{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"MP\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/president-signs-hr-83-continuing-nmi-immigration-policies-funding-federal-government", "President signs H.R. 83 continuing NMI immigration policies, funding federal government", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President signs H.R. 83 continuing NMI immigration policies, funding federal government                                           \n              Dec 19, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    On Tuesday, President Obama signed H.R. 83, the insular areas bill that was used as a vehicle to fund most of the federal government for fiscal 2015. I had six separate bills in motion to continue the bar on claims of asylum from the Northern Mariana Islands, protecting our tourist industry; to keep the NMI free of the national cap on the number of H visas, which should be useful to resort developers who need temporary construction workers; and to allow foreign investors, whom our own Commonwealth immigration law permitted in return for a minimum investment, to remain here for five more years. Of the six, H.R. 83 was the bill that made it over the legislative finish line. H.R. 83 also provides tens of millions of dollars in annual funding to the NMI for the remainder of FY2015. The following table lists some of the more high profile of those grants-in-aid. Most NMI funding (in parenthesis) is estimated to be about the same as for FY2014, though some allocations may go up or down based on changes in population or other factors. In FY2014 federal funding to the Northern Mariana Islands was $133 million, according to USASpending.gov.\n\u201cNo money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.\u201d U.S. Constitution, article 1, section 9. Each year, each Member of the House of Representatives, including the insular area Delegates, submits to the House Appropriations Committee our recommendations for which programs to fund and what the funding amounts should be. Insular area representatives are treated no differently than other Members of Congress in this polling, which then becomes a basis for the annual spending bills drafted by the Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/obama-signs-11-trillion-spending-bill-law", "Obama signs $1.1 trillion spending bill into law", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety \u2014 WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 With little fanfare to mark a rare bipartisan achievement, President Obama on Tuesday signed a massive, $1.1 trillion spending bill that keeps the government operating over the next nine months.\nThe new law includes U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan\u2019s language extending for another five years the provision barring claims of asylum from within the Northern Marianas which has helped assure that tourists from China can come to the islands without the need of a visa.\nSablan\u2019s language also keeps in place an exemption from the cap on the number of H visas that can be issued for the Northern Mariana Islands or Guam. Contractors on Guam asked for Sablan\u2019s help because short-term, H visa workers will be needed for upcoming military construction on that island. Resort developers in the Northern Marianas, such as the Best Sunshine casino licensee, are likely to require large numbers of temporary construction workers, too, Sablan said.\nLastly, 261 foreign investors, who were allowed into the islands under the Northern Marianas\u2019 own immigration law prior to 2009 and were given the right to remain in return for their investment, will be able to continue in a special, grandfathered visa status, E-2C, for five more years.\n\u201cThe giant spending bill also contains tens of millions of dollars for the Northern Marianas in grant funds for everything from child care and education to water and sewer construction,\u201d Sablan said in an earlier statement.\nThe legislation was a compromise that angered liberals and conservatives alike but avoided a government shutdown and put off partisan clashes over immigration until next year.\nIt was one of the last acts of Congress under the current Republican House and Democratic-controlled Senate. In January, the new Congress will return with Republicans in charge of both chambers.\nThe measure retains cuts negotiated in previous budget battles and rolls back some banking regulations. But it also retains spending for Obama\u2019s health care law and pays for the administration\u2019s fight against Ebola.\nThe Department of Homeland Security, however, will only receive its money through Feb. 27, a condition demanded by Republican leaders to appease critics of Obama\u2019s immigration measures. The department oversees the nation\u2019s immigration enforcement.\nThe agreement, negotiated mainly by Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and House and Senate Republican leaders, was the result of a determined effort by House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to avoid a government shutdown like the partial one in 2013 that damaged the GOP\u2019s standing with the public.\nStill, conservatives such as Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas chafed at Boehner\u2019s and McConnell\u2019s decision not to use the spending bill to challenge or undo Obama\u2019s executive actions on immigration, especially ones that aim to shield more than 4 million immigrants from deportation and make them eligible for work permits.\nLikewise, liberals complained about a provision that did away with a requirement that large banks spin off their lucrative derivatives business into separate subsidiaries. They also objected to a provision that permits wealthy political donors to increase substantially their contributions to the Democratic and Republican parties.\nThe opposition from the political left and right added drama and uncertainty to the spending bill last week. Obama made personal calls to lawmakers appealing for their votes.\nMeanwhile, Cruz and liberal Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren captured the spotlight by rallying their respective sides to oppose the legislation, laying bare the kinds of intraparty squabbles that could emerge in any future compromise efforts by Obama and the GOP.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/bill-extending-e2-cnmi-program-now-obama", "Bill extending E2-CNMI program now with Obama", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety by Alexie Villegas Zotomayor \u2013 LONG-TIME investors in the Northern Marianas will have a reprieve for another five years as President Obama is poised to sign a massive spending bill, H.R. 83, which includes U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan\u2019s language on the E2-CNMI program, exemption from the cap on H visas and a bar on asylum claims.\nOn Saturday night, the U.S. Senate voted 53-42, 5 abstained, favoring the passage of the bill.\nTwo days earlier, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill with 219 voting \u201cyes\u201d and 206 voting against the bill. Ten members did not vote.\nThree critical components of the bill will have a significant impact to the Northern Marianas: exemption from the numerical cap on H visas, a bar on asylum applications in the Northern Marianas and the extension of authorization for the E2-C program up to 2019.\nIn a statement yesterday, U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan expressed his appreciation to U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Donna Christensen \u201cwho allowed her bill to be used to help me get what I needed for the Northern Marianas.\u201d\nHe also recognized the work by Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska whom he said \u201cplayed a key role in getting us over the finish line.\u201d\nHe also thanked Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer who \u201chelped to guide what turned out to be a very complex and uncertain legislative process to a successful conclusion.\u201d\nSablan said passage of the bill would not have been possible if not for these two lawmakers in Congress on both sides of the aisle.\nHe also expresseded his appreciation to Gov. Eloy S. Inos whom he said understood the importance of the policies that would otherwise have expired on Dec. 31 and communicated his views to the speaker of the U.S. House.\nH.R. 83 extends for another five years certain provisions of the 2008 Consolidated Natural Resources Act or the federalization law. One bars claims of asylum from within the Northern Marianas and has helped assure that tourists from China can come to the islands without need of a visa.\nThe Congressional Budget Office estimated that without Sablan\u2019s bill, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services would have to spend $16 million to process asylum claims or end the current system of entry for Chinese tourists.\nSablan\u2019s language likewise keeps in place an exemption from the cap on the number of H visas that can be issued for the CNMI or Guam.\nThe CNMI will need to hire large numbers of temporary workers in view of the military buildup and developers like Best Sunshine building multibillion-dollar integrated resorts in the Northern Marianas.\nThe 261 E2-CNMI foreign investors, like CW workers, will be given a five-year extension.\nThese investors \u201cwill be able to continue in a special, grandfathered visa status, E-2C, for five more years.\nIn a separate statement, Governor Inos applauded the U.S. Congress and other federal officials for making the passage of H.R. 83 possible.\nInos thanked Kilili for his efforts in making sure that his bill would pass the House and now the Senate.\n\u201cI applaud the untiring efforts by our Congressman Sablan in protecting and fighting for the interests crucial to the CNMI. Furthermore, my administration certainly appreciates the White House\u2019s statement in support of the enactment,\u201d Inos said in an email yesterday.\n\u201cCongressman Sablan\u2019s collaborative effort with colleagues such as Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Congresswoman Donna Christensen as well as those across the aisle is an asset dear to the people of the CNMI and should be commended.\n\u201cAs we are all aware, this enactment protects our CW program, our business investors and our future needs for non-resident labor as we expect a construction boom in our tourism industry. I wish to personally extend my appreciation to Congressman Sablan, each of the 219 members of the House who supported this enactment, President Obama, Speaker Boehner, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and those who worked tirelessly to get this bill passed.\n\u201cWith this level of cooperation where everyone has positive input, the CNMI business community can confidently move forward with expansion and reinvestment plans. I am equally pleased that H.R. 83 passed the U.S. Senate over the weekend and is now on its way to the White House,\u201d the governor said.\nSaipan Chamber of Commerce president Alex Sablan was equally pleased with this development.\n\u201cThe chamber is elated by this news as I\u2019m sure many investors and citizens that have been following this rather important legislation. Congressman Kilili, Governor Inos and the 18th CNMI Legislature should all be commended for their determination and fortitude in lobbying aggressively for its passage.\u201d\nHe said the CNMI\u2019s prayers were answered yet again.\n\u201cBut truly our Congressman Kilili deserves special mention for his ability to work with members of U.S. Congress and get the job done.\u201d\nHe said the passage of H.R. 83 is the culmination of Congressman Sablan\u2019s two years\u2019 work in continuing existing policies critical to the health of the Northern Marianas economy.\n(With Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/rota-national-park-study-goes-obama", "Rota National Park study goes to Obama", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Variety by Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa -- LEGISLATION instructing the U.S. Interior Department to study whether areas of Rota should be designated as part of the National Park system is on its way to President Obama for his signature, according to U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.\n\u201cI was able to add the necessary language to the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, which the House passed last week and the Senate passed on Saturday,\u201d he said in his weekly e-newsletter.\n\u201cEstablishing a Rota National Park has been part of my legislative agenda since my first term in Congress. Stand-alone legislation authorizing a \u2018suitability and feasibility\u2019 study for the Park has passed the House three times without action by the Senate, but attaching the study to the larger Defense bill finally did the trick.\n\u201cA 2005 Park Service reconnaissance, requested by then-Rota Sen. Diego Songao, found that archeological, historical, and natural resources on Rota have \u2018national significance,\u2019 the first criteria for a Park. But without a finding of suitability and feasibility Congress will not make the final designation.\n\u201cA 2001 study, for instance, found that the commonwealth\u2019s lease of Tinian to the military meant that North Field was not feasible for a park, so that area could not be included in the Manhattan Project National Historical Park that Congress voted to establish this month.\n\u201cDayton, Ohio, where polonium was made for the atom bomb, likewise, was found not feasible for inclusion in the Manhattan Project Park.\n\u201cCreating a Rota National Park will still require active participation by the people of Rota, when the study moves forward over the next five years or so.\n\u201cBut adding the National Park brand to Rota has the potential to make the island an international destination for tourists, a game changer for Rota\u2019s economy.\u201d\n$7M for the NMI\nKilili also reported that $7 million will soon be available for CNMI water and sewer improvements.\n\u201cAnother important benefit for the Northern Marianas in H.R.83 [or the $1.1 trillion federal spending measure] is continuation of the formula change for drinking water and sewer construction that we got started in 2010 and that has resulted in over $47 million dollars in the years since,\u201d Kilili said.\n\u201cThat money has brought Saipan very close to 24-hour water. The 2015 spending bill keeps the set-aside for insular areas at 1.5 percent, 5 times more than the set-aside in the authorizing law.\u201d\nAccording to Kilili, \u201cWater and sewer funding increased sharply with a formula change first achieved in Public Law 111-88 and continued every year since then. Before the change, Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act funding averaged $1.1 million per year. After the formula change the average annual funding has been $7.9 million.\u201d\nH.R. 83, among other things, will also extend the E-2CNMI visa program for the islands\u2019 261 foreign-owned small businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/another-7-million-nmi-water-and-sewer-improvements", "Another $7 million for NMI water and sewer improvements", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Another $7 million for NMI water and sewer improvements                                           \n              Dec 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Another important benefit for the Northern Marianas in H.R.83 is continuation of the formula change for drinking water and sewer construction that we got started in 2010 and that has resulted in over $47 million dollars in the years since. That money has brought Saipan very close to 24-hour water. The 2015 spending bill keeps the set-aside for insular areas at 1.5 percent, 5 times more than the set-aside in the authorizing law.\nWater and sewer funding increased sharply with a formula change first achieved in Public Law 111-88 and continued every year since then. Before the change, Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act funding averaged $1.1 million per year. After the formula change the average annual funding has been $7.9 million.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/house-okays-extension-asylum-bar-h-visa-exemption-investor-visa", "House okays extension of asylum bar, H visa exemption, investor visa", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "H.R.83, with my language extending critical immigration policies in the Northern Mariana Islands for another five years, is now the vehicle for funding the federal government for fiscal year 2015. The House approved the bill 219 to 206 late Thursday night and the Senate is expected to act over the weekend. The White House says the President will sign the measure. If enacted, H.R.83 will continue three policies set to expire on December 31. The first, exemption from the national cap on the number of H visas will enable big construction projects like Best Sunshine to bring in short-term workers. The second, the E-2C investor visa, will allow 261 foreign investors, who entered the NMI under the Commonwealth\u2019s own immigration law, to stay another five years. The third, continuing the bar on claims of asylum from our islands, will secure the parole policy that allow tourists from China and Russia to enter the NMI visa free. Without this bar the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the U.S. would have to spend $16 million dealing with asylum claims. This week\u2019s action is the result of two years of work. I first included the necessary language in my bill, H.R.2200, and in its companion, S.1237, which got a hearing in 2013 and passed the Senate this June. I also introduced the language in H.R.4296, which the House Natural Resources Committee okayed in May. In September, Senator Lisa Murkowski agreed to add my language to H.R. 83, dealing with insular energy policy, when that bill passed the Senate. Procedural requirements then made the five-page H.R.83 a convenient vehicle for the additional 1,603 pages needed to appropriate $1.1 trillion for fiscal 2015. So in an historical first an insular area bill is poised to fund most of the federal government for the year. I am very grateful to Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D \u2013 Virgin Islands), who wrote the original H.R.83, to Senator Murkowski (R \u2013 Alaska), and to Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Maryland), who took a special interest in making sure my language passed the House. I also want to thank Governor Eloy Inos, who understood the economic importance of extending these immigration policies and made his views known to the Speaker of the House, John Boehner.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/saipan-food-stamps-16-january-1", "Saipan food stamps up 16% January 1", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan food stamps up 16% January 1                                           \n              Dec 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Very good news for people on Saipan, who get help from the federal government to feed their families: their food stamp benefit will go up 16 percent on January 1. For an average family of four that is an increase from $444 a month to $515. This follows increases for Rota, the Northern Islands, and Tinian in May to reflect the higher cost of food on those islands. But there was still money left over from previous years\u2019 grants, so I have been encouraging the Commonwealth and the Agriculture Department to raise benefits for Saipan, too. Agriculture gave the okay last Friday, allowing the Commonwealth the option of raising benefits on Saipan anywhere from 10 to 16 percent. I spoke with the Governor several weeks ago in anticipation of this decision and recommended that he go for the full 16 percent. And I understand that the Governor has decided to raise food stamps for Saipan to the maximum possible. That is the right decision.