presenting division officials with a congressional commendation for the largest ice bust in CNMI history that took place last July.\nI am very grateful and happy. This is Congressman Kilili showing appreciation for our efforts at the ports of entry, Customs director Jose Mafnas told reporters. The Customs officers will be very happy that they are recognized for their efforts. It will push us to do our job more effectively.\nI thank all of them, Sablan said, also noting efforts of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and CNMI Department of Public Safety.\nI do acknowledge Customs because they are the ones who first made the interdiction. Thats very important, Sablan added.\nIn July, Customs uncovered 12 kilos of ice in a 40-foot container from China. Mafnas said yesterday that the container was full of various violations, like pesticides, that he believed were meant to distract them from the 12 kilos of icean amount akin to a 25-lb bag of ricethat was hidden in an air compressor.\nWhen our law enforcement officers are able to prevent 12 kilos of crystal methamphetaminefrom entering our community, we need to stop and say thank you, Sablan said.\nSablan also recently introduced legislation in Congress to allow the CNMI governor or Secretary of the Army to establish a National Guard unit. That unit, Sablan said, could be a partner in fighting drugs.\nThe nice thing about this is that the Department of the Army will pay for that additional cost. It will not cost the Commonwealth, [or] the National Guard operational budget itself. It will be money set aside just for this additional work.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-november-13-2015", "THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - November 13, 2015", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue:\n More NMI academy slots closer as Senate passes Defense bill.  \nThe Senate passed a revised2016 National Defense Authorization Actthis week, retaining three new service academy slots for Northern Mariana Island students. President Obama had vetoed a previous 2016 NDAA over spending concerns. So the bill was revised to conform with the budget deal forged last month between Congress and the White House. The revised bill kept the increase in academy positions for NMI students, one each at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. The President is now expected to sign the bill into law. There will then be nine permanent slots for the Northern Marianas at the service academies. Five are currently filled, so four openings will be available for applicants this year. When I came to office in 2009 I quickly got the number of Northern Marianas slots doubled from three to six inSection 527 of Public Law 111-84. The Northern Marianas has produced good candidates and filled available openings. It was time to add more. For information on how to apply for nomination to a U.S. Service Academy go to https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/academy-nomination-form or contact your local congressional office. The deadline to apply is December 11.\n We call for investigation of racial profiling.  \nRace, ethnicity, or national origin should not be the primary reason for suspecting a person of committing a crime. Yet that appears to have happened to a number of Asian Americans who were wrongly arrested and charged with espionage. That is why I joined over 40 of my Democratic colleagues incalling on U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, to launch an independent investigation on whether any federal agency has a pattern or practice of using these civil rights classifications to single out minorities for arrest and indictment. We also urge a full investigation into recent cases of Asian Americans arrested and indicted for spying only to have the charges dropped several months later for lack of evidence. It is important to protect our country against those who wish to do us harm. We must ensure, however, that racial profiling is not the basis for targeting any individual.\n\t\n Supporting access to higher education for all. \nEarlier this month, 84 of my House Democratic colleagues and I fileda friend of the court brief, with the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting the idea that colleges and universities should be open to a broad range of students from many social, geographic, and cultural backgrounds. The case, Fisher v University of Texas at Austin, No. 14-981, looks at how the University decides who to admit. Our amicus brief urges the Supreme Court to uphold a lower courts decision in favor of the Universitys use of race and ethnicityamong many other factorsto help ensure a diverse student body. The Supreme Court ruled 7-1 in Fisher I that diversity in higher education was a compelling state interest that could justify race and ethnicity as factors among many in a carefully crafted admissions policy. I also joinedan amicus briefin that case in the belief that a diverse learning environment benefits students, our workforce, and our economy.\n Typhoon Soudelor Update - Week 15: \nOur community continues to recover from the devastation of Typhhon Soudelor with the assistance of U.S. taxpayers and the federal government, as well as groups of community volunteers, the local government, and countless acts of individual charity.\nFEMA seeks public input on changes to Individual Assistance.\nWith the experience of getting Individual Assistance from FEMA still fresh, people in the Northern Mariana Islands are especially qualified to comment on new rules proposed for how the Federal Emergency Management Agency handles this aid program. Congress required that FEMA review, update, and revise the factors it uses to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster in the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act in 2013; and FEMA has now published its proposals. Sharing the understanding you have gained from federal response to the storm and to our community's needs could help other Americans in similar situations in the future. Comments are due byJanuary 11, 2016and may be submitted online athttps://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FEMA_FRDOC_0001-4824.\n OPPORTUNITIES - Federal contracts, grants, jobs for/in the Marianas:  \nGrants:\n 2016 Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program-The National Marine Fisheries Service is soliciting competitive applications for the 2016 Pacific Islands Region Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program. Projects are being solicited to improve communication, education, and training on marine resource issues throughout the region and increase scientific education for marine-related professions among coastal community residents, including indigenous Pacific islanders, Native Hawaiians and other underrepresented groups in the region. Current closing date isFebruary 3, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=279985.\n\tTechnical Assistance to Brownfields Communities- The EPAs Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization is soliciting proposals from eligible entities to provide technical assistance to assist communities facing brownfields challenges. Grants awarded under the Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communities announcement will help communities tackle the challenge of assessing, cleaning up and preparing brownfields sites for development, especially underserved/rural/small and otherwise distressed communities. The technical assistance provided through this grant will cover technical support on various brownfields subject areas. Current closing date isDecember 21, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=279966.