\nIncreasing benefits for Saipan is one more step forward in my work to get food assistance in the Northern Mariana Islands raised to the U.S. level. When I was elected to Congress in 2008, people in the Northern Marianas were getting half the benefits of people on Guam \u2013 but no one seemed to care. Within 4 months of arriving in Washington I convinced Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to increase the Northern Marianas food stamp grant 13 percent. And earlier this year I added a $32.5 million pilot program to the Agricultural Act, Public Law 113-79, raising benefits for the NMI at the same time food stamp funding was being cut nationwide. The pilot program will bring us an additional $13.5 million starting next October \u2013 on top of our $12 million annual grant \u2013 and another $8.5 million in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 each. The five-year pilot should eventually lead to full participation in the national food assistance program, SNAP.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/territories-included-specifically-under-travel-promotion-act", "Territories included specifically under Travel Promotion Act", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Territories included specifically under Travel Promotion Act                                           \n              Dec 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    H.R.83, the 2015 spending bill, also adds the Northern Mariana Islands and other non-state areas officially to provisions of the Travel Promotion Act, Public Law 111-145. The Act established a Corporation for Travel Promotion, which does business as Brand USA and is tasked with bringing more international visitors to our country. The NMI and other non-state areas were not mentioned specifically in the definition of United States when the law passed in 2009, so I, engaged in the practice known as a colloquy with the bill managers on the floor of the House. Mr. Delahunt (D \u2013 Massachusetts) in the colloquy said that the Act \u201cshould be agreed \u2026 as granting the corporation both the authority and obligation to promote tourism in the territories.\u201d And it has. Marianas Visitors Authority, for instance, worked effectively with Brand USA promoting travel to the Marianas from Japan. But H.R.83 dots the \u201ci\u201d and crosses the \u201ct\u201d by putting the non-state areas specifically into the law. Brand USA is funded with a $10 fee from travelers from countries that have a visa waiver agreement with the U.S. The travel and tourism industry also contributes to the budget. The public-private partnership is credited with attracting 1.1 million visitors to the U.S., creating $32 million worth of economic activity in 2013. H.R.83 extends the program for another five years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/energy-teams-insular-areas-approved-house", "Energy teams for insular areas approved by House", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Energy teams for insular areas approved by House                                           \n              Dec 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The original intent of H.R.83, before it became the means to fund the federal government, was to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to assemble teams of technical, policy, and financial experts to send to each of the insular areas with the goal of helping local governments lower energy costs. And the original intent was maintained when the House passed H.R.83 Thursday night. These energy action teams will develop comprehensive energy plans addressing the immediate, near-term, and long-term energy needs of the Northern Mariana Islands and the other insular areas. Addressing high energy costs in the islands has always been a goal for me and this bill could result in lower energy costs for everyone. My colleague Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands) introduced H.R.83 with the support of all the insular area representatives in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/insular-area-bill-funding-federal-government-passes-us-house", "Insular area bill funding the federal government passes U.S. House", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. House of Representatives has approved H.R. 83, an insular areas bill that was used as the vehicle to fund most of the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2015. Passage at 9:38 p.m. followed a day of dramatic uncertainty as both Republicans and Democrats found reasons to object to provisions included in the bill. In the end the vote was a narrow 219 to 206. Included in the measure is language authored by Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, extending for five years certain immigration policies crucial to the Northern Mariana Islands economy. The Senate, which remained in session after the House vote, must now act on the bill. The White House issued a statement earlier today saying the President supports enactment.\n\u201cWe have been working on passage of this legislation for two years,\u201d said Congressman Sablan. \u201cThe last few weeks have been touch and go. And we are not finished yet.\n\u201cBut I am very grateful to everyone who has assisted in getting us to this point, including Congresswoman Donna Christensen, who wrote H.R. 83, Senator Lisa Murkowski, who added my language to H.R. 83 in the Senate. And particularly to our Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, who took a special interest in making sure my language passed the House.\n\u201cI also want to thank Northern Marianas Governor Eloy Inos, who understands well the importance of extending these immigration policies and made his views known to Speaker of the House John Boehner and to Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. I very much appreciate the Governor\u2019s partnership.\u201d\nWithout enactment of H.R. 83 three policies important to the economy of the Northern Marianas will expire on December 31. The policies bar claims of asylum from the Northern Marinas, which is critical to the islands tourist industry; protect a small number of foreign investors, who were allowed to enter under Northern Marianas immigration law prior to 2009; and exempt the Northern Marianas and Guam from the cap on foreign workers, who may enter for temporary jobs, such as construction connected with the U.S. military build-up in the islands and resort development.\nIf H.R. 83 is enacted into law, the policies will now be terminated at the end of 2019.\nAs well, H.R. 83 provides tens of millions of dollars in annual grant funding for the Northern Mariana Islands, including about $7 million in water and sewer construction money as a result of a formula change that Sablan and other insular area representatives have successfully placed in appropriation bills since 2010.\nH.R. 83 also adds the insular areas to the places in the United States that can be promoted as part of the national tourism advertising campaign, BrandUSA, and renews the program for another five years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/tax-extension-package-packed-good-news-nmi", "Tax extension package packed with good news for NMI", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tax extension package packed with good news for NMI                                           \n              Dec 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The House passed a one-year extension of tax expenditures this week, H.R.5771 including an extension of the American Opportunity Tax Credit\u2019s (AOTC) special treatment of mirror-code territories, and the 9 percent rate floor on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which increases the attractiveness of new low-income housing investments in the NMI. As a mirror-code territory, the NMI mirrors the federal tax code; however, the onus for paying for credits in the code is placed on the local and not the federal treasury. With the extension and special provision attached to the AOTC, not only can qualified higher education expenses incurred by NMI residents be credited against his or her tax liabilities up to $2,500, but the U.S. Treasury will pay the NMI the amount equal to the cost of issuing the credit. The extension of the LIHTC rate floor is great news to the NMI, as well. The LIHTC Program is an indirect federal subsidy used to finance the development of affordable rental housing for low-income households. Developers of affordable housing have already realized the potential of the LIHTC program in the NMI, and new housing developments are on their way to providing low-cost housing choices for our island\u2019s residents. The bill now moves on to the U.S. Senate for further action.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/28942-grant-maternal-and-child-health", "$28,942 grant for Maternal and Child Health", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$28,942 grant for Maternal and Child Health                                           \n              Dec 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a grant of $28,942 for the CNMI Maternal and Child Health Data System Linkage and Training Initiative to the Commonwealth Health Corporation. The purpose of this grant is to carry out special maternal and child health projects of regional and national significance; to conduct training and research; to conduct genetic disease testing, counseling, and information development and dissemination programs. Congratulations to CHC.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/army-corps-waiver-increase-exceeds-expectation", "Army Corps waiver increase exceeds expectation", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Army Corps waiver increase exceeds expectation                                           \n              Dec 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Northern Mariana Islands is now allowed a $455,000 waiver of any local matching requirement for Army Corps projects, the Corps announced this week. That is more than double the current waiver of $200,000 and $55,000 more than estimated in previous e-kilili reports. The waiver increase is the result of language I added to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. It required the Corps to recompute the waiver, accounting for inflation over the 28 years since it was first enacted. The Corps has also announced that two projects currently underway \u2013 the Tinian and Rota Harbor feasibility studies \u2013 are both now eligible for the $455,000 dollar waiver. This could save the Commonwealth Ports Authority over half a million dollars. And the waiver will apply separately to the studies and to the eventual harbor construction, so the Commonwealth may use the higher waiver twice for one project.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/deadline-nears-submit-your-service-academy-application-now", "Deadline nears, submit your service academy application now", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Deadline nears, submit your service academy application now                                           \n              Dec 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    There are only seven days left before the December 12 deadline to submit your application for a congressional nomination to the U.S. Service Academies. I strongly encourage young men and women from the Northern Marianas, interested in a college education and committed to serving our country, to apply now to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. There are five openings available this year: two at the Naval Academy, two at the Air Force Academy, and one at the Merchant Marine Academy. Attending any of the academies is a unique opportunity to obtain a topnotch education and an officer\u2019s commission in return for five years of service. As your Congressman, I make nominations, but the final selection among nominees is made by academy admission officials. They look for strong grades, high SAT or ACT scores, physical ability, and leadership potential. More information and an application form are available at https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/academy-nominations, or you may also go to your local congressional office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/divert-language-dropped-ndaa-conference-bill", "Divert language dropped from NDAA conference bill", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Divert language dropped from NDAA conference bill                                           \n              Dec 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Most of us believe that Tinian would be the better site of an Air Force divert field, not Saipan. And the Governor, who is responsible for public lands in the Commonwealth, has made clear that is his position. So I included language in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, passed by the House in June, allowing the $29 million Congress has provided for the divert field to be spent anywhere in the Northern Mariana Islands. This week, however, a final version of the NDAA, worked out by House and Senate negotiators, passed the House without my language. The negotiators concluded that it was premature to make the change I wanted because the Air Force is still doing an environmental impact study. Language in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the 2015 NDAA does, however, welcome a legislative proposal from the Air Force to modify the scope or location for the project should the EIS Record of Decision, expected next year, decide that Tinian is the preferred location.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/house-approves-new-savings-account-program-disabled", "House approves new savings account program for disabled", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House approves new savings account program for disabled                                           \n              Dec 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Persons with disabilities have long faced a Catch 22: If they start earning money so they can be independent and live on their own, they can lose access to important safety net programs, such as Medicaid, because their income or growing savings now disqualify them for assistance. This week, the House voted overwhelmingly to address that problem with the ABLE Act, H.R. 647. The Act allows states to establish a tax-advantaged ABLE program. Savings accounts could then be set up for persons with disabilities, and the earnings and distributions from the accounts would not be counted as taxable income. Family members, friends, or disabled person themselves could contribute to the accounts. Distributions could only go to certain qualified expenses, such as education, housing, or assistive technology. But the amounts in the ABLE accounts would be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested federal programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/rota-national-park-study-passes-house", "Rota National Park study passes House", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rota National Park study passes House                                           \n              Dec 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    After six years of work it now appears that a study of whether to make areas of Rota a National Park will become law. The House approved the Rota study as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act this week. The Senate is now expected to approve the Act, which is the product of months of House/Senate negotiations, and then send the measure to the President to sign into law. Rota Senator Diego Songao began the process of establishing a Rota National Park over ten years ago and persuaded the Interior Department to report on whether Rota contained archaeological, historical, and/or natural resources of \u201cnational significance.\u201d A 2005 Interior report said yes. I picked up the ball on coming to Congress and have gotten legislation through the House in 2010, 2012, and 2013, authorizing the next step: the \u201csuitability and feasibility\u201d study. But each time the Senate failed to act. Inclusion in the \u201cmust-pass\u201d Defense bill seems to have overcome that final hurdle. Hundreds of public lands bills are introduced each year, authorizing studies, changing boundaries, or improving management plans. But only eight studies, including the Rota study, have been added to the Defense measure. Having a National Park would put Rota on the map as an international destination for eco-tourists and adventure travelers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/submit-your-entry-white-house-student-film-festival", "Submit your entry for the White House Student Film Festival", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Submit your entry for the White House Student Film Festival                                           \n              Dec 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    U.S. students, grades K-12, are invited to submit their original films to the second White House Student Film Festival. This year\u2019s theme is The Impact of Giving Back. Films must tell a story about paying it forward, about community service, or about making a difference and can be either fictional or documentary. The official selections will be featured on the White House website and shared worldwide through White House social media accounts. If selected, you may even have a chance to attend the film fest yourself at the White House. Deadline is January 20, 2015. For guidelines and more information, go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/filmfestival.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/veterans-choice-cards-their-way-nmi-vets", "Veterans Choice Cards on their way to NMI Vets", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Veterans Choice Cards on their way to NMI Vets                                           \n              Dec 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Qualified Veterans living in the NMI should expect to receive their Veterans Choice Cards through the mail in the coming weeks. The Choice Cards, authorized by the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, which we passed in Congress this year, entitle veterans living more than 40 miles away from a VA facility to seek out non-VA healthcare, if they have waited longer than 30 days for an appointment. I am grateful to Chairman Jeff Miller, Ranking Member Mike Michaud and Rep. Corrine Brown for including at my request the language giving veterans in the Northern Marianas and other rural areas of America this option to access non-VA medical care. With the Veterans Choice Card, our islands\u2019 veterans can more easily receive the medical care they deserve. For more information about the new Veterans Choice Cards or to find out if you are eligible, visit https://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/19992-awarded-state-traffic-safety-information-systems", "$19,992 awarded for State Traffic Safety Information Systems", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$19,992 awarded for State Traffic Safety Information Systems                                           \n              Nov 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, announced the award of $19,992 to the Commonwealth\u2019s Department of Public Safety this week. The grant is intended to encourage the use of seatbelts to reduce highway deaths and injuries. Congratulations to the Department of Public Safety.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/apply-now-us-service-academies-0", "Apply now for the U.S. service academies", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Apply now for the U.S. service academies                                           \n              Nov 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Young men and women from the Northern Marianas, interested in a college education and committed to serving our country, may apply now for a congressional nomination to one of the U.S. Service Academies. As a result of the provision I added to U.S. Public Law 111-84, there are four openings available this year: two at the Naval Academy, and two at the Air Force Academy. One slot is open, too, at the Merchant Marine Academy. Attending any of the academies is a unique opportunity to obtain a topnotch education and an officer\u2019s commission in return for five years of service. As your Congressman, I make nominations, but the final selection among nominees is made by academy admission officials. They look for strong grades, high SAT or ACT scores, physical ability, and leadership potential. More information and an application form are available at https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/academy-nominations, or you may also go to your local congressional office. Applications are due by December 12, 2014.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/child-care-act-supporting-working-families-extended-six-years", "Child care act, supporting working families, extended for six years", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Child care act, supporting working families, extended for six years                                           \n              Nov 21, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    200 Northern Marianas families get help paying for childcare through the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. Congress reauthorized the Act for another six years on Monday and the President signed the bill into law two days later. The Child Care Act provides the Northern Mariana Islands with over $2 million each year. The money pays some of the cost of childcare for low-income households, freeing parents to work or to train for new jobs. The reauthorization makes a number of reforms aimed at strengthening health and safety protections, so that mothers and fathers can feel sure their children are safe and well cared for. In addition, the law now provides more stability for families by continuing childcare support for at least a year even if parents\u2019 income suddenly changes. Before, the law disqualified parents within a month, if their income rose above the program\u2019s limits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/gdp-again-2013", "GDP up again in 2013", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GDP up again in 2013                                           \n              Nov 21, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The primary measure of economic growth, Gross Domestic Product, rose 4.4 percent in 2013 in the Northern Marianas, according to analysis released this week by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. It was the second consecutive year of growth for our islands. The primary drivers were increased consumer spending, particularly for automobiles, and increased tourism. Consumer spending was up 12.3 percent. Tourism, reflected in the export of services category, was up 8.8 percent. GDP is the sum of all spending by consumers, government, and business, and increased from $665 million in 2012 to $682 million in 2013. The Bureau of Economic Analysis, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, compiles GDP data for the Northern Mariana Islands and other U.S. insular areas with funding from the U.S. Department of Interior\u2019s Office of Insular Affairs. The next release of GDP data \u2013 for 2014 \u2013 is planned for the summer of 2015.\nGross Domestic Product in the Northern Marianas increased 4.4 percent in 2013, the best rate of growth in a decade and the second straight year of increase. The Bureau of Economic Analysis released the 2013 data on November 17, 2014.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/hearing-asks-why-usgs-no-longer-has-real-time-seismic-monitoring-pagan-volcano", "Hearing asks why USGS no longer has real-time seismic monitoring of Pagan volcano", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hearing asks why USGS no longer has real-time seismic monitoring of Pagan volcano                                           \n              Nov 21, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The recent lava flow on the island of Hawai\u2019i, threatening the village of Pahoa, drew congressional attention at a hearing of the Natural Resources Committee this week. Scientists from the Volcano Hazards Program of the U.S. Geological Survey here for the hearing also briefed your congressional office on volcano monitoring on Pagan, Anatahan, Sarigan, and Saipan. All four islands have ground based digital instrumentation and telemetry principally paid for by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA. But the Pagan equipment is currently not streaming real-time data because a lack of funding prevents uplinking to satellite. Pagan is still being actively monitored by daily analysis of satellite images of the island. In the meantime, USGS and the Army Corps of Engineers are pursuing other funding sources to re-start the satellite uplink. And your congressional office will also be requesting the needed funding for the Volcano Hazards Program through the member submission procedure in the fiscal year 2016 appropriation process.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/how-president%E2%80%99s-immigration-announcement-affects-northern-marianas", "How Presidents immigration announcement affects the Northern Marianas", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "How President\u2019s immigration announcement affects the Northern Marianas                                           \n              Nov 21, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    President Obama announced on Thursday that he will be using his executive authority to address the situation of some of the 11 million persons who are not legally present in the United States. Although the Senate passed a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill in July 2013, the House of Representatives has not taken action. So the President stepped in. His action is primarily aimed at persons who do not have a legal status. In the Northern Marianas CW workers, E-2C investors, and the immediate relatives of U.S. and FAS citizens and caregivers who have been granted humanitarian parole are all legally present. But there may be some in the NMI, who have lost their legal status, who could benefit. The President\u2019s action does not provide any new pathway to citizenship, but may make it easier for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and others eligible for naturalization by allowing the use of credit cards to pay the $680 fee. Currently, only cash, check, or money order is accepted. Further information about the President\u2019s announcement is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/changes-veterans-benefits-could-affect-nmi", "Changes to veterans benefits could affect NMI", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Changes to veterans benefits could affect NMI                                           \n              Nov 14, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Veterans and families of veterans should be aware of two changes to GI Bill education benefits that are now going into effect:\n Section 701 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act passed by Congress earlier this year expands the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship to include the surviving spouses of Servicemembers who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Prior to this law, only children of those who died in the line of duty were eligible for this benefit. Eligible spouses will be entitled to up to 36 months of the full, 100% level of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which includes the tuition and fee payment, a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend.\n\tSection 702 of the new law requires the Veterans Administration to disapprove programs of education under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill \u2013 Active Duty at public institutions of higher learning if the school charges qualifying Veterans and dependents tuition and fees in excess of the rate for resident students for terms beginning after July 1, 2015. This provision should have the effect of forcing public colleges and universities to offer resident tuition to anyone covered by the GI bills.\n Click here for more information about GI bill educational benefits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/elected-region-ii-democratic-whip-114th-congress", "Elected as Region II Democratic Whip for the 114th Congress", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Elected as Region II Democratic Whip for the 114th Congress                                           \n              Nov 14, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The 21 members of Region II of the Democratic Caucus re-elected me as a Regional Whip today. Region II covers Northern California, Hawai\u2019i, and the Pacific islands and includes Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi among its members. The vote was unanimous. The role of the Whip is to count how Region members intend to vote on key legislation, so that our House leadership has an idea whether a bill will pass or fail before a vote is taken on the floor. I particularly appreciate being a part of this process even though I cannot vote on the floor; and I always include the Guam and American Samoan Members who have the same limit. Making sure that the leadership knows how we would vote is a good reminder that any new law will affect the people of the insular areas just as it does Americans living anywhere else in our nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/ensuring-dod-cleans-properties-it-contaminates", "Ensuring DoD cleans up properties it contaminates", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ensuring DoD cleans up properties it contaminates                                           \n              Nov 14, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    With increasing military activity in the Northern Mariana Islands I want to be sure that the Defense Department is always responsible for cleaning up after itself. That is why I support Section 316 of S. 2410, the Senate version of this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act. Section 316 authorizes Defense to clean up areas it has used, even if no longer under military control. This is the situation on the island of Culebra. The military left behind unexploded ordnance on the island when it conveyed the property to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and now refuses to fund a cleanup of this public hazard. So, I joined 29 other Members of Congress in a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees asking them to keep Section 316 when House and Senate conferees hammer out a final version of the 2015 Defense bill. Section 316 gives DOD authority to fund a cleanup and makes clear that is what Congress wants the military to do.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/white-house-scientist-can-answer-your-climate-change-questions", "White House scientist can answer your climate change questions", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "White House scientist can answer your climate change questions                                           \n              Nov 14, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Rising sea levels that wash away beaches, ocean acidification that destroys coral reefs, more intense storms that overwhelm drainage systems and flood our streets \u2013 these are some of the problems that climate change brings to our islands and coastal areas throughout the world. To keep people informed and answer questions you may have the Obama administration has set up a Q&A system using social media. Ask your question on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Vine, using the hashtag #AskDrH, and the President\u2019s Science Advisor, Dr. John Holdren, will respond to as many as he can. For more information on the new White House program, click here. And to learn more about what our country is already doing to respond to climate change click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-sablan-responds-uscis-decision-extending-parole-us-citizen-families", "Congressman Sablan responds to USCIS decision extending parole for US citizen families", "2014-11-08", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Sablan responds to USCIS decision extending parole for US citizen families                                           \n              Nov 8, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan issued the following statement today after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service announced that its existing policy of granting humanitarian parole to eligible immediate relatives of U.S. citizens in the Northern Mariana Islands will continue until the end of 2016. The policy was due to expire at the end of this year, putting Northern Marianas families with non-U.S. citizens at risk of separation.\n\u201cIn our island culture nothing is more important than family. That is why under Commonwealth immigration law the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens were allowed to live here in the Northern Mariana Islands.\n\u201cSo, I want to thank USCIS Director Leon Rodriguez for his decision to continue that policy and allowing for families in the Northern Marianas to stay together for another two years.\n\u201cI encourage all of our families who have some US and some non-US members to keep working towards a permanent status. USCIS established the parole policy for immediate relatives in 2011 and has now extended the policy twice. But there is no guarantee that parole will continue to be offered after 2016.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/114552-awarded-state-and-community-highway-safety-grant", "$114,552 awarded for State and Community Highway Safety Grant", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$114,552 awarded for State and Community Highway Safety Grant                                           \n              Nov 7, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced the award of $114,552 to the Commonwealth\u2019s Department of Public Safety. Section 402 State and Community Highway Safety Grants provide funds to states and territories to improve driver behavior and reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle-related crashes. Congratulations to the Department of Public Safety.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/airbag-recall-may-affect-some-nmi-vehicles", "Airbag recall may affect some NMI vehicles", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Airbag recall may affect some NMI vehicles                                           \n              Nov 7, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Certain models of Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi vehicles sold in the Northern Mariana Islands may be subject to a recall because of defective airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced the recall and identified the Northern Marianas as one of the geographic areas of special concern because the defective Takata airbags are more prone to failure in areas with consistently high temperatures and humidity. The agency urged owners of impacted vehicles to contact their dealer\u2019s service department and make arrangements for repair as soon as possible. A complete list of affected vehicles listed by make, model, and year of manufacture is available at https://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/Vehicle-owners-with-defective-airbags-urged-to-take-immediate-action. Owners may also look up their vehicle identification number on manufacturers' websites to confirm whether the vehicle has an open recall that needs to be addressed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/american-memorial-park-tennis-courts-reopen-saturday", "American Memorial Park tennis courts reopen Saturday", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "American Memorial Park tennis courts reopen Saturday                                           \n              Nov 7, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Tennis players on Saipan will be able to enjoy the renovated American Memorial Park courts weeks ahead of schedule. The National Park Service announced this week that the rehabilitation is complete and the courts will open on Saturday, November 8. Earnings from the AMP Trust Fund paid for the work. The Trust was set up under terms of the Covenant, using a $2 million payment from the U.S. government for a 50 year lease of areas of Tanapag Harbor. The Covenant requires the proceeds of the Trust to go solely for development and maintenance of the Park. Congress also provides funding directly. For fiscal year 2014, Congress appropriated $1.6 million for the operation and maintenance of the American Memorial Park.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/value-nmi-commercial-fish-catch-33-percent", "Value of NMI commercial fish catch up 33 percent", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Value of NMI commercial fish catch up 33 percent                                           \n              Nov 7, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The landed value of the commercial fish catch in the Northern Mariana Islands reached $807,437 in 2013, a 33 percent increase over the previous year. The commercial haul was 341,150 pounds in total, a 29 percent increase over 2012. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released the NMI data this week as part of the agency\u2019s annual report on commercial landings. Not surprisingly over half the value came from various species of tuna. Mahi and snapper were also important to the total value of the harvest. Commercial fishing in the Northern Marianas is growing faster than in the rest of the country. Overall, U.S. landings increased 2.5 percent, and the value of the catch increased 7.6 percent. The NOAA report is available at https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/commercial-fisheries/fus/fus13/index.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/affordable-care-act-funds-chcc-hit-42-m-67-million-still-available", "Affordable Care Act funds to CHCC hit $42 m., $67 million still available", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Affordable Care Act funds to CHCC hit $42 m., $67 million still available                                           \n              Oct 31, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    New Medicaid funding from the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, drawn down by the Commonwealth reached $41,982,993 as of this week. The ACA provided $109 million in new Medicaid money to the Northern Marianas. So we still have another $67 million available between now and the end of 2019. The money pays for the medical care of some 15,000 lower-income Northern Mariana Islanders. This Affordable Care Act money is in addition to the regular Medicaid funding of $15 million and Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program funding of $3 million we have received over the last three years. Without these federal funds \u2013 $60 million in all \u2013 it would have been very difficult to keep our hospital open after the CNMI government stopped underwriting the costs of CHC.