\n\tEmergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Regionalization of Care- The goal of the EMSC Program is to reduce child and youth mortality and morbidity caused by severe illness or trauma. The EMSC Program intends to enhance the pediatric capabilities of EMS systems originally designed primarily for adults. EMS for Children broadly means a continuum of care that includes the following components: prevention, pre-hospital care, hospital-based emergency care, and rehabilitation and reentry of the child from the emergency care environment into the community. The overall purpose of this grant program is to reduce pediatric morbidity and mortality by developing regionalized systems of care thus increasing access to pediatric specialists for children in rural, territorial, insular and/or tribal communities. Current closing date isJanuary 20, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280007.\n\tScreening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Health Professions Student Training (SBIRT- Student Training)- The purpose of this program is to develop and implement training programs to teach students in health professions (physician assistants, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, counselors, and medical students and residents) the skills necessary to provide evidence-based screening and brief intervention and refer patients who are at risk for a substance use disorder (SUD) to appropriate treatment. Additionally, the training will develop the leadership skills needed in order to champion the implementation of SBIRT throughout the United States healthcare system with the ultimate goal of helping clients avoid substance use disorders. Current closing date isJanuary 4, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=279965.\n Jobs:\n Attorney-Advisor (General)- The Department of the Air Force is accepting applications for an Attorney Advisor in Guam. The primary purpose of this position is to support the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) as a senior attorney, providing legal advice and counsel for the most complex, often precedential, installation level cases in administrative law, claims, environmental law, contract law, labor law, international law, and operations law to the 36 WG and tenant units. Position is open until November 16, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/421024800.\n\tIndustrial Hygienist- The Naval Medical Command, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for an Industrial Hygienist in Guam. Incumbent will conduct professionally written industrial hygiene surveys, contact command or facility management, examine worksites, interpret results of the site surveys, and determine sampling methods, among other duties. Position is open until November 12, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/420848500.\n\tTelecommunications Specialist- The US Atlantic Fleet, Commander in Chief, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Telecommunications Specialist in Guam. Incumbent will direct actions at the National or International level, provide technical guidance, prepare engineering data, and prepare written and oral reports. Position is open until November 16, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/421239700.\n\tFire Protections Inspector- The US Naval Base, Fire & Emergency Services, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Fire Protections Inspector in Guam. Incumbent will review building plans, inspect a variety of fire protections systems, maintain reports for inspections, determine remedial measures, develop fire exit plans, and provide recommendations for protections and prevention programs. Position is open until November 16, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/421132300.\n\tPrincipal- The Defense Education Activity, Department of the Defense is accepting applications for a Principal in Guam. Incumbent will monitor the delivery and evaluation of the education program and manages the facilities, personnel matters, and budget, and logistical support for a school. Position is open untilDecember 31, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/401432700.\n\tAssistant Principal- The Defense Education Activity, Department of Defense is accepting applications for an Assistant Principal in Guam. Incumbent will monitor the delivery and evaluation of the education program and manages the facilities, personnel matters, and budget, and logistical support for a school. Position is open untilDecember 31, 2015. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/401433000. \n  Highlights in the Legislative Program \nTHIS WEEK\nThe House is in recess for the District Work Period.\nNEXT WEEK:\nOn the floor\n H.R.1694 Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act of 2015\n\tH.R.3114 To provide funds to the Army Corps of Engineers to hire veterans and members of the Armed Forces to assist the Corps with curation and historic preservation activities, and for other purposes\n\tH.R.1073 Critical Infrastructure Protection Act\n\tH.R.3144 Partners for Aviation Security Act, as amended\n\tH.R.1338 Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2015\n\tH.R.1384 Honor Americas Guard-Reserve Retirees Act\n\tH.R.1478 Policyholder Protection Act of 2015\n Possible Consideration of a Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2262 SPACE Act of 2015\nPossible Consideration of a Short-Term Extension to the Highway Trust Fund Possible Consideration of a Motion to Go to Conference on ESEA Reauthorization Legislation\nCommittee Hearings\nNovember 18\n Comidmittee on Natural Resources Legislative Hearing on a Discussion Draft of the  Protecting Americas Recreation and Conservation Act", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 794, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Independent", "p1": "MP"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP", "results": [{"value": "Independent", "label": "Independent", "count": 794, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MP", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 772, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}, {"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 22, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP", "results": [{"value": "MP", "label": "MP", "count": 794, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 322, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP&year=2015", "selected": false}, {"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP&year=2014", "selected": false}, {"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 167, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP&year=2013", "selected": false}, {"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 44, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP&year=2016", "selected": false}, {"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 22, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP&year=2017", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-11-17,http~3A~2F~2Fsablan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fweek-congress-november-13-2015", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Independent&state=MP&_next=2015-11-17%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fsablan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fweek-congress-november-13-2015&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 91.57283301465213, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}