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/light-ebola-senate-should-confirm-surgeon-general", "In light of Ebola Senate should confirm Surgeon General", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In light of Ebola Senate should confirm Surgeon General                                           \n              Oct 31, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Our country needs all hands on deck to respond to public health threats, such as the Ebola virus. But the Senate has been sitting on President Obama\u2019s nomination for Surgeon General of the United States for almost a year. Dr. Vivek Murthy has the strong backing of the Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian American communities, as expressed by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and by the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. And this week I joined 90 other Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also urging the confirmation of the President\u2019s nominee. We all want to know that our government is on top of the Ebola threat. But with the Surgeon General\u2019s office vacant we feel less secure. The Senate will have the opportunity to act when Congress returns to work after the November election.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/medicare-open-enrollment-here", "Medicare Open Enrollment is here", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Medicare Open Enrollment is here                                           \n              Oct 31, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Medicare Open Enrollment period has begun and runs until December 7. For those in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, it's a chance to review current coverage, compare current coverage with other options, and make changes for the next year. If changes are made to coverage, new coverage plans will start on January 1. If current coverage satisfies needs and is still being offered, there is no need to do anything. If a friend or family member of yours is in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, we encourage you to share this message with them. You can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical insurance) in the following ways:\n\u2022 Online at https://socialsecurity.gov./.  \n\t\u2022 By calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM EST.  \n\t\u2022 In person at your local Social Security office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/nmi-businesses-benefiting-federal-credit-funds", "NMI businesses benefiting from federal credit funds", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NMI businesses benefiting from federal credit funds                                           \n              Oct 31, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Local banks and businesses turned out in force on Saturday to learn about the $13.1 million in credit available in the Northern Marianas through the U.S. Treasury\u2019s State Small Business Credit Initiative. President Obama proposed the program in January 2010, as part of the ongoing effort to lift the nation out of recession; and the Democratic Congress passed the measure in September of that year. Treasury phoned me in November concerned that the Commonwealth had not yet applied to be a \u201cparticipating state.\u201d I alerted the Governor that the 60-day window of opportunity was closing and the CNMI got on board. So it was good to see, four years later, the program now working and the Commonwealth Development Authority encouraging more participation. Nationally, 61 percent of available funds have been deployed. Here, only about 3 percent is in use; and we will lose access to the remainder, if most of the first $4 million is not committed by June 2015. Any SSBCI funds that are successfully used will remain available for Commonwealth businesses in perpetuity. Treasury\u2019s annual report on SSBCI is available here. For more information about the program locally contact Aaron Wood at loan@cda.gov.mp or by calling 670.234.6245 x 306/308.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/nmi-power-plants-fall-under-carbon-rule-thresholds", "NMI power plants fall under carbon rule thresholds", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NMI power plants fall under carbon rule thresholds                                           \n              Oct 31, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    As a follow up to their proposed guidelines for states to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants, the Environmental Protection Agency has released this week their supplemental emission guidelines proposal but for Puerto Rico and Guam only. In this supplemental action, EPA determined that the power plants in the NMI did not have 25 MW (megawatt) units and even if they did, EPA is only proposing limits for certain energy generating units, which does not include diesel units that the NMI uses. According to EPA, during the past five years, they have had no Clean Air Act investigation or enforcement action involving the Commonwealth Utility Corporation. The NMI is the third lowest in the nation in releasing toxic chemicals into the air. In addition to seeking comments for the supplemental carbon goals for territories, EPA is seeking public comments on their notice of data availability which is a compilation of ideas and information submitted by a broad range of stakeholders since proposing the Clean Power Plan in June. Comments for the notice of data availability and supplemental plan are due by December 1 and 19, respectively. You may submit your comments via email at A-and-R-Docket@epa.gov or through the federal eRulemaking portal, and include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0602 on the subject line.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/noaa-rule-supports-fishery-development-nmi", "NOAA rule supports fishery development in the NMI", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NOAA rule supports fishery development in the NMI                                           \n              Oct 31, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    This week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its final rule allowing the Commonwealth government to sell a portion of its quota to U.S. vessels with the proceeds to be used to support fishery development projects in our community. Under the rule, the NMI and other territories are each allowed a catch limit of 2,000 metric tons, for longline bigeye tuna and may transfer up to 1,000 metric tons of that limit to U.S. longline fishing vessels based in other U.S. territories or Hawaii. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, which includes council members from the NMI, will annually review and recommend to NOAA the catch and allocation limits for the next fishing year. Previously, NOAA had not implemented annual catch limits for bigeye tuna in the territories because the historical level of catch in each territory was so low or near zero.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/89983-awarded-maternal-and-child-health-services", "$89,983 awarded for Maternal and Child Health Services", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$89,983 awarded for Maternal and Child Health Services                                           \n              Oct 24, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Commonwealth\u2019s Divison of Public Health Services $89,983 for Maternal and Child Health Services. DPH will utilize the funds for the health care of pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children, especially children with special needs. Congratulations to DPH!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/social-security-benefits-increase-17-percent", "Social Security benefits increase 1.7 percent", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Social Security benefits increase 1.7 percent                                           \n              Oct 24, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Social Security Administration announced this week that monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase 1.7 percent in 2015. The 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin in January 2015 for Social Security beneficiaries. Increased payments to SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2014. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor\u2019s Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information, go to https://www.socialsecurity.gov/cola/.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/tax-identity-theft-may-be-problem-nmi-residents", "Tax identity theft may be a problem for NMI residents", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tax identity theft may be a problem for NMI residents                                           \n              Oct 24, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    We want to put you on the alert that Northern Mariana Islands residents may be vulnerable to identity theft being used for tax fraud. Your congressional office has received notice of identity thieves using Social Security or other personal information from NMI residents to fraudulently claim federal income tax refunds from the U.S. Treasury. Identity theft of this kind has already affected hundreds on Guam and it looks to be spreading to our islands as well. Because most residents of the Northern Marianas do not file a federal income tax return this form of identity theft may go completely unnoticed. But those who receive a federal benefit tied to reported income, such as Social Security or Medicaid, may see an unexplained change in those benefits that could signal there is an identity theft problem. Notice from the Internal Revenue Service that you have a balance due or that collection actions are being taken against you for a year you did not file a federal income tax return could also mean a problem. If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, contact the IRS Local Taxpayer Advocate in Honolulu at 808-566-2950, or visit https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/help-federal-agency to request assistance from your congressional office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/100-scored-food-policy-action-report-card", "100% scored on Food Policy Action report card", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "100% scored on Food Policy Action report card                                           \n              Oct 17, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Food Policy Action has given me a score of 100 percent for 2014 as a result of my work on legislation supporting better food policies. I was one of only 22 Members of Congress to receive the top score. In addition to co-sponsoring the Food Security Improvement Act, I was also able to include a $32.5 million SNAP Pilot Program for the Northern Mariana Islands in the Agricultural Act of 2014. Work on the Pilot Program has already begun in the Marianas and $13.5 million of the new money will be available next October to raise benefits for our families closer to the national level of SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Food Policy Action organization promotes sensible food policies that support healthy diets, reduce hunger, and encourage sustainable farming and food production. \u201cThrough education and the National Food Policy Scorecard, more people will be armed with the information they need to vote with their forks and elect more food policy leaders across the country,\u201d the organization says.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/192324-awarded-help-utility-bills", "$192,324 awarded to help with utility bills", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$192,324 awarded to help with utility bills                                           \n              Oct 17, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Low income families in the Northern Mariana Islands will continue to receive increased LIHEAP assistance in the fiscal year that began this month. The Department of Health and Human Services has released $192,324 for the Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program to the Commonwealth\u2019s Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. This is 90 percent of expected annual funding; the rest should be appropriated when Congress resumes in November. About 120 Northern Marianas households were added to LIHEAP last year as a result of a 400 percent increase in funding I was able to secure, and monthly help with CUC bills doubled on average for the 420 Marianas households now eligible for LIHEAP. I convinced then HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to use her administrative authority to increase the funding by providing data showing that poverty levels in the U.S. insular areas are three to five times the national average and that the price of electricity is two to four times higher. Households may also use the LIHEAP grants to make home improvements that save energy and lower utility bills. Congratulations DCCA!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/keeping-tabs-threat-ebola", "Keeping tabs on the threat of Ebola", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Keeping tabs on the threat of Ebola                                           \n              Oct 17, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    It is very concerning that a disease that has proven so lethal in West Africa has now spread in isolated cases to North America and Europe. I have asked staff in your congressional office in Washington to be present at briefings at the Capitol to be sure that federal preparations to respond to Ebola include the Northern Mariana Islands. We also contacted the Commonwealth Department of Public Health and learned that DPH has been in daily contact with the Centers for Disease Control in Hawai\u2019i to be prepared. DPH says a space at the Commonwealth Health Center is being retrofitted as an isolation area, where a patient infected or showing symptoms could be treated. And DPH informed us of their activities and tells us that this week they conducted a \u201cdry-run\u201d exercise to practice exactly what will be done if a patient comes in who may be infected. The White House has also published information, explaining the nature of the disease and the federal response. We have seen unexpected diseases before, such as SARS, and the world survived. But we have to take the matter seriously, stay well informed, and be prepared.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/tinian-and-rota-harbor-projects-first-benefit-year%E2%80%99s-change-law", "Tinian and Rota harbor projects first to benefit from this years change in law", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tinian and Rota harbor projects first to benefit from this year\u2019s change in law                                           \n              Oct 17, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Commonwealth will pay less for Army Corps of Engineers projects as a result of a change I included in WRRDA, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, this year. Corps engineers briefed me this week on the first two projects that will benefit \u2013 the Rota West Harbor feasibility study and the Tinian Harbor feasibility study. Before the change in law, the Rota project would have cost the Commonwealth $1,224,000, now the cost will be about $989,000. The local cost of the Tinian project was likewise reduced from $1,126,500 to $891,500. The federal government pays two-thirds of the total costs for both projects. The three-year feasibility studies will determine exactly what changes need to be made to the Rota harbor, so that ships can get in no matter what the weather conditions. On Tinian the focus will be upgrading the breakwater and assuring the harbor is adequate to the needs of increased military activity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/congressional-office-host-new-zealand-intern", "Congressional office to host New Zealand intern", "2014-10-10", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressional office to host New Zealand intern                                           \n              Oct 10, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    At the invitation of Ambassador Mike Moore, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Director-General of the World Trade Organization, your congressional office will host a New Zealand university student-intern for two months beginning in November. The Congressional Intern Programme was established by the New Zealand Embassy in Washington and by the US \u2013 NZ Council in the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated Christchurch, New Zealand in 2011. Originally, students from Canterbury University, which was badly impacted by the disaster, were brought to Washington to participate in the internships, but the program now includes students from Victoria University in Wellington, too. I narrowly escaped the earthquake myself. I was a member of a congressional delegation, working on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, which departed Christchurch just two hours before the quake. Helping the still ongoing recovery by hosting a student-intern is one way of being a good Pacific neighbor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/delegates-want-fair-treatment-insular-areas-under-affordable-care-act", "Delegates want fair treatment for insular areas under Affordable Care Act", "2014-10-10", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Delegates want fair treatment for insular areas under Affordable Care Act                                           \n              Oct 10, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    No one in the insular areas gets federal help to pay for health insurance from the Affordable Care Act. Yet insurance providers here still have to pay a fee to the U.S. Treasury to cover the cost of ACA subsidies nationwide. That is unfair. More importantly, it could make health insurance more expensive for all of us, if insurers raise rates to cover the fee. So I joined other insular area Delegates, led by Puerto Rico\u2019s Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi, asking the Secretaries of the Treasury and of Health and Human Services for relief from the fee. Of course, my ultimate goal is to get federal subsidies in the Northern Marianas for individuals and families who buy insurance on their own and for employers who buy insurance for their workers. Until then, insurers should not have to pay the fee. Or the U.S. Treasury should return the money to insular governments to offset the cost of insurance, support local hospitals, or otherwise improve health care.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/panel-expands-diabetes-testing-guidelines", "Panel expands diabetes testing guidelines", "2014-10-10", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Panel expands diabetes testing guidelines                                           \n              Oct 10, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Following the House Diabetes Caucus letter I reported on last week, urging broader guidelines for diabetes testing, the United States Preventive Services Task Force has agreed that adults age 45 and older should be routinely screened for type 2 diabetes. In its draft recommendations the Task Force also suggests routine screening for people who are overweight or who have a family history of diabetes. Broader screening is important because finding the disease early can stop its progress or slow it down. These recommendations are a change from 2008, when the Task Force only recommended screening for adults with high blood pressure. \u201cSince the previous recommendation,\u201d the Task Force now says, \u201csix new lifestyle intervention studies have shown consistent benefit of lifestyle modifications to prevent or delay progression to diabetes.\u201d In other words, catching the disease early can save people from this terrible disease. The Task Force is accepting comments to the draft recommendations online through Nov. 3.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/303012-grant-awarded-commonwealth-justice-planning-agency", "$303,012 grant awarded to the Commonwealth Justice Planning Agency", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$303,012 grant awarded to the Commonwealth Justice Planning Agency                                           \n              Oct 3, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Commonwealth Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA) received grant awards this week for the following programs:\n $228,929 was awarded for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. JAG funds will be used to continue support programs that will focus on addressing crime through the provision of services such as multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces, crime prevention programs, law enforcement programs, domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment and justice information sharing initiatives to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the entire criminal justice system in the NMI.\n\t$74,083 awarded for Title II Formula Grants Program. The CNMI aims to direct funding resources to programs and projects that focus on juvenile justice systems improvement, compliance monitoring, and delinquency prevention programs. The main goal is to enhance efforts of juvenile justice service providers, to measure program progress towards goals and ensure compliance. Funding will also include technical assistance workshops for awarded programs and also monitors the progress of each program through visits and quarterly progress reports. Congratulations to CJPA!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/fws-seeks-public-comment-protect-17-species-nmi", "FWS seeks public comment to protect 17 species in the NMI", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FWS seeks public comment to protect 17 species in the NMI                                           \n              Oct 3, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting the public to submit comments on its proposal to protect 17 new plant and animal species in the Northern Mariana Islands under the Endangered Species Act. Currently, our islands are home to 15 endangered or threatened species, including the Mariana crow, the Nightingale Reed Warbler, and the Mariana Fruit Bat. Comments can be submitted electronically at https://www.regulations.gov. Or you can submit comments in writing to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2014-0038; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. Comments are being accepted until December 1.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/how-much-social-security-do-you-have-look-forward", "How much Social Security do you have to look forward to?", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "How much Social Security do you have to look forward to?                                           \n              Oct 3, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Not everyone in the Northern Mariana Islands \u2013 or elsewhere in America \u2013 has access to the internet. So the Social Security Administration has decided to begin mailing hard-copies of Social Security Statements to those who do not have an online Social Security account. If you are reading the e-kilili, you obviously have an internet connection, but you may not have set up a secure my Social Security account that allows you to look at your statement online whenever you want. The statement is a valuable financial planning tool that gives you a record of your tax contributions and yearly earnings and estimates your future benefit. You can set up a my Social Security account here. And, if you decide not to, Social Security will be mailing you a hard-copy statement every five years, when you reach age 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60. After age 60, you will receive a statement every year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/improved-screening-first-line-defense-against-diabetes", "Improved screening is a first-line defense against diabetes", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Improved screening is a first-line defense against diabetes                                           \n              Oct 3, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Diabetes care has improved steadily over the years, but so has evidence that intensive care has its own health risks. This points to the need for more effective screening so that persons in a pre-diabetic condition can make lifestyle changes or receive drugs that prevent or delay the full blown disease. For that reason, as a member of the House Diabetes Caucus I joined with 61 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Sally Burwell, calling for broader screening guidelines. Right now, screening is only recommended for persons with hypertension. We think the federal guidelines should recommend screening for other risk factors, including age, being a member of a high-risk ethnic population, or having a first-degree relative with diabetes. This would be consistent with the recommendation of the American Diabetes Association. According to the CNMI Department of Public Health, one out of every two children born in the our islands after the year 2000 is at risk of developing type II diabetes. We must do everything we can to help head off this disease.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/president-announces-climate-change-competition", "President announces climate change competition", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President announces climate change competition                                           \n              Oct 3, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Climate change is a real threat for those of us living in the Pacific Islands. Rising sea levels that erode beaches, ocean acidification that eats away coral reefs, and changes in rainfall and storm intensity all endanger our island way of life. To combat these and other results of climate change, President Obama announced a new Climate Action Champions competition this week. As many as 15 local or tribal governments will be recognized for their efforts to cut carbon pollution or prepare for the impacts of a changing climate. In addition, the designated Champions will receive technical assistance from the federal government to bolster their work. The deadline to apply is October 27.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/1304330-nmis-partnership-success", "$1,304,330 for NMI's Partnership for Success", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$1,304,330 for NMI's Partnership for Success                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation has received notice of $1,304,330 administered by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services. CHC will use the money for the Partnership for Success program, which addresses substance abuse through treatment and prevention. Congratulations to CHC.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/212160-adam-walsh-act-implementation-grant-program", "$212,160 for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$212,160 for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The CNMI Department of Public Safety was awarded $212,160 from the Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program this week. The Adam Walsh Act is aimed at helping local governments\u2019 sex offender registration and notification programs in conjunction with the national system for registration of those offenders. The funds will provide training for officers, computer hardware and software, and updated community notification systems. Congratulations to DPS.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/269172-awarded-improvements-northern-marianas-college", "$269,172 awarded for improvements at Northern Marianas College", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$269,172 awarded for improvements at Northern Marianas College                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs has announced a grant assistance of $269,172 to the Northern Marianas College for capital improvement projects. These funds will be used for renovations on existing classrooms and office buildings at the Northern Marianas College to provide a more beneficial environment for learning. Congratulations to NMC.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/587998-stop-violence-against-women-formula-grant-program", "$587,998 for STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$587,998 for STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Commonwealth Justice Planning Agency is the recipient of $587,998 in federal funds for the STOP Violence Against Women program. STOP works for more effective law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies in cases of violent crime against women and for development of victim services. Congratulations to CJPA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/marianas-trench-monument-visitor-center-planning-moves-forward", "Marianas Trench Monument Visitor Center planning moves forward", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marianas Trench Monument Visitor Center planning moves forward                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    After holding a series of listening sessions in the Northern Marianas over the last week, the Marianas Trench Monument Advisory Council will issue a final report on plans for a Monument Visitor Center by December 19. The report will reflect public comments from the meetings on Rota, Tinian, and Saipan on the initial recommendation by the Council, regarding the mission and location of a Visitor Center and potential funding sources. The Advisory Council includes three officials from the Commonwealth Government and one representative each from the Department of Defense and the United States Coast Guard. They advise the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Monument management planning activities. I obtained a $220,000 congressional earmark for Visitor Center planning in fiscal year 2010. The Commonwealth government used the money largely for an engineering assessment of the Navy Hill Lighthouse as a potential Visitor Center.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/minimum-wage-rises-605-tuesday", "Minimum wage rises to $6.05 on Tuesday", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Minimum wage rises to $6.05 on Tuesday                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    \nMinimum wage goes up to $6.05 per hour on Tuesday. This is the sixth increase in seven years. The minimum wage has almost doubled since the federal government took over in 2007. The CNMI wage remains $3.05 per hour, however, unchanged since 1996\u2014almost 20 years ago. Because of the federal increase the wages of those earning minimum have stayed ahead of costs, according to the Government Accountability Office.\nMinimum wage workers in the Northern Mariana Islands will see a 50\u00a2 increase on September 30. The new federal minimum wage of $6.05 per hour is almost double the wage set by CNMI law. Getting the increase right has been one of my toughest jobs as your representative in Congress. Workers tell me they worry that, if wages rise too quickly, they will lose their job or have their hours cut. Employers say they cannot invest in growing their business, when wages go up too fast. But my heart tells me that families need more money to meet their needs. I have amended federal law twice to stretch out the increase, relying on the economic analysis of the Government Accountability Office. GAO\u2019s March 2014 report says that \u201cthe inflation-adjusted earnings of minimum wage workers who retained their jobs and work hours rose\u2026 by about 39 percent for the entire period from 2006 to 2012\u201d and \u201cthe hourly wage of minimum wage workers increased by more than inflation.\u201d As long as wages stay ahead of prices and the increases do not cost us jobs, I think we have the right policy in place.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/nmi-must-stay-focused-training-us-workers", "NMI must stay focused on training U.S. workers", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NMI must stay focused on training U.S. workers                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Saying there are not nearly enough unemployed U.S. workers to fill the jobs now held by foreign workers in the Northern Marianas, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has set the cap on CW workers at 13,999 for FY15. This is virtually unchanged from the FY14 cap of 14,000 and almost 4,000 more than the number who were granted CW (Commonwealth-only Transitional) status in FY13. While investors and developers will be relieved that there will be ample labor available for hotels and other planned projects, we should not lose focus on the continuing need to train U.S. workers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor unemployed U.S. workers could fill as many as 20 percent of the available jobs, if the unemployed had the right skills. Our local government has the responsibility for using effectively the $1.5 million it receives each year in CW fees to train U.S. workers. And employers have the responsibility always to hire locals, if they have the skills and are ready to work. U.S. Public Law 110-229 still requires that there be zero CW workers by the end of 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/president-protects-more-ocean-areas-traditional-use", "President protects more ocean areas for traditional use", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President protects more ocean areas for traditional use                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    President Obama created the largest marine reserve in the world on Thursday by signing an Executive Order expanding the boundaries of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument around Jarvis and Wake Islands and Johnston Atoll. The United States now joins the Republic of Palau and the Independent and Sovereign Republic of Kiribati as a leader in protecting ocean ecosystems under increasing pressure from climate change and resource extraction. Traditional fishing, which is rooted in the practice of sustainability and conservation for future generations, will continue to be allowed in the expanded Monument. Modern extractive activities, such as commercial fishing and deep sea mining, will be banned. The President announced in June that he was considering expanding the protected areas. Before making any decision about the exact boundaries, though, he asked for input from fishermen, scientists, elected officials, and other stakeholders. After a well-attended town hall meeting in Honolulu and 170,000 comments from individuals, the President set the new boundaries as shown on the map above. In a statement, I applauded the President\u2019s decision, which protects the oceans so important to the culture and heritage of island peoples, and which he made in a way that respects the views of those of us who live in the Pacific.\nPresident Obama has expanded the boundaries of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument around Wake and Jarvis Islands and Johnston Atoll. Traditional fishing, consistent with the cultural practice of sustainable use, will continue in the area. There was concern that the Northern Marianas might somehow be affected. But White House officials informed me that there was never an intention to expand the Marianas Trench Monument that former Republican President George Bush negotiated with former Governor Benigno Fitial in the final hours of the Bush administration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/protecting-funding-community-health-centers", "Protecting funding for community health centers", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Protecting funding for community health centers                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Finally getting approval for the Kagman Community Health Center was a major achievement for so many. Getting funding in the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, to open and operate the Kagman Center in 2013 was equally important. Just last week Kagman was awarded $188,706 for this year\u2019s operations. That\u2019s why I joined over 200 other Members of Congress in asking Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to act to protect the Health Center fund, which is scheduled to expire after fiscal year 2015. That would mean cuts of up to seventy percent for operational funding and could lead to closure of Kagman, staff layoffs, or a sharp reduction in service. I will keep working to prevent that from happening. People in Kagman, Papago, San Vicente, Fina Sisu, Dan Dan, Obyan, As Terlaje, and the surrounding areas can now rely on the new Kagman Community Health Center for primary and preventive care. We need it to remain open and even expand services.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/urgent-climate-change-action-needed-safeguard-nmi", "Urgent climate change action needed to safeguard NMI", "2014-09-26", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Urgent climate change action needed to safeguard NMI                                           \n              Sep 26, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The United Nations convened an International Climate Summit this week with implications for the Northern Marianas. Rising sea levels that erode beaches, ocean acidification that eats away coral reefs, and changes in rainfall and storm intensity that endanger farmers, businesses, and homeowners all result from climate change. I am encouraged that the world may now be paying attention. Meanwhile, I have co-sponsored H.R. 764, the Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act, which would give the NMI and other vulnerable areas the resources we need to develop and implement strategies to reduce the impact of climate change.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-immigration-policy-always-difficult", "Kilili: Immigration policy is always difficult", "2014-09-25", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saipan Tribune -- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan issued the following statement on Thursday in response to a notice by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that the E-2 CNMI investor visa program is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31.\nUSCIS also issued an advisory that the current exemption for the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam from the national limit on the number of H visas for temporary workers was expiring at the end of this year, too. Both programs were established by U.S. Public Law 110-229 with the end-date set by that law.\nSablan said:\n\u201cUSCIS is warning E-2 CNMI investors and, also, businesses that depend on unlimited H visa workers to prepare for these programs to end on Dec. 31. That is the responsible action for USCIS to take.\n\u201cI remain committed, though, to getting Congress to extend both the E-2 CNMI investor visa and the H visa exemption to the end of 2019.\n\u201cWhen the commonwealth government was in charge of immigration, those 261 foreign investors who now hold E-2 CNMI visas were promised they could stay if they put their money into the Northern Marianas economy. I believe we have an obligation to keep that promise, and we certainly cannot afford to see those investments leave our economy.\n\u201cThe exemption from the national cap on H visas may not seem important to the Northern Mariana Islands because we have few H visa temporary workers now. But investors planning for the future need to know that when they are ready to build a new hotel or other large project they will have access to temporary foreign construction workers if there are not enough U.S. workers. Without the exemption from the H visa cap, employers in the Northern Marianas would have to compete for those temporary workers with employers throughout the entire United States. And that prospect could scare off potential investors.\n\u201cAs worthy as both the E-2 CNMI and H visa policies are, however, there is no guarantee that Congress will act to extend them during the few days we are in session after the November election. I do have the help of Republicans and Democrats in both the House and the Senate with whom I have worked on these issues for almost six years. People understand this is a time-critical issue. And I have been able to get several bills close to the legislative finish line, notably S. 1237 and H.R. 83, which passed the Senate last Thursday. But anything to do with immigration can be very contentious, and sometimes one person can block passage of a bill.\n\u201cThere is opposition here in the Marianas, too, from some who say that Public Law 110-229 and the policies it put in place violated the Covenant and that there should be no extension. These local opponents add to the difficulty of passing a bill in Congress. They make it harder to legislate policies to allow the Northern Mariana Islands economy to rebound from an almost 10-year period of economic decline. They make it harder for us to keep the commonwealth\u2019s promise to 261 foreign investors. They make it harder for us to be sure we have access to temporary construction workers to build over 2,000 hotel rooms commonwealth elected officials have been promised in the coming years.\n\u201cDespite these difficulties, I will continue working toward the goal of extending these well-thought-out policies until 2019. That goal has the backing of the commonwealth government and is best for the future of our local economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-responds-presidential-order-pacific-remote-islands-marine-national-monument", "Kilili responds to Presidential order on Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument", "2014-09-25", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Northern Mariana Islands \u2013 Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Oceans, Wildlife, and Insular Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives, issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama\u2019s Executive Order, expanding the boundaries of certain areas of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. The President signed the order today in New York.\nAfter receiving extensive public input and comment from stakeholders, the President has kept open the waters most used by commercial fishing, including the areas around Howland Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Kingman Reef. The boundaries of other areas within the Monument, including Wake Island, the Jarvis Islands, and Johnston Atoll, will be expanded out to the limits of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and closed to commercial fishing and other resource extraction, such as deep sea mining. Traditional and recreational uses will be allowed to continue within the new boundaries.\nCongressman Sablan\u2019s statement:\n\u201cI applaud President Obama\u2019s decision to sign an Executive Order expanding the boundaries of certain areas of Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.\n\u201cThe oceans are a source of life for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands and for islanders throughout the Pacific. Protecting some areas of the Pacific Ocean from modern commercial activities, while allowing traditional uses to continue, protects the culture and heritage of island people. This is a policy already undertaken by the Republic of Palau and the Republic of Kiribati, and it is appropriate for the United States, as a Pacific nation as well, to be a leader in conserving our ocean resources.\n\u201cI also applaud the President for the method by which he came to today\u2019s decision. He asked for input from the public and received tens of thousands of comments and recommendations. Clearly, by keeping open for commercial fishing the areas most important for operators in Hawai\u2019i and American Samoa, the President has demonstrated that he listens and takes into consideration the interests of a wide range of stakeholders.\n\u201cI know there was concern in the Northern Marianas that today\u2019s Executive Order might affect the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. But White House officials informed me that there was never an intention to expand the Marianas Trench Monument that former Republican President George Bush negotiated with former Governor Benigno Fitial in the final hours of the Bush administration.\n\u201cAnyone concerned about future Presidential actions to create or enlarge Monuments should be reassured by the way that President Obama has consulted with those who may be affected before taking action. And I certainly hope that future Presidents will use President Obama as a model for the appropriate way to exercise the considerable power that the Antiquities Act gives to our chief executive.\u201d\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/188706-affordable-care-act-grant-kagman-community-health-center", "$188,706 Affordable Care Act grant for Kagman Community Health Center", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$188,706 Affordable Care Act grant for Kagman Community Health Center                                           \n              Sep 19, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Kagman Community Health Center will be able to keep serving the nearby areas including Kagman, Papago, San Vicente, Fina Sisu, Dan Dan, Obyan, and As Terlaje, using a $188,706 grant from the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced this week. The Kagman Community Health Center opened its doors in April 2013 after years of planning, using funds provided in Section 5601 of Public Law 111-148, the Affordable Care Act. Congratulations to Kagman Community Health Center.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/energy-bill-permits-shore-mineral-revenues-nmi", "Energy bill permits off-shore mineral revenues for the NMI", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Energy bill permits off-shore mineral revenues for the NMI                                           \n              Sep 19, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    H.R.2, passed by the House yesterday, would permit off-shore mineral and energy development in the exclusive economic zone around the Northern Marianas and revenue sharing for the Commonwealth government. Defining the NMI as a coastal state under the Outer Continental Shelf Act, H.R.2 is a next step in expanding our rights in the waters around our islands. The first step was gaining ownership of near-shore lands and waters with enactment of Public Law 113-34 exactly one year ago this week. But, currently, there is no legal means to lease areas beyond that and into the exclusive economic zone for mineral and energy exploration and development. H.R.2 gives authority to the Secretary of the Interior to enter into leases, subject to strict environmental requirements, and to share the revenues with any nearby insular area. This is a similar arrangement as for coastal states, such as California and Louisiana. H.R.2 now goes to the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/federal-funding-drops-under-short-term-continuing-resolution", "Federal funding drops under short-term continuing resolution", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Federal funding drops under short-term continuing resolution                                           \n              Sep 19, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Fiscal year 2015 begins on October 1 and federal funding for the Commonwealth will continue \u2013 at least until December 11 \u2013 under the continuing resolution approved this week. Over all, FY15 funds are being cut 0.0554 percent from the FY14 level. This sequestration was agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 . But much of how that cut is distributed among programs will be up to the various federal agencies responsible for administering the money. Keeping the government funded into fiscal 2015 was a legislative priority this week, but leadership made the decision to put off passage of full-year spending bills until after the November elections.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-child-care-bill-support-working-families", "House passes child care bill to support working families", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House passes child care bill to support working families                                           \n              Sep 19, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Parents who need help with daycare so they can work or go to school, got a boost this week. The House passed a six-year reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act . The Act provides the Northern Marianas over $2 million yearly to underwrite child care costs for low-income households. As a result, mothers and fathers in 200 of our local families can go to work or improve their jobs skills, knowing their children are safe and cared for. That help is especially important as we move to replace foreign workers with U.S. workers. The reauthorization also requires that a certain percentage of each year\u2019s grant goes to improve the quality of daycare, with a focus on infants and toddlers. And the bill accounts for sudden changes of income, so even when the minimum wage increases in the Marianas this month\u2014as I am glad to say it will\u2014families will keep getting child care and parents will still be able to work.\nRead Congressman Sablan's statement in the Congressional Record, supporting the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/natural-resources-committee-approves-bill-curb-illegal-fishing", "Natural Resources Committee approves bill to curb illegal fishing", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Natural Resources Committee approves bill to curb illegal fishing                                           \n              Sep 19, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Protecting local fishermen from unfair competition by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing around the Northern Marianas and in all U.S. waters is one of the goals of H.R.69. We approved the bill in the House Natural Resources Committee on Thursday. Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D) authored the measure; I am an original co-sponsor. Not only will this legislation protect domestic fishermen who follow the rules, but it will also protect the marine ecosystems so important to our island economy. H.R.69 will increase the inspection, identification, and monitoring of illegal foreign vessels. And it amends several international agreements to incorporate civil and criminal penalties and broaden data sharing authority with foreign governments. The goal is to identify and penalize nations that do not comply with fisheries management regulations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/senate-adds-immigration-transition-policies-house-insular-energy-bill", "Senate adds immigration transition policies to House insular energy bill", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a flurry of last minute actions on Thursday night, the Senate added language extending three Northern Marianas immigration policies to H.R.83 , an insular areas energy bill, then passed the combined bill and sent it back to the House. The three policies \u2013 a bar on claims of asylum in the NMI, an exemption from the numerical cap on H visas for the Marianas, and the E-2CNMI investor visa \u2013 will all expire on December 31. The extension would keep the policies in place until the end of 2019. The House passed H.R.83 earlier this week. Introduced by Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands), the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to put together energy teams that would work with American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Freely Associated States on lowering the cost of electricity. Currently, residential customers in the NMI pay 40 cents per kilowatt-hour \u2013 three times the U.S. average. Getting legislation enacted is not easy and can require pursuing many different paths at the same time. Both the immigration policies and the insular energy provisions of H.R.83 are also parts of my Omnibus Territories bill, H.R. 2200, and its Senate companion, S.1237, which passed the Senate on June 18. The immigration policies are also included in my bill H.R. 4296, which was ordered reported by the House Natural Resources Committee on May 29.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-continues-address-plight-e-2c-investors", "Kilili continues to address plight of E-2C investors", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BARELY three months before the longtime-investor classification expires, as longtime investors are thinking all hope is lost, U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan continues to take up the cudgels for them on Capital Hill and address their plight by buying them more time.\n\u201cThe E2 CNMI visa is one of the important immigration policies I am working to have extended. It will end this year, unless Congress takes action,\u201d Sablan told Variety yesterday.\nUnlike the CW program which has been extended up to 2019, a decision is still up in the air on the E-2C program.\nThe E-2C classification was designed to help the CNMI transition from its local permit system to federal immigration laws.\nThis classification was created to allow eligible foreign, longterm investors and their families to remain in the CNMI from November 28, 2009 through December 31, 2014 while they resolve their immigration status.\nThe CW program was extended to run for another five years by the U.S. Department of Labor last June.\nHowever, the extention did not cover longtime investors.\nThe extension of the E2-C program is contingent on U.S. congressional action.\nSome of the longtime investors in the CNMI have put their life savings into enterprises here and are concerned about losing these investments if and when their E-2C status expires on Dec. 31.\n\u201cE2 CNMI visa holders are investors who were promised permanent resident status during the time that the Commonwealth controlled immigration, if they made a minimum investment in the Northern Marianas. So what I am trying to do is keep that promise that the Commonwealth Government made to these investors even though the Commonwealth no longer controls immigration,\u201d said Sablan.\nHe recognizes the significant impact losing these investors will have if their status is not extended beyond the Dec. 31 expiration date of the E-2C program.\nHe said there are 261 E2-CNMI visa holders and they have investments of \u201csomewhere between $26 and $65 million in place in the Northern Marianas.\u201d\nSablan said, \u201cIf they pull those investments out, it would have a negative effect on our economy.\u201d\nMany of these investors have been on edge as they fear they would not be able to recoup their investments if their status is not extended beyond this year.\nBut Sablan continues to seek solutions for them on the Hill.\n\u201cSo I am working to keep these grandfathered investors both because that was the commitment the Commonwealth Government made to them years ago and because their investments remain valuable today.\u201d\nSablan\u2019s bills H.R. 4296 and H.R. 2200, and its companion bill S.1237, all extend the E2 CNMI visa until the end of 2019.\n\u201cH.R. 4296 has been okayed by the House Natural Resources Committee; S.1237 has passed the Senate. Obviously, I continue to work very hard to get these bills moving. Otherwise, the E2 CNMI investor visa will cease to exist at the end of this year,\u201d he said.\nSablan introduced H.R. 2200 in May 2013 and it was co-sponsored by Rep. Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam-At Large; Rep. Donna Christensen, D-Virgin Islands-At Large; and Rep. Eni F. H. Faleomavaega, D-AS-At Large.\nOtherwise known as the Territorial Omnibus Act of 2013, H.R. 2200 proposes to improve the administration of programs in the insular areas.\nThe bill includes provisions on adjustments to the scheduled federal minimum wage in the Northern Mariana Islands, appointment of a chief financial officer for the Virgin Islands, low-income home energy assistance program, Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, improvements to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and fishery endorsements.\nThe bill also contains a provision that would raise the waiver on certain matching grants to $500,000.\nThe bill clarifies the U.S. Congress intent to allow a policy of prioritizing U.S. citizens over noncitizens for federal public housing assistance.\nH.R. 4296 was introduced by Sablan in March 2014. This bill amends federal law\u2014Public Law 94-241\u2014to extend the federal immigration law transition period for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands through December 31, 2019, including the annual reduction of nonimmigrant workers who may be admitted during the period.\nS. 1237 or the Omnibus Territories Act of 2013, was passed by the U.S. Senate on June 18, 2014.\nThis bill, among other things, extends through December 31, 2019, a system for allocating and determining the number, terms, and conditions of permits issued to prospective employers for nonimmigrant workers performing work during the transition period (the period for administration of a transition program to regulate immigration to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands [CNMI]) who would not otherwise be eligible for admission under the Immigration and Nationality Act.\nhttps://www.mvariety.com/cnmi/cnmi-news/local/69208-kilili-continues-to-address-plight-of-e-2c-investors", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/insular-energy-bill-passes-house", "Insular energy bill passes House", "2014-09-16", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The House of Representative today passed a bill that aims to provide technical, policy, and financial expertise to the U.S. insular areas with the goal of lowering energy costs. H.R. 83, introduced by Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands), requires the Secretary of the Interior to put together energy teams for American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, and for the Freely Associated States. The energy teams will develop individualized plans for each area and assist in putting the plans into action.\nIn his statement of support for H.R. 83 Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan focused on the need to lower the cost of electricity in the Northern Marianas and all the insular areas. \u201cLowering the cost of electricity is extremely important to the people I represent in the Northern Mariana Islands,\u201d the Congressman said.\n\u201cResidential customers in my district pay 40 cents per kilowatt-hour \u2013 three times the U.S. average. And those electricity bills are eating away at families\u2019 paychecks. That\u2019s why I support H.R. 83.\u201d\nH.R. 83 will help local governments develop and implement plans to reduce reliance on the imported fossil fuels that make electricity so expensive in America\u2019s insular areas.\nThe plans will propose technical, financial, and policy actions that island governments and local utilities can take to move the islands towards alternative sources of energy \u2013 especially renewables. The plans will also show how to improve efficiency beginning with production, through distribution, and at the point of use, so that every kilowatt generated in the islands goes unwasted.\nThe establishment of insular energy action teams is also a provision of Sablan\u2019s bill, H.R. 2200, and of its Senate companion, S.1237, which passed the Senate on June 18.\nAddressing high energy costs in the islands has been a priority for Sablan and all the insular area representatives. Last year, Congresswomen Christensen and Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), along with Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-Puerto Rico), Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoan), and Sablan were successful in convincing Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, in the islands.\nAbout 120 families were added to the rolls in the Northern Marianas and the assistance that all 420 families now receive is as much as double the previous amount.\n\u201cHelping some families with the high cost of energy was important, but only a partial fix,\u201d said Congressman Kilili. \u201cWe need to work to lower costs for everyone.\n\u201cThat\u2019s what Ms. Christensen\u2019s bill promises to do. That\u2019s why I support her effort and congratulate her on her success today.\u201d\n- 30 -", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/americorps-continues-serve-marianas", "AmeriCorps continues to serve the Marianas", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AmeriCorps continues to serve the Marianas                                           \n              Sep 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    This year, again, our Public School System is the grantee for the AmeriCorps program in the Northern Marianas. Notice went out on September 5 that PSS was receiving $371,147. The money will support 60 AmeriCorps service members, student tutors within PSS, all of whom will be eligible at the end of their term of service to receive the Segal Education Award to use towards college tuition. Today also marks the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps itself. The program was reauthorized in 2009 in the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, of which I was an original cosponsor. The 2009 Act made the Northern Marianas eligible for Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and authorized us to participate in all of the programs of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act, including the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, the Senior Companion Program, and Youth Build.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/change-law-doubles-funds-nmi-sexual-assault-program", "Change in law doubles funds for NMI sexual assault program", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Change in law doubles funds for NMI sexual assault program                                           \n              Sep 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. Coincident with that milestone, funds have been awarded to the Northern Mariana Islands Criminal Justice Planning Agency, reflecting for the first time the change in funding I had included when VAWA was reauthorized last year. CJPA is receiving $44,679, double the previous grant amount, for its Sexual Assault Services Program. Our nation and our community have made strides in confronting the problem of violence against women, since VAWA became law in 1994. But more remains to do. It\u2019s a problem that requires the constant attention of individuals, families, and community organizations. Here in Congress I will do my part by working to strengthen the laws that protect people from violence and maintain or increase funding for Sexual Assault Services, STOP, Transitional Housing, and other federal programs that help those who have been victimized.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/comparing-federal-dollars-%E2%80%9Cother-territories%E2%80%9D-not-goal", "Comparing federal dollars to other territories is not the goal", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Comparing federal dollars to \u201cother territories\u201d is not the goal                                           \n              Sep 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    A recent article in the Marianas Variety asks the question: which U.S. territories get more federal spending? I added my thoughts in a letter to the editor, pointing out that Guam gets $500 million in Defense Department spending every year \u2013 a level of military activity many of us would not want in the Northern Marianas. The Virgin Islands gets $200 million more in Social Security spending than we do because most people in the NMI never paid into Social Security. Setting those differences aside the Northern Marianas gets more per person from the federal government than Guam or the Virgin Islands. See the chart, above. The question I always ask, however, is how we compare, not to \u201cother territories,\u201d but to the rest of the United States. That\u2019s how I read Article VII of our Covenant \u2013 we should be \u201cpart of the American economic community\u201d \u2013 and that\u2019s my goal for the Northern Marianas: parity with U.S. states.\nThe Northern Marianas gets more federal funding per person than the Virgin Islands or Guam, when Social Security and military spending are taken out of the comparison.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/more-funding-northern-marianas", "More funding for the Northern Marianas", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In addition to the award for AmeriCorps and the Sexual Assault Services Program, a number of other grants were announced for the Commonwealth or entities in the NMI this week:\n$1,579,292 for Lower Base Industrial Park Sewer System Improvements \u2013 The Economic Development Administration awarded the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation $1,579,292 for Lower Base Industrial Park Sewer System Improvements. This EDA investment supports the construction of sewer system improvements for the redevelopment of the Lower Base Industrial Park on Saipan. The project supports economic diversification and resilience and the anticipated outcome would be that 75 jobs will be retained. Congratulations to CUC.\n$49,146 for State Justice Statistics Program \u2013 The Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs awarded the NMI Criminal Justice Planning Agency $49,146 for the State Justice Statistics Program. Funds will be used to expand data collection capacity and analytic capabilities and pay for a Statistical Analyst, who will be responsible for administering the grant. Data obtained will be posted to the Statistical Analysis Center website to inform the public about current crime trends and patterns. Congratulations to CJPA.\n$219,017 for Legal Assistance for Victims \u2013 The Department of Justice, Office on Violence against Women, awarded Micronesian Legal Services Corporation and its collaborative partner, Karidat Social Services, $219,017 for Legal Assistance for Victims. With the funds MLSC and Karidat will provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, who are involved in legal proceedings as a result of the violence. This program is highly competitive. So special congratulations to MLSC and Karidat for their effective grant application!\n$10,033 Student Loan Repayment grant for public defenders and prosecutors \u2013 The Criminal Justice Planning Agency was awarded $10,033 to assist local, state, and federal public defenders and prosecutors pay down their student loans. The John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program provides assistance to public defenders and local and state prosecutors, who commit to three years continued employment in their positions. CJPA is now responsible for outreach, education, and solicitation of applications from eligible beneficiaries. CJPA is also charged with allocating the funds equally between prosecutors and public defenders, and with prioritizing those attorneys, who have the least ability to repay their loans. Congratulations to CJPA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/supporting-statehood-americans-who-pay-taxes", "Supporting statehood for Americans who pay taxes", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Supporting statehood for Americans who pay taxes                                           \n              Sep 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Improved political status is a concern for many Americans living in non-state areas of our country \u2013 none more so than those in the District of Columbia, who pay federal taxes but have no vote on how their taxes are spent. I support the principles of popular self-determination and full representation, and for that reason signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 292, a bill authorizing statehood for the District of Columbia. I became co-sponsor number 101, thus breaking the previous record of 100 co-sponsors for a DC statehood bill. On Monday, September 15, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will hold a hearing on the Senate companion bill, S. 132. Committee proceedings are generally live-streamed for those of you interested in following this debate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/white-house-establishes-pacific-island-task-force", "White House establishes Pacific Island Task Force", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "White House establishes Pacific Island Task Force                                           \n              Sep 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), in collaboration with the Office of Insular Affairs at the Department of the Interior, launched a Pacific Island Task Force this week as an interagency effort to address crosscutting issues in the Pacific Islands. WHIAAPI convened a regional summit in Guam in April and several representatives from the Northern Mariana Islands attended. The new Task Force was created to ensure follow up on the recommendations gathered at that summit. In May 2015, WHIAAPI will host an Administration-wide conference in Washington, DC where federal agencies will highlight the progress they have made. The Task Force aims to engage agency officials to increase opportunity and access to federal programs, with a specific focus on supporting non-governmental organizations in the region as well as develop local capacity building and technical assistance support. The group is comprised of officials from the agencies represented at the summit and members of the President\u2019s Advisory Commission on AAPIs. You may sign up for further updates at https://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/sign-aapi-email-updates.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/working-group-seeking-ideas-monument-visitor-center", "Working group seeking ideas for Monument Visitor Center", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Working group seeking ideas for Monument Visitor Center                                           \n              Sep 12, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Marianas Trench Monument Advisory Council Visitor Center Working Group wants to hear your ideas on a future visitor center in the Northern Mariana Islands. Listening sessions beginning at 6 p.m. will be held on Tinian, September 16 at the Fleming Hotel, on Saipan, September 17 at American Memorial Park, and on Rota, September 22 at the Mayor\u2019s conference room. The Monument Advisory Council formed its Visitor Center Working Group, with representatives from the Northern Marianas, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Coast Guard, a year ago to develop recommendations regarding the type, purpose, location, and potential funding sources for a Monument Visitor Center in the Northern Marianas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/maintenance-effort", "Maintenance of effort", "2014-09-08", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Maintenance of effort                                           \n              Sep 8, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Greetings, Editor, \nIN my remarks to the Legislature in July I urged appropriation of funds for the Public School System and Northern Marianas College to meet the maintenance-of-effort requirements the commonwealth government agreed to when accepting the 2009 State Fiscal Stabilization Fund grant from the U.S. Department of Education.\nSome say I was unfairly critical of our Legislature. But the consequence of breaking the maintenance-of-effort agreement could be that the federal government withholds future grants to recover the $44 million in SFSF money. That would put hundreds of commonwealth government employees\u2019 jobs on the line.\nThose employees should be relieved that the Legislature\u2019s 2015 budget is reported to include $1.161 million for PSS and $157,000 for NMC. That\u2019s far short of the $9 to $11 million that PSS estimates it is owed. But commonwealth officials can point to the appropriation, when negotiating with the U.S. Department of Education, as showing good faith that the commonwealth intends to keep the SFSF agreement.\nI congratulate our Legislature for taking this first step and the governor, who is reported to be ready to sign the 2015 budget. And I continue to urge our local elected leaders to pay all the money promised to PSS and NMC.\nGREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN  Garapan, Saipan", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/world-war-ii-veterans-honored", "World War II veterans honored", "2014-09-05", "2014", "2014-09", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "World War II veterans honored                                           \n              Sep 5, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Judge David Wiseman and his wife Faythe recently used their congressional office as a fitting location for presentation of posthumous awards to the families of two men, who served in our nation\u2019s armed forces on Saipan and Tinian during World War II. The men honored were 1st Lt. Russell Leroy French and Major Berchmans Cotter. Lt. French\u2019s sons, Vice Admiral Bill French and Captain Tim French (Ret.), accepted on behalf of their father. And Mr. B. Tony Cotter, Chief Judge of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Ret.), accepted for his father, Major Cotter. The families received certificates and medallions that were created by Saipan Post 3457 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the Commemoration of the Liberation of Saipan in 1944. Judge Wiseman made the presentation in his capacity as Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce with the authorization of VFW Post 3457.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/100000-awarded-nmi-economic-development-planning", "$100,000 awarded for NMI economic development planning", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$100,000 awarded for NMI economic development planning                                           \n              Aug 29, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The U.S. Economic Development Administration has announced the award of $100,000 to the Commonwealth Government to support the update of its comprehensive economic development strategy. CEDS plans are a necessary precondition for getting grants from EDA. Public and private stakeholders appointed by the Governor set priorities and draw up the development roadmap, which is then used to guide investment. Based on the CNMI CEDS, EDA invested $750,000 in 2008 for waterline replacement on Saipan and $1.5 million in 2011 for 1 million gallon water tank. Previous plans were adopted in 1997, 2003, and most recently in 2010. This new $100,000 planning grant is made possible through the Economic Adjustment Assistance program approved by Congress in Public Law 113-76.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/noaa-lists-2-nmi-corals-threatened", "NOAA lists 2 NMI corals as threatened", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Out of 66 corals, proposed for listing as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act last November, only two found in Northern Marianas waters will receive that federally protected status. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced on Wednesday that the species Acropora globiceps and Pavona diffluens would be designated as threatened. CNMI law already protects all species of corals and generally prohibits the collection or removal of any corals from our waters. The new designation could result in more federal help in protecting our corals from coastal pollution, and from the rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and disease associated with global climate change. In addition to their cultural significance corals have economic value. A 2006 study calculated that Saipan\u2019s coral reefs are worth $42 million annually as breeding areas important for subsistence and commercial fisheries, for storm protection, and because of their value to our tourism industry.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/public-health-officers-can-continue-serve-nmi", "Public Health Officers can continue to serve in NMI", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Public Health Officers can continue to serve in NMI                                           \n              Aug 29, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The issue of whether the Commonwealth Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality and the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation can continue to benefit from the technical expertise of officers of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Services has been resolved in favor of the CNMI. Rear Admiral Boris Lushniak, Acting Surgeon General of the United States, and Environmental Protection Agency Region IX Administrator, Jared Blumenfeld, informed me this week that the legal authority allowing assignment of these officers to our islands was no longer in question. I had told the Surgeon General and EPA Administrator that I was ready to work for a change in the law, if necessary, after receiving word of the problem from CUC Executive Director Alan Fletcher in June. Utility and environmental agency managers in American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Marianas had been dealing with the problem since 2011, when the number of officers began to be cut back. But Congressional attention can sometimes help to bring issues to conclusion.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/public-input-sought-new-workforce-training-law", "Public input sought on new workforce training law", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Public input sought on new workforce training law                                           \n              Aug 29, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Following on enactment of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services are seeking public comment on how to implement the new law. The departments are hosting a series of interactive webinars, each on a specific class of persons that WOIA aims to help. The September 2nd webinar is focused on Individuals with Disabilities, the September 5th event on Disconnected Youth. Find the complete schedule of programs at https://www.doleta.gov/wioa/. WOIA is a replacement of the familiar Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and came out of the House Education and the Workforce Committee of which I am a member. Over the next six years the new law will increase funding for some training programs in the Northern Marianas by 17 percent, and shift more decision-making authority to state-level officials.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/should-fas-citizens-nmi-register-draft", "Should FAS citizens in the NMI register for the draft?", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Should FAS citizens in the NMI register for the draft?                                           \n              Aug 29, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Citizens of the Freely Associated States, who live in the Northern Marianas, occasionally ask the congressional office whether they are required to register with the Selective Service System. The answer is yes, but the Selective Service website has been unclear on this. So, we asked for definitive guidance. As a result, SSS has updated its website with a better explanation: Habitual residence is presumed and registration is required whenever a national or a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau, resides in the United States for more than one year in any status, except as a student who entered the U.S. for the purpose of full time studies as long as such person maintains that status or employee of the government of his homeland. Here is the link to the complete chart of \u201cWho Must Register\u201d.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/va-announces-improvements-gi-bill-benefits-calculator", "VA announces improvements to GI Bill benefits calculator", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VA announces improvements to GI Bill benefits calculator                                           \n              Aug 29, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Veterans, who want a quick look at education benefits they have earned, should check out the new and improved, online GI Bill Comparison Tool. The updated version went live this week, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced. The Tool estimates the tuition, book stipend, and housing allowance a veteran or service member eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill can expect to receive while attending universities, colleges, community colleges, and vocational trainings nationwide. The tool also provides useful information on programs offered, graduation rates, and other details about the schools themselves. For a more complete catalog of 9/11 GI Bill benefits go here. And, remember, if you feel you are not getting what you earned in service to your country, you can always contact your congressional office for assistance at: kilili@mail.house.gov.\nNorthern Marianas College is one of the hundreds of schools and training programs nationwide listed in the updated GI Bill Comparison Tool. The Tool estimates the financial assistance those eligible for the post-9/11 GI Bill can receive at each educational institution. 60 vets are already using their GI Bill benefits at NMC.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/62037-preventive-health-and-health-services-block-grant", "$62,037 for Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant", "2014-08-22", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$62,037 for Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant                                           \n              Aug 22, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Commonwealth Department of Public Health a $62,037 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant. These funds will be used to improve health in our community by: (A) conducting activities leading to the accomplishment of the most current Healthy People objectives for the nation; (B) rapidly responding to emerging health threats; (C) providing emergency medical services, excluding most equipment purchases; (D) providing services for sex offense victims including prevention activities; and (E) coordinating related administration, education, monitoring and evaluation activities. Congratulations to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/absentee-ballots-now-available-voter-registration-ongoing", "Absentee ballots now available, voter registration ongoing", "2014-08-22", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Commonwealth Election Commission is now accepting absentee ballot requests for the November 4, 2014 General Election.\nRegistered voters who will not be in the Northern Mariana Islands on November 4 or are physically unable to go to their polling place may vote by absentee ballot may download the Application for Absentee Voting from the CEC website or pick one up at the Commission office. Off-island applicants must mail, fax, or email the completed application form to CEC by Friday, October 10 in order to get a ballot. Walk-ins may submit their application any time up to November 3.\nFirst-time voters who intend to vote absentee must register to vote by September 5, should complete an Affidavit of Registration and the Affidavit Questionnaire, also available online. After your eligibility is approved, CEC will process your voter registration, and you will then be able to apply for an absentee ballot.\nRenewing voters, those who did not vote during the preceding two General Elections or who are transferring from one election district/precinct to another, will need to register again in order to vote in the 2014 General Election. Use the same Affidavit of Registration as new voters use. The last day for renewals is September 5.\nAdditional information, including important dates and the 2014 voter information pamphlet are available at https://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/garapan-public-market-now-open", "Garapan Public Market is now open", "2014-08-22", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Garapan Public Market is now open                                           \n              Aug 22, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    Ribbon-cutting for the Garapan Public Market was Monday morning. Local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen will benefit by having a location to make their produce available all week. Families will have greater access to nutritious, homegrown foods. And our tourists will have one more destination where they can get a taste of island life. Funding for the Market came from a $200,000 earmark I added to U.S. Public Law 111-117 in 2009. That year was my first and last opportunity, because earmarks are now prohibited. But the Garapan Public Market shows what a powerful tool earmarks can be, especially for smaller communities like ours that otherwise must compete with states or big cities for grant funds. Congratulations to everyone at DLNR and in the farming and fishing communities, who helped bring the Garapan Public Market from a concept to reality.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/over-10-years-close-10-million-fuds-clean", "Over 10 years, close to $10 million for FUDS clean-up", "2014-08-22", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over 10 years, close to $10 million for FUDS clean-up                                           \n              Aug 22, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Army Corps of Engineers has spent $9.5 million over the last ten years to clean up hazardous waste left behind by the U.S. military in the Northern Mariana Islands. Work on three of the formerly used defense sites \u2014 I\u2019Denni, Tanapag Village PCB, and Kagman Airfield \u2014 is finished. There are nine remaining FUDS properties that have been identified, all on the island of Saipan: Marpi Point Field, Naftan Bomb Storage, Naftan Ordnance Disposal, North Field, Ordnance Plan, Talofofo Hospital Dump Site, Tanapag Fuel Farm, Koblerville Naval Supply Center, and American Memorial Park. Although the U.S. does the work, the Commonwealth\u2019s Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality is responsible for oversight. Our local community also has a role in identifying problem areas and pressing for action, as the Tanapag Action Group did so effectively in the 1990s to force a clean-up of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in Tanapag. And in Congress, every year, I support funding the FUDS program to assure that the work can continue in the Northern Marianas until all hazardous wastes are removed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/seven-house-chairmen-visit-northern-marianas", "Seven House Chairmen visit the Northern Marianas", "2014-08-22", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One of the most high-powered groups ever to visit our islands arrived by military jet on Sunday. Seven House Chairmen, under the leadership of Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings of Washington, left DC on August 9 for the Western Pacific. I traveled with the delegation and at my invitation Chairman Hastings included the Northern Marianas as the third stop on the itinerary. In New Zealand and Australia we met with those countries\u2019 leaders concerning the status of negotiations on the free-trade Trans-Pacific Partnership. We also looked at energy resources \u2013 the Maori-owned geothermal power station and the Atiamuri hydroelectric plant on New Zealand\u2019s North Island, and in Australia, Conoco Philips\u2019 LNG terminal outside of Darwin and BHP\u2019s largely-automated coal port in Newcastle. At all our stops we discussed security issues, not only the realignment of U.S. forces to Australia and the Marianas, but also how to ensure supplies of food, energy, and strategically important minerals for the U.S. and our regional allies.\nIn addition to Chairman Hastings, the delegation included:\n\u2022 Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), House Agriculture Committee;  \n\t\u2022 Chairman Jack Kingston (R-GA), Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies;  \n\t\u2022 Chairman John Fleming (R-LA), Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs;  \n\t\u2022 Chairman Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources;  \n\t\u2022 Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC), Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security; and  \n\t\u2022 Chairman Rob Woodall (R-GA), Rules Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process. Mr. Woodall was also recently selected as Chairman of the highly influential Republican Study Committee.\nI was and remain very grateful that these gentlemen accepted my invitation and took the time to include the Northern Marianas in CODEL Hastings.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-welcomes-congressional-delegation-nmi", "Kilili welcomes Congressional Delegation to NMI", "2014-08-17", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and a group of seven other Members of Congress arrive on Saipan today. The delegation, led by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA), has also stopped in Australia and New Zealand for talks on the free-trade Trans-Pacific Partnership, energy development, and the realignment of U.S. forces in the Western Pacific. Governor Eloy Inos hosts a dinner for the Congressmen Sunday evening and has invited various representatives of the community at large to attend. Monday morning the delegation will help cut the ribbon at opening ceremonies for the new Garapan Public Market.\nCongressman Sablan thanked the Governor for his hospitality and noted \u201cthis is certainly the most important congressional group to visit the Northern Marianas at one time.\n\u201cIn addition to Chairman Hastings we have a second full committee Chairman, Frank Lucas, who steers the Agriculture Committee. And we are welcoming Chairman Jack Kingston, the third-ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of its Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.\n\u201cAlso with us are Chairman John Fleming, who heads up the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, Doug Lamborn, who chairs the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Richard Hudson, Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee,\u00a0 and Rob Woodall, Chairman of Rules Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process.\n\u00a0\u201cI am very grateful that these Members accepted my invitation and took the time from their very busy schedules to visit the Northern Marianas and learn about the work we are all doing to grow our economy and improve life for everyone in our islands,\u201d Sablan said.\nWill attend Garapan Public Market ribbon cutting\nOn Monday morning at 8:30, Congressman Sablan and the rest of the Hastings delegation will join Governor Eloy Inos for ceremonies marking the opening of the Garapan Public Market.\nThe Market will be a location for local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen to make their produce available seven days a week. With refrigeration and other facilities to keep food fresh and attractive the Market will give consumer greater opportunity to find nutritious, homegrown foods for their households. And tourists will have one more destination where they can get a taste of island life.\nFunding for the project was a $200,000 earmark that Congressman Sablan obtained during his first year in Congress. Sablan got $1.35 million in earmarked funds specifically for the Northern Marianas that year, but it was also the last year that earmarks were permitted.\n\u00a0\u201cThe Garapan Public Market was just an idea for years, because there was no funding. Now, because of the earmark I pushed through, we have a place that will help grow our agricultural and fishing economy, add to our tourism, and help us all be a little healthier by eating fresh, local foods.\n\u201cI\u2019d say that is a pretty good return on a $200,000 investment.\u201d\nSablan also recognized the work that the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources did to put his earmark to use.\n\u201cGetting the money was really just the first step. And the money sat unused for a number of years. But when Secretary Arnold Palacios came in \u2013 and with a lot of work from DLNR staff at the eleventh hour putting the paperwork together \u2013 the project started to move.\u201d\nThe Market has also led to the formation of a new CNMI Farmers Cooperative Association, which could mean greater cooperation and coordination among farmers.\n\u201cIt will be good to see a grassroots organization from our community running this Market and making it successful,\u201d Congressman Sablan said. \u201cI look forward to shopping there.\u201d\nThe congressional delegation heads back to Washington shortly after the Garapan Public Market event.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/83070-awarded-nmi-american-red-cross-emergency-food-and-shelter", "$83,070 awarded to NMI American Red Cross for emergency food and shelter", "2014-08-15", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$83,070 awarded to NMI American Red Cross for emergency food and shelter                                           \n              Aug 15, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Northern Mariana Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross was awarded a grant of $83,070, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced this week. The funds come from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and are to be used to provide assistance during a typhoon or other disaster. The Program is administered by a National Board, made up of representatives of the major charitable organizations and chaired by FEMA. The National Board determines how funds are distributed around the country based on population, unemployment, and income levels. Congress provided the underlying money for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, Public Law 113-76.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/army-corps-seeking-comments-harbor-improvements", "Army Corps seeking comments on harbor improvements", "2014-08-15", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Army Corps seeking comments on harbor improvements                                           \n              Aug 15, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 provides new eligibility for the Northern Marianas to receive funding to protect shorelines and areas vulnerable to flooding. President Obama signed the new law on June 10, and the Army Corps of Engineers is now taking comment on specifics of how the law will be implemented. WRRDA also affects harbor maintenance programs the Corps runs, as well as how the federal government supports remote and subsistence harbors, such as the $1.7 million dredging and revetment repair of the Rota Harbor. The Corps has scheduled four sessions in August and September to listen to public input. Each session covers specific topics. Written comments may be submitted to wrrda@usace.army.mil. Section 1032, my provision that lowers the local match required for Army Corps projects in the NMI, is a straightforward calculation based on the rate of inflation over the last 28 years, so it is not one of the topics requiring public comment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/social-security-79-years-old", "Social Security is 79 years old", "2014-08-15", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Social Security is 79 years old                                           \n              Aug 15, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    With Commonwealth government employees now enrolled in the U.S. Social Security system, it is more important than ever to pay attention to the fiscal health of the program. Social Security benefits are critical not only to individuals in our community, but also to our local economy. Social Security paid out $18,576,000 in retirement and disability benefits to 2,567 people in the Northern Mariana Islands last year. Another $7,716,000 went to the 1,063 persons here who qualify for the Supplemental Security Income program. Those numbers could grow as government employees qualify, then retire and begin receiving a Social Security pension. This week Social Security celebrates its 79th birthday. I will continue to support this important part of the social safety net, seek to strengthen the system, and oppose cuts to benefits for those who have contributed during their working lives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/164973-awarded-tsunami-preparedness", "$164,973 awarded for tsunami preparedness", "2014-08-08", "2014", "2014-08", "Independent", "Senate", "MP", "Gregorio Sablan", "S001177", "sablan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "$164,973 awarded for tsunami preparedness                                           \n              Aug 8, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded the CNMI Office of Homeland Security $164,973 under the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program to update the tsunami evacuation maps, signage, and to produce additional tsunami awareness materials for Rota, Tinian and Saipan. The updates will enable first responders and emergency personnel to have accurate evacuation information to mitigate actions against the risks of tsunamis, as well as efficiency in public evacuation procedures. The grant will also be used for training and exercises to ensure that evacuation plans are sufficient to reduce tsunami risks. Congratulations to the Office of Homeland Security!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 239, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "MP", "p1": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MP&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Independent", "label": "Independent", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MP&year=2014&party=Independent", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MP&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MP&year=2014&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MP&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "MP", "label": "MP", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MP&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 239, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MP", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-08-08,http~3A~2F~2Fsablan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2F164973-awarded-tsunami-preparedness", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MP&year=2014&_next=2014-08-08%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fsablan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2F164973-awarded-tsunami-preparedness&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 38.90411416068673, "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"}