Press releases
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167 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Independent" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-congratulates-alejandro-mayorkas-new-dhs-deputy-secretary | Kilili congratulates Alejandro Mayorkas, new DHS Deputy Secretary | 2013-12-30 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan says he applauds the recent promotion of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. Mayorkas previously served as Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and has had a critical, decision-making role in the transition to federal management of immigration in the Northern Marianas. He was sworn in as Deputy Secretary on December 23. “I congratulate Mr. Mayorkas on his nomination by the President and applaud the Senate for agreeing to fill this top leadership position at the Department of Homeland Security with someone who understands the challenges facing the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Congressman Sablan. “I also extend my deepest appreciation to Mr. Mayorkas for all he has done as USCIS Director over the last five years to help make the immigration transition as least difficult as possible.” Mayorkas played a critical role in the decision to extend humanitarian parole to persons who were born in the Northern Marianas between 1974 and 1978 but who did not have U.S. citizenship, to persons with Northern Marianas Permanent Resident status and their immediate relatives, and to the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. People in these situations previously had legal status under Commonwealth immigration law. The parole policy Mayorkas approved allowed these individuals the opportunity to remain and work in the Northern Marianas legally. Without parole they would have been forced to leave the after November 28, 2011. “Director Mayorkas called me personally on Thanksgiving Day in 2011 to tell me about that decision,” Sablan said. “I thought of all the families I had knew, who were facing separation until that moment. It is a Thanksgiving Day I will always remember.” Originally, the parole for these people was to be available through the end of 2012. At Congressman Sablan’s request, however, Mayorkas later provided a two-year extension of the parole eligibili… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/dod-budget-has-293m-divert-airfield-nmi | DoD budget has $29.3M for divert airfield in NMI | 2013-12-29 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | President Barack Obama signed into law on Thursday (Friday, CNMI time) the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2014 that provides $29.3 million for the development of a U.S. Air Force divert airfield in the CNMI. The new law also requires the Pentagon to report to Congress by June 25 the feasibility of having a National Guard in the CNMI and American Samoa. The defense bill also includes almost $495 million in spending for military construction projects in Guam. “Our economy could definitely use that money,” Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) told Saipan Tribune, referring to the $29.3 million for the development of a divert airfield in the CNMI. The divert airfield is intended to be an alternative landing base for Air Force planes if Andersen Air Force Base in Guam becomes unavailable because of weather or war. Sablan worked with the U.S. House Armed Services Committee to place some limits on the Air Force, because there is still a question about where to put this facility: on Tinian or Saipan. “I think that Northern Marians officials decided long ago that Tinian would be the preferred location for military expansion in the Northern Marianas, but the Air Force has other ideas. So, at my request, the Committee report directs the Air Force to work with the governor to find a mutually agreeable resolution to this siting issue,” Sablan said. The delegate added that the Air Force is also barred from spending any of the $29.3 million until it reports to Congress on all the alternatives that have been considered, the overall construction requirements, and the cost/benefits of options for the land needed. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said last week that the CNMI remains unified in its voice to have a divert airfield on Tinian where two-thirds of lands are already leased to the U.S. Department of Defense, instead of Saipan where the U.S. military had planned on placing it. The governor told the Air Force that its request to lease 33 acres of land on Saipan for the next 50 years “is quite an undesirable con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/divert-field-nmi-national-guard-pay-raise-sexual-assault-all-part-new-defense-law | Divert field, NMI National Guard, pay raise, sexual assault all part of new defense law | 2013-12-27 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | On Thursday, the President signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, which contains important provisions specific to the Northern Mariana Islands. $29.3 million will be available for a divert airfield in the NMI to use if Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base is closed by weather or war. But I also worked with the House Armed Services Committee to place limits on the money because of the question of siting: Tinian or Saipan? I think we decided long ago that Tinian is the preferred location for military expansion in our islands, but the Air Force has other ideas. So, at my request the Committee report directs the Air Force to work with the Governor to find a mutually agreeable resolution to this siting issue; and the law bars any expenditure of the $29.3 million until Congress gets a look at all the alternatives that have been considered. The NDAA also gives the Defense Department 180 days to report to Congress on the feasibility of a Northern Marianas National Guard, just like Guam and all of the other states and territories, except American Samoa, have. We have 16 of our people deployed with the Guam National Guard – and returning safely home soon. So, clearly, there is an interest. But do we have enough people for a full Guard unit? Do we have the needed infrastructure? Will our local legislature support establishing a Northern Marianas National Guard? These are the questions the report will answer. I introduced legislation in 2011 to set up an NMI unit. If the feasibility study comes back positive, we could push towards that goal. We should know by June 25. Besides these Northern Marianas specific provisions the annual defense authorization makes some other changes worth noting: Our military personnel will be getting a 1 percent raise. And the new law addresses the issue of sexual assault in the military, which is a problem that seems to be increasing and puts anyone in the armed service – men and women, including our people from the Northern Marianas – at risk. The new law bars com… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-expresses-concern-over-allegations-misconduct-against-fishery-council | Kilili expresses concern over allegations of misconduct against fishery council | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | THE Western Pacific Fishery Management Council has not acted on recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office and U.S. Congressmen Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and Henry A. Waxman have expressed concern over allegations of misconduct. In a letter to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration acting administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, and acting administrator for fisheries Samuel D. Rauch III, Kilili and Waxman wrote: “We understand that the Council has taken some positive steps, such as clarifying its record-access policy in their Statement of Organization and Practices and Procedures guidelines. Unfortunately, in the four years since the GAO report, the Western Pacific Council has failed to comply with all the GAO recommendations.” They said they are troubled by reports that WESPAC is not adequately fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of the territories. In 2009, GAO issued a report that looked into the allegations and made the following recommendations: (1) GAO recommended that NOAA direct the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council or WESPAC to maintain documentation of all requests for information from federal and state legislators. This was to help ensure compliance with OMB Circular A-122 requirements governing federal grant recipients. GAO also stated that to reduce the risk of loss or unauthorized use associated with reimbursing meeting participant expenses with cash, it asked that NOAA direct WESPAC to pay per-diem costs for meeting participants by check to the extent practicable. It also called for WESPAC to implement actions such as (1) notifying NOAA regional counsel before meeting with federal or state legislators or testifying before one of their committees; (2) asking NOAA regional counsel to provide an annual briefing to council members and staff on the rules governing their conduct, including limits on contacts with legislators; (3) adopting procedures that require council meeting minutes to include not only a council member’s statement of recusal from vot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-old-moe-formula-remains-intact-pss | Kilili: Old MOE formula remains intact for PSS | 2013-12-26 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan says the central government is still required to give the Public School System $7 million in unremitted maintenance-of-effort funds, pursuant to the mandates of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This comes after Sablan confirmed that the U.S. Department of Education issued no response or action to the proposal of the CNMI government to change the formula in calculating the MOE award. The CNMI received in 2009 $44 million in SFSF funds, of which $32.3 million is for public education. When the CNMI was awarded the SFSF grant, one of the conditions was that PSS must be given a specific amount of the overall budget of the CNMI government—at the time equivalent to 40 cents to $1 dollar or 25 percent of the overall CNMI government budget. The issue over the MOE formula came to light after the CNMI government filed a waiver application for it in 2012. The USDOE has not issued a response up to now. “The fact that there’s no decision [by USDOE] means we have to live with the first decision, which is good for PSS. The MOE’s first formula remains and that has not changed,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune. Saipan Tribune learned that in PSS books, the central government owes it $7 million in unremitted MOE for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan just wants the whole matter done and over with. “For me, I wanted it resolved. I just want that MOE issue out of the way. The whole issue here is that the central government owes us millions of money that is badly needed in our classrooms. It’s the government’s responsibility to pay us,” she said. Once they receive the funds, it will all be utilized for the classroom and instructional needs of schools. She is firm that there’s no way all or a portion of this unremitted MOE will be used to pay CUC arrears. “Whatever federal money we get from MOE will go to the classrooms where it belongs,” she added. As to when this money will go to PSS is uncertain up to this time. Saipa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/26677-awarded-diesel-emission-reduction | $26,677 awarded for diesel emission reduction | 2013-12-24 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $26,677 awarded for diesel emission reduction Dec 24, 2013 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation $26,677 to reduce unsafe diesel emissions in the Northern Marianas Islands. CUC will use the money to help retrofit its generators, improving efficiency and cutting pollution. Congratulations to CUC. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/228458-awarded-historic-preservation-office | $228,458 awarded to Historic Preservation Office | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $228,458 awarded to Historic Preservation Office Dec 23, 2013 The National Park Service announced the award of $228,458 to the Commonwealth government this week. The historic preservation grant will be used to preserve and protect our islands’ historic sites. The formula grant only provides funding up to January 2014, but should be augmented when Congress finalizes appropriations for the rest of the year. Congratulations HPO! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/transition-period-may-be-extended-2019 | Transition period may be extended up to 2019 | 2013-12-23 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | THERE could be a stop-gap measure that will prevent the exodus of nonresident workers next year as the U.S. Congress considers extending the transitional period up to 2019. U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan on Friday announced that the transition extension, which is included in S. 1237 or the omnibus territories bill, could be granted until 2019 with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approving the bill. “The current Commonwealth-only worker and investor programs would be extended until the end of 2019 under the terms of an omnibus territories bill approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Washington today. The number of foreign workers in the Northern Mariana Islands would still have to be reduced every year, however, and zeroed-out by December 31, 2019. The 184 foreign investors, who established businesses in the Northern Marianas prior to 2009 and who now hold Commonwealth-only visas, would be allowed to stay in business, also until the end of 2019. Both the worker and investor programs are presently scheduled to end completely in twelve months,” according to Sablan’s newsletter. He said U.S. Senate bill was introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, on June 27, 2013. Sablan expressed concern about the potential impact to the CNMI economy if extension were not granted next year following the expiration of the transitional worker program on Dec. 31, 2014. “Foreign workers now hold about 10,000 jobs in the NMI, but only 1,742 local workers are registered with the Commonwealth employment services office as looking for work. Even if every local worker took a job, we would still be 8,000 short. Businesses would close. Investors would take their money elsewhere. The cost of electricity and other basics would rise, because we would have fewer consumers in our economy. And tax revenues would drop, making it harder for the Commonwealth to pay government employees and retirees,” his e-newsletter also stated. Sablan conveyed his gratitude to Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/jim-richardson-selected-superintendent-american-memorial-park | Jim Richardson selected as Superintendent of American Memorial Park | 2013-12-22 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Jim Richardson selected as Superintendent of American Memorial Park Dec 22, 2013 The National Park Service has announced that Jim Richardson will be the new Superintendent of the American Memorial Park on Saipan. Richardson is no stranger to our islands. He was assigned on detail in 2011 to the War in the Pacific Historical Park on Guam and American Memorial Park. More recently, Richardson served as Acting Superintendent at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. He has 31 years of law enforcement and emergency service duties, including six years as the Chief Ranger at the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California. Richardson replaces Barbara Alberti, who has transferred to the Pacific Regional Office in San Francisco. Congratulations to Superintendent Richardson; and thank you to Ms. Alberti for all of her work over the last several years at American Memorial Park. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/magnuson-stevens-fisheries-act-added-2014-agenda | Magnuson-Stevens fisheries act added to 2014 agenda | 2013-12-21 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Magnuson-Stevens fisheries act added to 2014 agenda Dec 21, 2013 Chairman Doc Hastings (R-Washington) released a draft bill that would reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and asked for public comment. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs, I will be working closely with Natural Resources Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) to shape this important reauthorization. I am also looking into how the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, one of the regional councils set up by Magnuson-Stevens to regulate fishing and manage stocks, is responding to recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office in 2009. Together with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-California), who asked GAO to study the Council’s expenditures in 2008, I asked the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for an update on the Council’s compliance with the changes in contracting practices and other problem areas GAO identified. Reauthorization of Magnuson-Stevens provides an opportunity to improve management of the councils, if needed, as well as to provide further protection for the dwindling fish stocks in the Pacific. I encourage all stakeholders to submit comments to your congressional office at kilili@mail.house.gov and/or to the Natural Resources Committee Majority at magnusonstevens@mail.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/defense-bill-divert-limitations-heads-president | Defense bill with divert limitations heads to the President | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Defense bill with divert limitations heads to the President Dec 20, 2013 The 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, setting limits on Air Force development of divert airfield facilities in the Northern Marianas, passed the Senate Thursday and now goes to the President to sign into law. The bill bars expenditure of the $29.3 million, allotted for construction of maintenance and storage buildings and a hazardous cargo pad, until the Air Force reports on all the alternatives considered for the divert field. Congress expects “the Secretary of the Air Force to consult with the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands regarding the location of projects to support divert field operations with the goal of achieving a mutually agreeable solution.” The NDAA also requires the Defense Department to report within 180 days on the feasibility of establishing a National Guard unit for the Northern Marianas, a project I have been working on since 2011. Another important component of the bill is new sexual assault policy for the military. It provides legal counsel for victims, eliminates the statute of limitation for sexual assault-related courts-martial, requires civilian review of cases not prosecuted, and stipulates dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault. Military commanders are stripped of their ability to overturn jury convictions; and retaliation against victims will carry criminal penalties. I strongly support efforts to combat sexual assaults in the military and in civilian life. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/top-homeland-security-officials-confirmed-senate | Top Homeland Security officials confirmed by Senate | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Top Homeland Security officials confirmed by Senate Dec 20, 2013 Mr. Jeh Johnson and Mr. Alejandro Mayorkas were confirmed by the U.S. Senate this week to be Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The agency is responsible for immigration, including the ongoing transition in the Northern Mariana Islands and the parole program that is critical to our tourist industry. Johnson is a former General Counsel at the Department of Defense, well versed in national security issues. Mayorkas is currently Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and we have worked together on Marianas issues since day-one of the transition period. He called me on Thanksgiving Day in 2011 to announce his decision to make parole available on a case-by-case basis to persons born in the Northern Marianas between 1974 and 1978, their immediate relatives, and the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, a policy he extended a year later. Mayorkas was also instrumental in responding to my calls for accommodation for foreign workers acting as family care-givers to our man’amko and the disabled. I look forward to working with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Mayorkas to continue making the immigration transition as least difficult as possible for the people and the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/transition-extension-gets-senate-committee-okay | Transition extension gets Senate committee okay | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | The current Commonwealth-only worker and investor programs would be extended until the end of 2019 under terms of an omnibus territories bill approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Washington today. The number of foreign workers in the Northern Mariana Islands would still have to be reduced every year, however, and zeroed-out by December 31, 2019. The 184 foreign investors, who had established businesses in the Northern Marianas prior to 2009 and who now hold Commonwealth-only visas, would be allowed to stay in business, also until the end of 2019. Both the worker and investor programs are presently scheduled to end completely in twelve months. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan thanked Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and his Republican counterpart Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) for today’s action. “I very much appreciate this bipartisan recognition that it is impossible to fill the 10,000 jobs now held by foreign workers with U.S. workers by the end of next year,” Sablan said. “I understand there are only 1,742 U.S. workers now registered with our local employment services office. Even if every one of them took a job, we would still be 8,000 short. Businesses would close. Investors would take their money elsewhere. Tax revenues would drop. And the cost of electricity and other basic necessities would rise, because we would have fewer consumers in our economy.” In addition to adding five years to the ongoing period of transition from local to federal management of immigration in the Northern Marianas, the omnibus territories bill contains eleven other sections. They aim to cut electricity rates in the U.S. insular areas, reduce the local match island governments pay for some federal grants, and help island finance departments improve annual revenue estimates. S.1237 was introduced by Wyden and Murkowski at Sablan’s request on June 27. Sablan authored and introduced a companion bill in the House, H.R. 2200, one month earlier. Congresswomen Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam) and Donna… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/senate-committee-okays-kiaaina-insular-areas-assistant-secretary | Senate committee okays Kia'aina for Insular Areas Assistant Secretary | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Senate committee okays Kia'aina for Insular Areas Assistant Secretary Dec 19, 2013 Esther Kia’aina has moved a step closer to becoming Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas. On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources gave her the nod after both Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) recognized Ms. Kia’aina as highly qualified and urged Members to support her nomination. President Obama picked Kia’aina to be the next Assistant Secretary in September. Now, the nomination heads to the Senate floor for consideration. I look forward to working with Ms. Kia’aina when she is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-eyes-cw-extension-2019 | Kilili eyes CW extension to 2019 | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Besides asking long-term legal aliens to help the CNMI “get through the transition period,” Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) also said yesterday he now has reason to believe that U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez’s anticipated decision would be to extend the transitional Commonwealth-only worker program beyond Dec. 31, 2014. A U.S. Senate bill that Sablan drafted will be marked up on Thursday, extending the federal immigration transition period only up to 2019. That revised version of the bipartisan S. 1237 would also extend the E2-C program for long-term foreign investors up to 2019, and ensure that the CNMI’s exemption from accepting asylum applications will last until the end of the transition period. The bill that’s up for the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s markup will require the U.S. Department of the Interior to work with the CNMI to help reduce utility rates on the islands, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office to aid the CNMI in the budgeting process to help avoid annual and cumulative deficits. A revised version of S. 1237 is needed because some of its CNMI-specific provisions already became law in recent months, including a delay in the 2013 and 2015 minimum wage increase and conveying 3 miles of submerged lands to the CNMI. ‘Values’ Sablan, a guest speaker at yesterday’s Rotary Club of Saipan meeting at Hyatt Regency Saipan, also put a spotlight on an ongoing petition “that calls for sending all foreign workers back to where they came from by the end of next year,” which he said is just the opposite of the Rotary Club’s values of unity, compassion, and caring for others. “People are looking for ways to divide us. Instead of believing that by working together, by cooperating, by helping each other we can all do better in life—the Rotary values—these people are convinced that they lose when others succeed,” Sablan told Rotary Club members and guests. He said some people “feed the fire of fear that we all sometimes feel that we are being taken advantage of or are … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/pacific-coast-representatives-concerned-about-loggerhead-turtle-catch | Pacific coast Representatives concerned about loggerhead turtle catch | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Pacific coast Representatives concerned about loggerhead turtle catch Dec 16, 2013 Led by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California) thirteen members of the House of Representatives from the Pacific coast have asked for an update on consultations between the United States and Mexico on efforts to protect loggerhead turtles from being caught by mistake. Loggerheads begin their lives off the coast of Japan, then migrate thousands of miles across the Pacific to feed off the coast of California and Mexico. According to a 2013 report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Each year thousands of loggerhead sea turtles die at sea or become stranded after encountering the high density of fishing gear deployed by Mexican fishermen off the West Coast.” NOAA is currently using its authority under the Magnuson-Stevens Act to investigate the Mexican government’s efforts to address the problem. Our letter expresses support for NOAA’s work. The update will be valuable when, early next year, reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act is expected to be on the agenda of the Natural Resources Committee, where I serve as Ranking Member of the subcommittee responsible for oceans and fisheries. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/10000-awarded-northern-marianas-protection-and-advocacy-system | $10,000 awarded to the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy System | 2013-12-15 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $10,000 awarded to the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy System Dec 15, 2013 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the award of $10,000 to NMPASI for Traumatic Brain Injury Protection and Advocacy. This grant will support services to individuals with traumatic brain injury, including (1) information, referrals, and advice, (2) individual and family advocacy, (3) legal representation, and (4) specific assistance in self-advocacy. Congratulations to NMPASI. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/conferees-get-more-time-finish-farm-bill | Conferees get more time to finish farm bill | 2013-12-14 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Conferees get more time to finish farm bill Dec 14, 2013 We will have to wait until January to see if the $33 million SNAP pilot program for the Northern Mariana Islands and the rest of the 2013 farm bill are enacted into law. As the holiday recess neared without conference committee agreement on the farm bill, H.R. 2642, House Agriculture Committee Chair Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma) convinced the House to pass an extension of the 2008 farm policies effective until the end of January. This extension will give conferees time to complete their work; otherwise the agriculture law enacted in 1949 goes into effect on January 1. The Senate has not yet agreed to the extension, but may vote next week. Key House negotiators say they are close to an agreement and will continue to work through the holidays to ensure that Congress can enact the farm bill in January. Meanwhile, I will continue to work to be sure the Northern Marianas SNAP pilot program is a part of the final conference agreement, so that food stamp benefits for our people are on par with the rest of the United States. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/house-approves-federal-budget-2014-and-2015 | House approves federal budget for 2014 and 2015 | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | House approves federal budget for 2014 and 2015 Dec 13, 2013 Northern Marianas programs dependent on federal dollars will be spared some of the impact of sequestration over the next two years. On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. The Act provides $63 billion in relief from the across-the-board sequester cuts that hurt Head Start and other federal programs nationwide. 169 Republicans and 163 Democrats voted in favor; 62 Republicans and 32 Democrats voted against. Discretionary spending for fiscal 2014 had been scheduled to go down to $967 billion, but is now set $1.012 trillion for this year and $1.014 trillion for fiscal year 2015. Next week, the Senate is expected to pass the bill; and President Obama has said he will sign it into law. After that, Congress will have to enact appropriations for fiscal 2014. Appropriations are set to expire on January 15. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/nmi-national-guard-study-authorized | Defense bill calls for mutual agreement on divert field location | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | NMI National Guard study authorized The conference committee ironing out differences between the U.S. House and Senate on the National Defense Authorization Act for 2014 has set limits on Air Force development of divert airfield facilities in the Northern Mariana Islands. Statutory language in Section 2305 of the bill, H.R. 1960, will bar any expenditure of funds until the Air Force reports to Congress on various alternatives considered for the divert-field operations. In addition, report language accompanying the bill notes the concerns of the Governor of the Northern Marianas with regard to whether the operations will be located on the island of Tinian or Saipan and calls for a mutually agreeable resolution to that issue. “I have been in active discussion with the Armed Services Committee regarding the location of the divert field,” said Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, “and how to make sure that all of our local concerns are addressed by the Air Force. “The requirements that Congress now seems likely to approve in the Defense Authorization Act will help ensure that all sides of this issue are considered fully.” The National Defense Authorization Act for 2014 is expected to be brought to the House floor for a vote this week and to the Senate the week after. The divert field will provide an alternative in the event that aircraft cannot be landed at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam because of natural disaster or military conflict. Construction of a maintenance facility, a hazardous cargo pad, and an airport storage facility are among the planned developments on either Tinian or Saipan. Both those islands have existing runways capable of handling large military aircraft. The Defense Authorization Act provides $29.3 million for the projects: $2.8 million for the mainteance facility, $8 million for the hazardous cargo pad, and $18.5 million for bulk storage at the airport. “Governor Inos – and I fully agree with him on this – has expressed the view that Tinian is a preferable location,” Sablan said. “The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-shipping-proposal-could-affect-costs-goods-nmi | Kilili: Shipping proposal could affect costs of goods in NMI | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) joined five other members of U.S. Congress in asking the Federal Maritime Commission to carefully review a proposed vessel sharing deal that could affect the costs of goods in Hawaii and other Pacific territories such as the CNMI. The three largest shipping companies in the world—Maersk Line, MSC, and CMA-CGM—announced the creation of a new vessel sharing agreement, the P3 Alliance. Given its current makeup, the P3 Alliance will control 58 percent of vessels with greater than 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit capacity and 80 percent of vessels over 16,000 TEU. The six U.S. Congress members—Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, Rep. Don Young, Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Donna Christensen, American Samoa Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and Sablan—said they neither support nor oppose the P3 Alliance concept at this time. “Yet, the State of Hawaii and the Pacific territories rely more heavily on ocean shipping for food, medicine, fuel, and other life-sustaining goods than perhaps any other region of these United States,” the lawmakers told Federal Maritime Commission chair Mario Cordero in a Dec. 4 letter. Along with the other Pacific area representatives who signed the letter to the FMC chairman, Sablan said he took no position on whether the commission should approve the proposed P3 Alliance. “Together the combination would control 58 percent of large, ocean-going cargo carriers. Pacific areas are particularly dependent on ocean shipping to provide basic commodities, and the Alliance could exert considerable influence on pricing and availability of goods. We have asked the commission to fully consider the effects of the proposed P3 Alliance,” Sablan said. https://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=152216 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/white-house-summer-internships-open | White House Summer Internships open | 2013-12-09 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | White House Summer Internships open Dec 9, 2013 The White House has announced that applications are open for the 2014 Summer Internship Program. White House interns gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills in a remarkable environment. An applicant must be a US citizen, 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship, and either currently enrolled or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university. Veterans of the US Armed Forces, who have a high school diploma or its equivalent and have served on active duty in the two years preceding the first day of the internship, are also eligible. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2014. More information is available here, and to apply go to White House Internship Program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/we-mark-sadness-passing-nelson-mandela | We mark with sadness the passing of Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-07 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | We mark with sadness the passing of Nelson Mandela Dec 7, 2013 We mark with sadness the passing of Nelson Mandela, who led South Africa from a state of division and oppression to become a rainbow nation. “We are turning the variety of our languages and cultures, once used to divide us, into a source of strength and richness,” he declared, as South Africa’s first President, elected by all. And he sounded this ideal of common humanity beyond the borders of his own country. Accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, Mandela called for “a society which recognises that all people are born equal, with each entitled in equal measure to life, liberty, prosperity, human rights and good governance.” His allegiance to this principle of equality cost the great man 27 years behind bars, which President Obama remembered in a eulogy yesterday, repeating Mandela’s own words from the prisoner’s dock: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Though Nelson Mandela has passed on, let us all keep his ideal alive. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/fukushima-marine-debris-addressed | Fukushima marine debris addressed | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Fukushima marine debris addressed Dec 6, 2013 $50,000 has been set aside to clean up any debris from the Fukushima tsunami that comes ashore in the Northern Mariana Islands. The Government of Japan gave $5 million to the United States last year to help with the problem. $1.75 million has been allocated so far among the US Pacific coast areas. The Natural Resources Committee is also addressing the issue of marine debris legislatively. On Thursday we approved two bills amending the Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act, which I cosponsored in the last Congress. H.R. 1491 provides statutory authority for distribution of the Fukushima grant from Japan. H.R. 1425 allows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to give priority to severe marine debris events, such as the tsunami or Hurricane Sandy, and redistribute existing Marine Debris Program funds to where they are most needed. Governors would be authorized to request declaration of a severe marine debris event. Marine debris is an eyesore and an environment hazard. 10,290 pounds of the trash was collected along the shores of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in September during the 28th annual International Beach Cleanup. Thanks to all the volunteers who are keeping our islands beautiful. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/gdp-down-then-2011-and-2012 | GDP down, then up for 2011 and 2012 | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that Gross Domestic Product in the Northern Mariana Islands decreased 6.8 percent in 2011, then increased 5.2 percent in 2012. The 2012 GDP remained, however, below the 2010 level. In 2010 GDP ticked up 1.1 percent following six straight years of declines. “The 2010 turn-around was largely the result of federal government grants to the Commonwealth and individuals from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan observed. “And that spending seemed to have halted the freefall in our economy. “The 2011 and 2012 data are sending an unclear message about just where we are headed. Though, of course, we all we want to believe that the strong growth in 2012 was the beginning of a trend that will continue.” GDP—a sum of spending by consumers, government, and business—fell from over $1.2 billion in 2002 to $593 million in 2012, now the most recent year for which data is available. In its announcement today the Bureau of Economic Analysis cited fluctuations in tourism as well as local government austerity measures as significant contributors to the ups and downs in GDP in 2011 and 2012. The drop in tourism was attributed to the earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Japan in March 2011. “Being largely dependent on one industry, tourism, makes our economy vulnerable to external factors,” Sablan said. “That is why it is so important that we diversify the sources of our tourism. When one of the countries that sends us tourists suffers a problem, tourists from other countries will not replace the loss. But at least our economy will have some cushion. “This is why we have to work hard to maintain the parole system that makes it easy for tourists from Russia and China to visit us.” “Looking at GDP should also remind us of the importance of keeping our population numbers up. Consumer spending is the bulk of GDP. Losing population, whether it is because people leave to find more opportunity or because of changes in immigration, hu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/2014-congressional-summer-internship-opportunity-beckons | 2014 Congressional summer internship opportunity beckons | 2013-11-30 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | 2014 Congressional summer internship opportunity beckons Nov 29, 2013 I received word this week that there are no applicants from the Northern Mariana Islands for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s summer 2014 Congressional Internship Program. So, if you are a college student from the NMI, I encourage you to consider applying. Selection is competitive; but the reward is a 12-week paid internship in the office of a Member of Congress with training in legislation, constituent casework, and legislative research. Interns also participate in a community service project and receive educational and professional training from the Institute. The program pays for round-trip travel to Washington D.C., housing, health insurance, and provides a $2,500 stipend. I became a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in part to open the door to this kind of opportunity, so I hope NMI students will look at all the internships, fellowships, and scholarships that CHCI has to offer. See an information packet here. And for more information about summer 2014 Congressional Internship go to https://www.chci.org/internships/. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/inos-kilili-offer-dhs-specific-ways-curb-birth-tourism | Inos, Kilili offer DHS specific ways to curb birth tourism | 2013-11-29 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Seven months after jointly raising “birth tourism” concerns with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) sent another letter to DHS early this week but this time with specific suggestions to curb the problem such as requiring “all” airlines flying to the CNMI to adopt the pre-screening and other strategies that charter tour flights have developed to deter travel to the islands for the sole purpose of giving birth to an automatic U.S. citizen. Many of those who come to Saipan solely for birth tourism—mostly from China—do so by boarding a signatory airline, Asiana Airlines, and not through charter tour flights. Asiana Airlines picks up passengers from Korea. This is because charter companies that fly directly between China and the CNMI “proactively screen” their passengers to ensure compliance with parole conditions such as travel for the authorized purpose of tourism and on-time departure, the governor and delegate said. Since 2009, tourists from China and Russia are allowed to visit the CNMI without a U.S. visa pursuant to the DHS secretary’s use of parole authority. Inos and Sablan said record of experience shows that companies operating charter tour flights have been most successful in ensuring that tourists meet the parole program’s requirements. “As far as we know from industry data, these charter operators have a low rate of entry refusal and a high rate of timely departure,” Inos and Sablan said in their joint Nov. 25 letter to DHS acting secretary Rand Beers. A copy of the letter was made available only yesterday, although Sablan confirmed a letter was forthcoming, during an interview last Sunday. The federal government, through DHS and its component agencies, now control CNMI borders. The governor and the delegate said while only DHS has the official entry and exit data with which to evaluate the record industry-wide, what appears true for the charter tour flights many not hold for all airlines providing services for Chinese tourists to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/happy-thanksgiving | Happy Thanksgiving | 2013-11-28 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | What a profound idea President Lincoln had when setting aside a day for all of us to remember what we have to be thankful for. It is so quick and easy to say thanks, but it is so easy to forget the importance of that simple action. So today I would like to say thank you: ...To our brave men and women in the military and to our military families, to our veterans, to our police officers and fire officers, for they risk their lives daily to protect us and to save the lives of others; ...To our teachers, who work hard to educate and train our students to prepare them for our future; ...To my critics, who force me to think harder about my positions, to see if I may be missing something, and, thus, help me work better and smarter in service to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands; ...To my wife, Andrea, who, despite my absence from home over half the year, working in Washington, continues to hold our family together; ...To my Dad, who has now passed on, but whom I am just so blessed to have had as a loving, kind, and generous Father for 58 years; and ...To all who have entrusted me to represent them in Congress and given me the opportunity to make life better for everyone in our Commonwealth. May you enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving today with family and friends. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/5-us-service-academy-slots-available-%E2%80%93-apply-nomination-today | 5 U.S. Service Academy slots available – Apply for nomination today | 2013-11-25 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | 5 U.S. Service Academy slots available – Apply for nomination today Nov 25, 2013 Young men and women from the Northern Marianas interested in a high quality education and committed to serving our country are urged to apply for a congressional nomination to one of the U.S. Service Academies. As a result of enactment of U.S. Public Law 111-84, there are four openings available this year: one at the Military Academy at West Point, one at the Air Force Academy and two at the Naval Academy. There is also one position open at the Merchant Marine Academy. Attending a service academy is a unique opportunity to obtain a first-rate college education entirely free. Graduates also earn the honor of receiving an officer’s commission in the U.S. Armed Forces. As your Congressman, I may make nominations, but final selections among the nominees are made by academy admission officials. They look for strong grades in high school, 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/military-academy-nominations. Applications are due by December 13, 2013. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/another-69m-water-and-sewer-money-cuc-17m-deq-operations | Another $6.9m in water and sewer money for CUC; $1.7m for DEQ operations | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Another $6.9m in water and sewer money for CUC; $1.7m for DEQ operations Nov 22, 2013 The change we won in 2010 to increase drinking water and wastewater construction grants continues to pay off year after year. The Environmental Protection Agency announced $6.9 million in water and sewer grants to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation this week. Before we got the funding formula changed the Commonwealth was only receiving about $1 million a year. Since the increase we have received $37 million; and Saipan has reached the goal of 24-hour water in many areas. The Commonwealth’s Division of Environmental Quality – part of the newly formed Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality – was also awarded this week $1.7 million to carry out its operations, including beach monitoring, permitting, and other environmental protection programs. Thanks to all the staff and management at CUC and the new Bureau for improving our water system and protecting our environment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/us-responds-yolanda-disaster | US responds to Yolanda disaster | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | US responds to Yolanda disaster Nov 18, 2013 America has a long history with the people of the Philippines, so we are responding quickly and forcefully to the humanitarian needs there in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. The U.S. Government is already providing more than $22 million in assistance for emergency shelter, water, and sanitation, as well as helping with airlifts of government and private relief supplies to storm-battered areas. Latest reports indicate the typhoon affected 8.7 million people, leaving 819,000 homeless, and causing up to 4,460 deaths. In the Northern Marianas we know what it feels like to be hit by a typhoon. So, our hearts and prayers go out to the people of the Philippines. Members of Congress are prohibited by ethics rules from using official resources to solicit or collect donations of goods, funds, or services on behalf of private organizations, but I have provided a link on my official website, https://sablan.house.gov/typhoon-yolanda-relief, to official government websites that give details about how constituents may help, if you want to. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/another-reap-grant-alternative-energy-nmi | Another REAP grant for alternative energy in the NMI | 2013-11-17 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Another REAP grant for alternative energy in the NMI Nov 17, 2013 Servino & Associates, Inc. is the recipient of a $2,633 Renewable Energy Assistance grant from the Department of Agriculture. The company will use the funds to buy a 5 kilowatt, grid-tied photovoltaic system for its offices on Saipan. This is the second REAP grant announced in the Northern Marianas this month. Earlier Marianas Business Plaza was granted $500,000, also to use for solar electrical generation. Congratulations to Servino & Associates. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/165565-awarded-department-public-safety | $165,565 awarded to Department of Public Safety | 2013-11-16 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $165,565 awarded to Department of Public Safety Nov 16, 2013 The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the award of $165,565 to the Commonwealth’s Department of Public Safety. The grant will support state highway safety programs aimed at improving driver behavior to reduce deaths and injuries. Congratulations to DPS. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/noaa-reports-253940-lbs-fish-caught-marianas | NOAA reports 253,940 lbs. of fish caught in the Marianas | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | NOAA reports 253,940 lbs. of fish caught in the Marianas Nov 15, 2013 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released the latest edition of Fisheries of the United States. NOAA reports that 253,940 pounds of fish, valued at $581,404, were harvested commercially in the Northern Marianas in 2012. Of the U.S. territories, American Samoa had the highest commercial landings both in quantity – 9 million pounds – and in value – $9.7 million. Guam had the lowest reported catch: 200,000 pounds valued at $507,743. Not including the territories, U.S. commercial fishermen landed 9.6 billion pounds of seafood valued at $5.1 billion. NOAA’s report can be found online at: https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/commercial-fisheries/fus/fus12/index. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/water-resources-bill-moves-forward | Water resources bill moves forward | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Water resources bill moves forward Nov 15, 2013 The House has appointed its members to the conference committee on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. The conference committee will reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and recommend final passage. The House version of H.R.3080 includes my provision doubling the waiver of the local match requirement for Army Corps projects in the Northern Mariana Islands. This will increase the current $200,000 waiver, set in 1986, to reflect inflation over the last 27 years. The new waiver should be in excess of $400,000, meaning projects can go forward without $400,000 of Commonwealth money. Last week, I joined with 29 other Members from both sides of the aisle calling for appointment of the conferees in a letter to Speaker John Boehner (Ohio) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (California). I appreciate their quick response to our request. Typical Army Corps projects in the NMI recently have included the Rota Harbor improvements completed in 2008 and the on-going Susupe-Chalan Kanoa Drainage Plan to address flooding in those villages. If WRRDA is enacted with my provision, the planned Outer Cove Marina project and the Saipan Lagoon Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration project could each cost the Commonwealth over $200,000 less. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/108923-awarded-maternal-and-child-health-services | $108,923 awarded for Maternal and Child Health Services | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $108,923 awarded for Maternal and Child Health Services Nov 14, 2013 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Commonwealth’s Department of Public Health $108,923 for Maternal and Child Health Services. Public Health uses the funds to plan, promote, coordinate, and evaluate the health care of pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children with an emphasis on children with special needs and on those families that do not otherwise have access to adequate health care. Congratulations DPH! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/major-breakthrough-liheap-funding-nmi | Major breakthrough in LIHEAP funding for NMI | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan received word today that years of effort to increase the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant for the Northern Mariana Islands have paid off. The Department of Health and Human Services informed Sablan that Secretary Kathleen Sebelius had decided to provide the maximum amount permitted by law for the NMI and the other U.S. territories, almost four times more than they have been receiving since 1981. The change goes into effect on January 1 and will continue indefinitely. Last week, Sablan announced that the Department was releasing $50,000 in LIHEAP funding to the Northern Marianas for the current fiscal year. But at the same time the Department informed him that it was nearing completion of its analysis of the long-standing request by Sablan and other territorial representatives to raise the grant to the maximum the law allows. “We knew that the Secretary would be deciding whether to keep us at 0.135 percent of total national funding or give us the maximum of 0.5 percent,” Sablan said. “And we knew electricity rates and fuel costs in our islands made a strong argument for her to increase the grant. “Today we found out that those arguments were convincing. “I am very grateful to Secretary Sebelius and everyone on her staff, who took a long, hard look at the cost of energy in the Northern Mariana Islands and agreed to help our poorest families.” LIHEAP grants can be used to pay for electricity, make home improvements that save energy, and, in a crisis, prevent service interruptions. As many as 300 families in the Northern Marianas have in recent years received up to $58 in monthly assistance from the federal program. The number of NMI families who are eligible and the monthly aid amount can significantly increase now. Years of effort and persistence rewarded Sablan identified LIHEAP funding as an opportunity to improve funding for the Northern Mariana Islands early in his congressional career. Year after year he has been among members of Congress activ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/hhs-schedules-release-liheap-funds | HHS schedules release of LIHEAP funds | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | HHS schedules release of LIHEAP funds Nov 13, 2013 The Northern Mariana Islands is scheduled to receive $56,000 for fiscal year 2014 from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Department of Health and Human Services recently released the LIHEAP funding nationally. Because Congress has yet to agree on appropriations for all of FY14 the funding released this week is only 90 percent of the expected annual total. The Northern Marianas will receive $50,000 initially and the balance sometime after January 15, when fiscal 2014 appropriations should be finalized. Energy costs are high in the Marianas and LIHEAP is an important way for Congress to assist those in need. The territories’ congressional representatives have petitioned the HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to increase LIHEAP grants for the island areas, which she has legal authority to do. The Department is currently conducting an analysis of the request so that any change the Secretary makes in our allotment is well-justified. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/nmi-addressing-birth-tourism-says-governor | NMI addressing birth tourism, says governor | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | GOVERNOR Eloy S. Inos and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan are working with federal authorities to prevent the “small issue” of birth tourism from being “blown out of proportion.” In a joint press conference in the Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Azucena Room yesterday, Inos and Sablan emphasized that women can’t be denied entry to the CNMI because they are pregnant. They said they want to “contain” this issue for the sake of the health and safety of the female visitors themselves. They also wish to avoid potential liability on the part of airlines and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. if something bad happens to the pregnant passenger on the plane or while she is on island. Inos said it is very risky for the hospital to accept pregnant women who haven’t had prenatal care. For his part, Sablan said the incident involving a pregnant tourist from China who hid at the airport should not happen again. That woman, he added, should not have been allowed to board the plane in the first place. “They are welcome to come here and enjoy our beautiful islands. There is a way to [address this issue] without being discriminatory. I think there is something we can do. Let’s keep this problem small,” Sablan said adding that he and the governor are working closely with federal authorities. He said the CNMI wants tourists from China to continue coming here but birth tourism “is an issue that concerns all of us.” Sablan said he and the governor have been working on the issue since April when they wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about it. He said the governor has asked him to deal with the federal government, while Inos works with the airlines. Sablan said he met with DHS officials in September and is expecting another meeting as soon as he returns to Washington, D.C. “We have a small issue here that we would really like to keep contained because it took us a while to create a good image for the NMI,” Sablan said. Inos, he added, “is giving me some instructions on what it is I may need to do and I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/nmi-taps-dhs-chinese-govt-asiana-airlines | NMI taps DHS, Chinese govt, Asiana Airlines | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Weeks after national media put the CNMI on the spotlight over incidences of mostly Chinese “tourists” coming to Saipan to give birth, Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) said yesterday they are now working with Asiana Airlines, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Chinese government to further minimize—if not totally eliminate—the so-called “birth tourism” here. “Birth tourism” refers to travel for the purpose of giving birth to an automatic U.S. citizen child in the CNMI or any other U.S. state or territory. Inos and Sablan said a closer scrutiny found that most of those who come to Saipan solely to give birth do so by boarding Asiana Airlines’ scheduled commercial flights. This is contrary to reports that birth tourists were brought here through charter flights, whose travel agents have long put in place strict procedures to deter birth tourism. Asiana Airlines has agreed to be more vigilant in screening their passengers, Inos and Sablan said. “It could be a liability, too [for Asiana Airlines],” the governor said. Inos said it would be to Asiana Airlines’ benefit “to make sure that those things don’t happen” because, among other things, the airline has to immediately bring back those passengers that were not allowed entry to the CNMI for improper or lack of required documentation. “And so the airline would have to pick up that cost; you have to bump somebody off going back on that flight just to make sure [those turned away are sent back immediately]. So it’s an incentive for them to do the right thing,” Inos said. But more still needs to be done, including for Asiana Airlines to identify, for example, certain independent travel agents that book flights for birth tourists. “That’s where we have to zero in. We’re not too concerned about the chartered ones; we know they’re controlled by just two travel agencies,” the governor said. He said despite strict policies in place, there could still be some that will slip through the cracks. Inos said peopl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/delta-airlines-allows-use-peds-flights | Delta Airlines allows use of PEDs on flights | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Delta Airlines allows use of PEDs on flights Nov 12, 2013 Delta Airlines passengers taking off from or landing in Saipan may now use smartphones, tablets, e-readers, MP3 players, and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) during most of their time on board. The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a long-standing ban after finding that radio signals from PEDs do not pose a threat to aircraft navigation systems. Delta was the first airline to apply for and receive FAA approval to implement the new policy, but neglected to include flights into U.S. territories. Thanks to quick work from Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-Puerto Rico), Delta was alerted to the oversight and amended its policy. Restrictions are still in place outside of the U.S., so Delta passengers between Narita and Saipan will be able to use their PEDs when taking off or landing in the Northern Marianas, but not in Japan. Using PEDs for voice communications while airborne remains prohibited. To learn more about Delta’s policy go to https://news.delta.com/index.php?s=18&item=176. Information from the FAA can be found at https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/ped/. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/house-leaders-urged-move-water-resources-development-bill | House leaders urged to move on water resources development bill | 2013-11-11 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | House leaders urged to move on water resources development bill Nov 11, 2013 I joined Representative Edward Whitfield (R-Kentucky) and 28 of my colleagues in a letter urging Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Democrat Leader Nancy Pelosi (California) to appoint members to the conference committee on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, so we can get a final vote on the bill. In October, the House passed its version, H.R. 3080, with my provision doubling the waiver of local match requirements for Army Corps projects in the Northern Marianas and other territories. The waiver provision will adjust the $200,000 waiver put in place in 1986 to an amount that reflects inflation since then. The new waiver should be in excess of $400,000, making Army Corps work, like the Garapan-Susupe drainage project, cheaper for the NMI. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/federal-assistance-marianas-farmers-and-ranchers-available | Federal assistance for Marianas farmers and ranchers available | 2013-11-10 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Federal assistance for Marianas farmers and ranchers available Nov 10, 2013 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds farmers and ranchers that several programs continue to be available to assist in planning and implementing conservation practices in their farmlands. These programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, Agricultural Management Assistance Program, and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These programs provide financial and technical assistance focusing in best conservation practices in farm plots that help the soil, water and air. Applications for 2014 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on January 17, 2014. To find out if you are eligible for any of these program, contact the Saipan Service Center at (670) 233-3415 or visit NRCS at: www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-congratulates-marianas-business-plaza-500000-solar-power-grant | Kilili congratulates Marianas Business Plaza on $500,000 solar power grant | 2013-11-09 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | “Federal support is there for well-thought-out business plans that meet the needs of the community and fit our national energy policy goals,” said Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan. The Congressman was congratulating Marianas Business Plaza owner Erick van der Maas on the announcement today that he is the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program. The grant will be used, together with $1.8 million of private financing, to construct a 650 kilowatt solar power system over the parking lot at the Business Plaza in Susupe. The Marianas Business Plaza project was one of only five projects nationwide to receive the maximum allowable REAP grant of $500,000. Another of the maximum grants went to a solar project in Maryland; and three were for projects converting biomass to energy. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of 422 grants today with a total value of $14.2 million. “Because $500,000 is the maximum grant that can be awarded by the Rural Energy for America Program,” noted Sablan, “the Marianas Business Plaza has clearly done an excellent job of justifying the planned facility and demonstrating its economic feasibility. “Many people have talked about moving us in the direction of larger scale renewable energy, but Mr. van der Maas is demonstrating that it can really be done. I congratulate him on this success.” The Rural Energy for America Program provides grants and loan guarantees to farms and small businesses to install solar and other renewable energy systems. REAP financing may also be used to make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and for other energy conservation purposes in rural areas. “Having a solar power electrical generation system on this scale in such a public place will have a substantial impact on how we all think about the energy future of the Northern Marianas,” Sablan said. “I hope that it will encourage more energy entrepreneurs in the Northern Mariana Islands and speed our shift aw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/report-chamber-product-over-politics | Report to Chamber: product over politics | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Report to Chamber: product over politics Nov 8, 2013 Making opportunities and staying focused on the long game is how to get results for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, not playing politics. That was my message to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. Getting the submerged lands around our islands returned to us in September, helping the hospital stay open this year with $27 million in new Obamacare money, driving us to the legislative five-yard line on a $33 million program to transition the NMI into the national food stamp program – these were the examples I used of opportunities I made in Congress to help our Commonwealth. Even with a Republican-led House I have been able to get NMI measures signed into law by working on both sides of the political aisle. I also reported to the Chamber on recent enactment P.L. 113-34, rescheduling minimum wage increases. Business and workers asked me to begin work on that change last year, when our economy looked much worse than it does today. I recognize that federal law is a one-size-fits-all solution, even though our economy has lots of variation. So, I encouraged individual Chamber members to decide for themselves and pay more as business improves. Our Commonwealth Legislature, too, should look at the $3.05 local minimum wage, because the federal minimum only applies to businesses making over $500,000. Raising wages – subject to economic realities – benefits our entire community. So, I will continue to support H.R. 1010, which raises the U.S. minimum to $10.10/hour. Under current law, minimum wage increases in the Northern Marianas stop when we reach $7.25/hour, but I want us to keep increasing beyond that and pay workers more. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/hopwood-honored-recognition-congress | Hopwood honored by recognition from Congress | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Hopwood Junior High School principal Jonas Barcinas said it was a great honor for school to be recognized by no less than Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) during the Public School System’s Education Day celebration on Saipan last month. “I want to thank the office of our U.S. congressman for their diligent support and constant communication in providing them with all the information in order to make the tribute to Hopwood become a reality,” Barcinas said. Sablan, in the presence of Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider, PSS Board of Education chair Herman Guerrero, and Education Commissioner Dr. Rita Inos, gave Hopwood and Barcinas a large plaque commemorating Hopwood’s 50th year anniversary in 2012. “We were very touched for such recognition… because we were recognized on this special day in front of all the PSS staff. Thank you, Kilili, for such a tribute and for all that you have done for Hopwood and the entire PSS family,” said Barcinas. Saipan Intermediate School, founded after World War II and the first school to offer secondary education in the Northern Mariana Islands, was renamed Hopwood Junior Senior High School in 1962. It was renamed in honor of Adm. Herbert Gladstone Hopwood, a Naval officer with 42 years of distinguished service to the U.S. armed forces, including three years as commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet. “From its humble beginnings in 1949 and to this day, Hopwood is recognized as an institution that has played a historic role in our community and continues to serve a vital role in the lives of our students and our community,” Sablan’s message in the commemorative plaque read. “I have great confidence that the school will continue to distinguish itself in the years to come. And I offer my congratulations to all those who have been affiliated with Hopwood Junior High School over these many years—teachers, staff, students, alumni, and parents,” he added. Barcinas said that Hopwood has gone through a lot of administrations each one made some great contribution to t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/fy14-liheap-funds-released | FY14 LIHEAP funds released | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan announced today that federal energy assistance grant funds are being released for FY14. The Northern Mariana Islands is scheduled to receive $56,000 for the year from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). “Energy costs are high in the Northern Marianas and LIHEAP is an important way for Congress to assist those in need,” Sablan said. “We face electrical rates almost four times the national average and require home cooling year around, so every dollar is helpful.” Because Congress has yet to agree on total appropriations for fiscal 2014 the LIHEAP grant announced today is only about 90 percent of the expected annual grant. The Northern Marianas will receive $50,000 initially and the balance sometime after January 15, when FY14 appropriations should be finalized. Today’s release does factor in the effect of sequestration, the forced across-the-board cuts required by the Budget Control Act of 2011. LIHEAP provides financial assistance to qualifying low-income households to pay for heating or cooling costs. States and territories set the income threshold for recipients, although under federal law households cannot earn more than 150 percent of the federal poverty level or more than 60 percent of state/territorial median income level, whichever is higher. The territories’ congressional representatives have petitioned the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase grant amounts for the island areas, which the Secretary currently has legal authority to do. But so far, no adjustment has been made. “I understand that the Department is doing a very thorough analysis of our request,” Congressman Sablan reports. “Any change the Secretary makes in our allotment has to be well-supported by data, because there are limited dollars available. Giving more to the insular areas necessarily means others receive less.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/test | Kilili asks Legislature to increase minimum wage | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Kilili asks Legislature to increase minimum wage Published on Thursday, November 07, 2013 00:00 By Raquel C. Bagnol - raquel.bagnol@mvariety.com - Variety News Staff U.S. CONGRESSMAN Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan yesterday asked the business community to pay their workers more if the economy gets better and their bottom-line is improving, instead of waiting for the federal government to enforce a higher rate. Sablan, who was yesterday’s guest at the Saipan Chamber of Commerce meeting at Sandcastle Hyatt, also asked CNMI legislators to raise the minimum wage “if they want to show they really care.” Sablan said the federal minimum wage is just that — the minimum rate that employers have to pay, but there is nothing in the law that says you cannot pay more. “When workers have more money in their pockets, they will spend what they earn in your stores and your businesses. They will buy clothes for their kids, maybe get some new furniture and we will all be better off,’ Sablan said. As for CNMI legislators, he said: “If you really care, if you really have solutions, raise the local minimum wage. Many people in the commonwealth work for small businesses or in occupations that are not even covered by the federal minimum wage.” Sablan said that at the request of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, he pushed for the rescheduling of the federal minimum wage increase in the CNMI. “I got your minimum-wage request through, even in the middle of all this Washington gridlock and ‘do-nothing’ Congress,” Sablan said. But he said he did not take pleasure in that accomplishment because he wanted people to earn more money. “I’m working to increase food-stamp benefits, because we have 10,000 hungry people but I would rather have those people earning a decent wage so they won’t need food stamps,” Sablan said. At the same time, he acknowledged that the minimum wage has gone up 82 percent in just five years. “That’s very fast and hard for businesses to absorb,” Sablan said. Workers have told him they would rather not get a wage increa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-chamber-pay-workers-more-minimum | Kilili to Chamber: Pay workers more than minimum | 2013-11-06 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Weeks after the Saipan Chamber of Commerce got its request from Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) to have the 50-cent minimum wage increase delayed this year through legislation that President Barack Obama signed into law on Sept. 18, yesterday was Sablan’s turn to ask the Chamber for something if their bottom line is improving: Please pay your workers more. Chamber members and guests greeted Sablan’s request with warm applause and nods. The same law that skipped the 2013 and 2015 minimum wage hike also conveyed to the CNMI 3 miles of submerged lands, which Sablan worked on since he was first sworn into office. The CNMI can now use these submerged lands for its economic development. In his remarks at the Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting yesterday, Sablan said there is nothing in the federal minimum wage law that says employers cannot pay more than the minimum. The CNMI’s minimum wage is now at $5.55 an hour. A 2007 U.S. law requires annual increase until it reaches the federal wage floor of $7.25 an hour. “If our economy is getting better, if you have more customers, if your bottom line is improving, please pay your workers more,” Sablan said, drawing applause and nods. The delegate asked Chamber members and guests gathered at Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Sandcastle not to wait for the federal government to force them do increase their workers’ wages. Tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy have posted considerable increases, and the government’s actual revenue collections have exceeded projections. “Pay your workers more. Because when your workers have more money in their pockets, we all do better. Those workers will spend what they earn—in your stores, at your businesses,” he told the crowd. Just so the business community doesn’t feel that he’s picking on them, Sablan also shone light on some of the CNMI lawmakers and others, some of whom criticize him for thinking he doesn’t do enough for them. The delegate cited, among other things, the submerged lands conveyance despite a gridlock in Congress… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/saipan-tribune-asylum-rules-apply-2015-not-2014 | Asylum rules to apply in 2015, not 2014 | 2013-11-06 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Asylum rules to apply in 2015, not 2014 Kilili cites technical error in PL 110-229 that causes confusion Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) said yesterday that Jan. 1, 2015, is the correct date wherein the CNMI can start accepting asylum application—not Jan. 1, 2014 as he earlier told Saipan Tribune. He said the confusion results from a technical error in U.S. Public Law 110-229, the law that placed CNMI immigration under federal control, which states that asylum application is not permitted “before Jan. 1, 2014.” Federal rule later stated “no application for asylum may be filed prior to Jan. 1, 2015.” Sablan made the clarification about his earlier statement at yesterday’s meeting of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, wherein he was one of the guest speakers. Attorney Maya Kara asked Sablan during the Chamber meeting about the asylum issue, and that’s when Sablan made the clarification. Just the same, Sablan later said, the CNMI would work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the asylum provision exemption will also be extended if the federalization transition period is extended beyond 2014. Thus, if the transition period ending Dec. 31, 2014, is extended by five years, then the CNMI would request that the asylum exemption be extended also up to Dec. 31, 2019. “We have reached out to agencies and other members of Congress in exploring, or attaching the exemption of the asylum provision, to become effective upon the termination of the transition period so that if the transition period is extended, then the asylum issue is also extended,” he said in an interview. Sablan said the asylum issue is one “that we have to build agreement with DHS before we even move forward.” He said DHS’ agreement to the idea is “critical.” “And I can say that I’ve been looking at this for quite some time, with much greater attention this year,” he added. PL 110-229 isolated the CNMI from the rest of the United States with respect to applications for asylum. In Section 702(j) of this law, it states “Nothi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/deadline-extended-transportation-cost-reimbursement | Deadline extended for transportation cost reimbursement | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Deadline extended for transportation cost reimbursement Nov 5, 2013 Farmers, who have already applied for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers program, have been given an extra 18 days to submit support documents. The Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency announced recently that the deadline has been pushed back to November 22, 2013 because of the government shutdown in October. The RTCP helps farmers in the Northern Marianas and other remote areas pay some of the costs of purchasing fertilizer, seed, equipment, and other farm inputs and of shipping crops to market. To qualify for assistance, farmers and ranchers may not have non-farm income over $500,000. Their farm lands must also be worked in compliance with the USDA approved land conservation methods and wetlands protection requirements. For more information, contact the USDA Farm Service Agency at (670)236-0896. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/number-helped-obamacare-nmi-continues-grow | Number helped by Obamacare in NMI continues to grow | 2013-11-04 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Number helped by Obamacare in NMI continues to grow Nov 4, 2013 The number of people on Medicare in the Northern Mariana Islands, who are getting help from the Affordable Care Act, continues to grow. 18 man'amko and persons with disabilities received prescription drug discounts averaging $468.81 so far this year. That is up from the 13 Medicare beneficiaries who got the drug discount in 2011. The discounts are available for those who reach the so-called "donut hole," the gap in coverage between regular Medicare drug coverage and catastrophic coverage. This year the gap starts at $2,970. Once a Medicare beneficiary reaches that limit the new Affordable Care Act kicks in, paying 52.5 percent of the cost of covered brand-name prescription drugs bought at a pharmacy or ordered through the mail and 28 percent of the cost of generics. Coverage for both brand-name and generic drugs in the gap will continue to increase over time until 2020, when Obamacare will close the "donut hole" completely. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/social-security-benefits-rise | Social Security benefits to rise | 2013-11-02 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Social Security benefits to rise Nov 2, 2013 Social Security recipients will see a 1.5 percent increase in their benefits beginning in January 2014. For a recipient receiving the national average benefit of $1,294, that means another $19 each month. The COLA rate varies from year to year depending on change in the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners (CPI-W), a measure of inflation. In addition, it was announced this week that the cap on earnings subject to the FICA withholding tax that pays for Social Security will rise from $113,000 this year to $117,000 for 2014. This increase helps reinforce the long-term solvency of the Social Security retirement insurance system. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/house-senate-conferees-meet-farm-bill-nmi-snap | House-Senate conferees meet on farm bill with NMI SNAP | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | House-Senate conferees meet on farm bill with NMI SNAP Nov 1, 2013 The $33 million pilot program that would eventually bring the Northern Mariana Islands into the national food stamp program, SNAP, has moved another step forward. The conference committee responsible for reconciling differences between the House and Senate versions of the "farm bill" had its first official meeting on Wednesday. The NMI SNAP program is part of the House bill, Section 4032 of H.R. 2642, drafted by Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma). Lucas was elected to chair the 41-member conference committee. Conferees made opening statements, most expressed a commitment to work together to produce a final bill that can pass both the House and Senate. Although there has been opposition to including the NMI pilot program from some outside conservatives, I think that managing SNAP in the same way nationwide is very consistent with conservative goals of reform and increased accountability. Chairman Lucas and his Democratic counterpart on the House Agriculture Committee, Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota), have been incredibly patient and hardworking over the last three years. Those are the qualities that will be needed to get a farm bill to the President's desk for signature. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/army-corps-projects-could-cost-commonwealth-less | Army Corps projects could cost the Commonwealth less | 2013-10-28 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Army Corps projects could cost the Commonwealth less Oct 28, 2013 The Water Resources Reform and Development Act — with my provision doubling the waiver of local match requirements for Army Corps projects in the Northern Marianas and other territories — passed the House on a 417-3 vote. The Senate has also passed a reauthorization, so House and Senate bills now go to a conference committee for reconciliation. Only the House bill contains the waiver provision, which will adjust the $200,000 waiver put in place in 1986 to an amount that reflects inflation since then. The new waiver should be in excess of $400,000. More work remains to keep this provision in the bill that comes out of conference, but doubling the waiver amount will make it less expensive for the Commonwealth to match federal dollars for Army Corps undertakings and in some cases mean not paying any local match at all. Typical Corps projects include the Rota Harbor improvements completed in 2008, the on-going Susupe-Chalan Kanoa Drainage Plan to address flooding in those villages, or the planned Outer Cove Marina project and the Saipan Lagoon Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/social-security-retirees-may-be-eligible-benefit-recalculation | Social Security retirees may be eligible for benefit recalculation | 2013-10-22 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Social Security retirees may be eligible for benefit recalculation Oct 22, 2013 Now that the Settlement Agreement in the case of Johnson vs. Inos has been finalized, Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund retirees are seeing their benefits reduced by 25%. As a result of this cut, retirees who also receive social security benefits may be eligible for a recalculation of these benefits. This is because these retirees may have been subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision when their social security benefit was first calculated. The WEP lowers the social security benefit of persons who are also receiving a pension from an employer, such as the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands, that did not withhold social security taxes. The Social Security Administration handles question of this nature on a case by case basis. NMIRF pensioners, receiving social security, may want to contact their local SSA office to see if they are eligible for a recalculation of benefits. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/constituents-white-house-reopens-tours | Constituents: White House reopens for tours | 2013-10-21 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Constituents: White House reopens for tours Oct 21, 2013 Visitors from the Northern Mariana Islands will be glad to learn that in addition to the reopening of the Smithsonian museums in Washington and the memorials and monuments on the Mall after the government shutdown, the White House has now announced that it will be open for tours again. Tours were cancelled earlier this year when funding was cut. Tours will become available after November 5. As always, however, tickets will be limited; and the earlier you request tickets through your congressional office the better your chances of getting in to see the East Wing and the Executive Residence. A tour of the White House can be a highlight of any visit to the nation’s capital. We are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to constituents again. Submit your request at https://sablan.house.gov/serving-you/tours-and-tickets or email me at kilili@mail.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/president-nominates-new-head-homeland-security | President nominates new head for Homeland Security | 2013-10-18 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | President nominates new head for Homeland Security Oct 18, 2013 This afternoon, President Obama announced his nomination of Mr. Jeh Johnson to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The Department includes the Coast Guard, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Transportation Security Administration, the Customs and Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management Administration – all agencies that have an active role in the Northern Mariana Islands. Mr. Johnson would replace Janet Napolitano, who left office in August to lead the University of California system and who was instrumental in many decisions that have helped to make the transition to federal management of immigration in the Marianas less difficult. I look forward to building an equally cordial and cooperative working relationship with Mr. Johnson and congratulate him on this most important assignment from President Obama. For a look at the President’s introduction of Mr. Johnson in the Rose Garden today go here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/us-fiscal-impasse-ends | U.S. fiscal impasse ends | 2013-10-17 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and his minority counterpart Mitch McConnell of Kentucky reached agreement today to fund the U.S. government through January 15 of next year and to give the nation sufficient borrowing authority to last through February 7. Their accord, which ends 16 days of government shutdown and high anxiety over the possibility that America could default on its debt, was approved on a 81 to 18 vote in the U.S. Senate at 8:15 p.m. EST. The House followed two hours later, approving the temporary spending bill and debt limit increase, by a vote of 285 to 144. Democrats in the House accounted for 198 of the yes votes that will put federal employees back to work as early as tomorrow, and restore funding for veterans programs, the national parks, Head Start and nutritional assistance, and a myriad of other federal programs on hold since the October 1 beginning of the fiscal year. A majority of House Republicans opposed. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan issued the following statement on the resolution of the weeks-long impasse over government finances: “Americans in the Northern Mariana Islands and throughout our country have lost income and had their well-being placed at risk, because of this needless shutdown of our national government. So, I am very glad to see it ended. I congratulate Mr. Reid and Mr. McConnell, in particular, for working together successfully in the best interest of the nation. “I know that federal employees in the Northern Mariana Islands share my relief to learn that they will be paid for the time they were locked out of their workplaces. I know that those in the Commonwealth government who are paid with federal funds will breathe easier; and the contractors and workers whose jobs require federal funds will be glad to know they can keep building. And I am sure that the many individuals and families who depend on federal education and health programs to make their lives better will be thankful that this crisis is over. “But we must all be concerned that the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/apply-now-us-service-academies | Apply now for the U.S. service academies | 2013-10-15 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Apply now for the U.S. service academies Oct 15, 2013 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, one at the Air Force Academy and one at the Military Academy at West Point. 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’s 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 in high school, 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/military-academy-nominations. You may also go to your local congressional office with your questions. Applications are due by December 13, 2013. Start now to prepare your application. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/shutdown-updates | SHUTDOWN UPDATES: | 2013-10-11 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | SHUTDOWN UPDATES: As the U.S. Government shutdown continues into day eleven, here are some of the actions I have taken to help bring this crisis to a close. Oct 11, 2013 Caucus meets with President Obama – Along with most members of the House Democratic Caucus, I met at the White House on Wednesday with President Barack Obama to discuss the shutdown and the looming debt limit crisis. House Republicans’ decision to close down the government on October 1, unless they could repeal the Affordable Care Act, was creating real hardship. Federal employees in the Northern Marianas and around the country were furloughed without pay. Head Start, the Women, Infants, and Children program, and other federal funds we rely on were running low. The President expressed his commitment to reopening the government and restoring services to the American people. He also remained firm that we cannot put our economy and the world’s economy at risk by threatening to default on U.S. debt. Once the government is reopened and the threat to our economic well-being is removed, he said he is more than willing to have a conversation with Congress about any aspect of the federal government’s fiscal policy, a course of action I support. As we prepare to publish on Friday it is reported that the President and Republicans are now working on a deal to end the shutdown and raise the debt ceiling in exchange for a plan to begin negotiations about fiscal issues. Territories want vote on discharge petitions – A “discharge petition” to bring a bill reopening the government to the floor for a vote was filed on October 4, but the Rules of the House do not allow the representatives from the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to sign the petition. We want… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-apply-now-us-service-academies | Kilili: Apply now for U.S. service academies | 2013-10-10 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan opened nominations for the U.S. service academies today. There are five slots available this year for men and women from the Northern Mariana Islands, who want to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. “Attending one of the U.S. service academies is a unique opportunity to obtain a fine education without cost,” Sablan said. “In return, graduates commit to the military for a minimum of five years, entering service with their college degree and an officer’s commission.” As a Member of Congress, Sablan is able to nominate up to ten qualified young people from the Northern Mariana Islands for each available slot at an academy. The admissions board of each academy then selects among Sablan’s nominees, looking for potential students who meet standards for academic achievement, leadership potential, physical conditioning, and moral character. In this year’s admission cycle for students entering the 2014-2015 school year, there are two slots at the Naval Academy, one at the Air Force Academy, one at West Point, and one at the Merchant Marine Academy. An applicant must meet the following basic requirements as of July 1, 2014 to be eligible for admission: Age: at least 17 and under 23 years old; Citizenship: must be a U.S. citizen; Marital Status: must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents; Academic Standing: must have superior grades and test scores; Skill/Fitness: must meet the medical and physical requirements of the Academy. Application forms and information on the nomination process can be found on the congressional website, https://sablan.house.gov/ and at congressional district offices on Rota, Saipan, and Tinian. The deadline for submitting a nomination package to a district office for school year 2014-2015 is December 13, 2013. Prospective nominees are encourage… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/delegates-bring-concerns-new-ranking-member-peter-defazio | Delegates bring concerns to new Ranking Member Peter DeFazio | 2013-10-09 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | At the request of Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan the new Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Peter DeFazio (D–Oregon), met with representatives of the U.S. insular areas today. The Delegates from the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico used the occasion to brief DeFazio on a variety of legislative concerns. DeFazio took over the Ranking Member position on the Committee after the election of Ed Markey, the previous Ranking Member, to the U.S. Senate. “I am very appreciative that Mr. DeFazio took the time to review our legislative agenda,” Sablan said. “Insular area policy is under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resources Committee, so it is important that the Democratic leader on the Committee be fully informed of our legislative goals.” Sablan, himself, is the Ranking Member on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs, and so took responsibility for making sure that the Delegates and Resident Commissioner had this opportunity. Attending the briefing with Mr. DeFazio were Delegates Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa), Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam), and Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands), and Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-Puerto Rico). Among the issues discussed at today’s meeting was Sablan’s Territorial Omnibus Act, H.R. 2200, which is a compilation of legislative initiatives from each of the insular areas. That bill also has a companion in the Senate, S. 1237, introduced at Sablan’s request by Ron Wyden (D–Oregon), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, together with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the Committee’s Ranking Member. The Senate Committee had a hearing on S.1237 bill on July 11. The insular areas representative urged DeFazio to work with the Committee’s Republican leadership to schedule hearings on H.R. 2200 and other matters important to the islands, including the impacts of military activity, high… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/sablan-attends-caucus-meeting-obama-government-shutdown | Sablan attends Caucus meeting with Obama on government shutdown | 2013-10-09 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Sablan attends Caucus meeting with Obama on government shutdown Oct 9, 2013 Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, along with most members of the House Democratic Caucus, met at the White House today with President Barack Obama to discuss their position on the ongoing government shutdown. Attempts by House Republicans to condition all government funding for the fiscal year that began on October 1 to a delay of the Affordable Care Act led to the shutdown now in its second week. “The President remains firm,” Sablan said. “He believes that we need to open the government and restore services to the American people. He believes that we cannot put our economy and the world’s economy at risk by threatening to default on U.S. debt. And, once the government is reopened and the threat to our economic well-being is removed, he is more than willing to have a conversation about any aspect of the federal government’s fiscal policy.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/shutdown-hurts-all-americans | Shutdown hurts all Americans | 2013-10-08 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Shutdown hurts all Americans Oct 8, 2013 As your representative, I work to maintain good relationships with Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress in order to get what is best for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. So, I am not going to lay blame for the ongoing shutdown of the U.S. government. Democrats are willing to accept a spending level for fiscal year 2014 at the level set by the House Republican budget in March. Republicans will not agree to that without cuts or delays in Obamacare. If the people of the Northern Marianas had a vote, I would support funding the government with a short term continuing resolution, giving the leaders of both parties a month or two to come to terms. A shutdown just costs the government money – the 1996 closure cost over $1 billion – and hurts the economy. Although some essential services continue, many federal employees are laid off. Unsure if they will be paid, they cut back on spending; and that further damages the economy. For this reason, I have co-sponsored H.R. 3223, the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, guaranteeing their lost pay, when the shutdown ends. In the meantime, negotiation, respect, and compromise are required, before any more harm comes to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands and America. The Office of Management and Budget has published guidance for how each individual federal department and agency is to manage operations during the shutdown. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/northern-marianas-included-new-democratic-immigration-bill | Northern Marianas included in new Democratic immigration bill | 2013-10-07 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Northern Marianas included in new Democratic immigration bill Oct 7, 2013 Using the bipartisan bill already passed by 68 Senate Republicans and Democrats as a model, House Democrats introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill. The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, H.R. 15, addresses our nation’s overall immigration problems and includes provisions specific to the needs of the Northern Mariana Islands. I am an original co-sponsor. People who were protected under Commonwealth immigration law – those born in the Northern Marianas before 1978 or given permanent residence status under CNMI law – and members of U.S.-citizen families will have protection under federal law, and after five years may apply to be U.S. permanent residents, if they want. H.R. 15 could also help stabilize our economy. Our population has dropped from 80,000 to 50,000; and we cannot afford to lose more consumers and taxpayers. H.R. 15 allows legal nonresidents to remain, work, and with 15 years continuous presence apply for a green card. Passage remains an uphill climb. Many in Congress and around our nation oppose reform. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/167503-awarded-pss | $167,503 awarded to PSS | 2013-10-04 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $167,503 awarded to PSS Oct 4, 2013 The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families/Administration for Native Americans has awarded the Public School System $167,503 for the first year of a three-year Traditional Technology Project. PSS will use innovative classroom tools to increase the technological proficiency of students; and the Project’s collection of the community elders’ stories will help preserve the Chamorro and Carolinian cultures, languages, and histories. Congratulations PSS! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/more-northern-marianas-2010-census-data-now-available | More Northern Marianas 2010 Census data now available | 2013-10-01 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | More Northern Marianas 2010 Census data now available Oct 1, 2013 The U.S. Census Bureau has released Part 2 of the detailed cross tabulations from the 2010 Census in the Northern Mariana Islands. Demographic, social, and economic characteristics of the population are broken down by place of birth, education, labor force status, occupation, industry, income, and earnings. You can find, for instance, information on the percentage of individuals over 16, who have health insurance: 59.4% in 2010, the number of local government workers: 4,832, or our average travel time to work: 12.7 minutes. Part 1, which included cross tabulations by age, sex, ethnic origin, and race, was released in July. Both Parts 1 and 2 can be accessed at the Census Bureau’s website. For more information about 2010 Census products for the Northern Mariana Islands, visit the Island Areas page. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/doing-more-make-sure-local-workers-get-jobs | Doing more to make sure local workers get jobs | 2013-09-30 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Doing more to make sure local workers get jobs Sep 30, 2013 I have asked for an update on efforts by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to step up investigation of employers alleged to be hiring CW workers while turning away U.S. workers who are qualified for jobs. USCIS announced last year that it would do more to make sure local workers get the preference required by law. In my letter to USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas, I requested information on how many investigations there have been, how many employers found at fault, and what action was taken against them. I also asked for his evaluation of the effectiveness of these measures and ideas on what more can be done to ensure employer compliance with the requirements to hire U.S. workers first. Taking action to protect U.S. workers is especially critical now, as the Secretary of Labor deliberates on whether or not to extend the CW program beyond December 31, 2014. The grant of an extension should not be an excuse to reduce efforts to assure that qualified U.S. workers are hired. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/615185-grant-stop-violence-against-women-program | $615,185 grant for STOP Violence Against Women program | 2013-09-29 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $615,185 grant for STOP Violence Against Women program Sep 29, 2013 The Northern Mariana Islands Justice Planning Agency has been awarded $615,185 to address violence against women. Congress appropriates the funds to encourage the development and implementation of effective, victim-centered law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies when women are the victims of violence. The money may also be used to improve direct services to women in these cases. Congratulations to CJPA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/395430-cops-grant-awarded-dps | $395,430 COPS grant awarded to DPS | 2013-09-28 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $395,430 COPS grant awarded to DPS Sep 28, 2013 The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants allow state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire police officers in an effort to create and preserve jobs, and to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. This grant will provide salary and benefits for officers in the CNMI. Congratulations to DPS. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/energy-plans-aim-reduce-consumer-costs | Energy plans aim to reduce consumer costs | 2013-09-27 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Energy plans aim to reduce consumer costs Sep 27, 2013 Newly released energy plans paid for with technical assistance funds from Congress may help lower costs for consumers in the Northern Mariana Islands. The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation charges over 40 cents per kilowatt hour – three and a half times the U.S. average – because CUC is completely dependent on expensive diesel fuel. The Interior Department’s Office of Insular Affairs contracted with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy to help develop a long-term strategic energy plan for the NMI and short-term energy action plans aimed at reducing this dependence on diesel. The strategic plan recommends reducing the cost of energy by providing subsidies for renewable projects. Short-term options include installation of waste-to-energy systems and outreach and education efforts to encourage the use of prepaid meters and other energy conservation methods. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/nmhc-receives-1342758-hud-grant | NMHC receives $1,342,758 in HUD grant | 2013-09-27 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | NMHC receives $1,342,758 in HUD grant Sep 27, 2013 The CNMI Northern Marianas Housing Corporation (NMHC) received $1,342,758 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development this week. These grants are enumerated below which will help create strong and sustainable communities and quality affordable homes for the people of the CNMI. Congratulations to NMHC. $968,331 for the Community Development Block Grant Program: CDBG program funds must be used primarily to benefit low- and moderate-income persons. In addition all projects must prevent or eliminate slums or blight or address community development needs related to a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community. $48,743 for the Emergency Solutions Grants Program: The ESG program assists individuals and families to regain permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. $325,684 for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program: HOME grants help government and nonprofit partnerships build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people. Congratulatons to NMHC! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/waiver-matching-funds-doubled-army-corps-projects-marianas | Waiver of matching funds doubled for Army Corps projects in the Marianas | 2013-09-26 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Waiver of matching funds doubled for Army Corps projects in the Marianas Sep 26, 2013 I have successfully led an effort by the territorial Delegates to double the waiver of local cost sharing required for Army Corps of Engineers projects in the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee added a provision to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013, H.R. 3080, that will adjust the waiver to account for inflation over the last 27 years. When WRDA was enacted in 1986, the territories were allowed a $200,000 waiver of any local matching requirement for Army Corps projects, but the value of that waiver has halved over time. H.R. 3080 is expected to go to the House floor in October. If enacted, this change in local match will make it more possible for the NMI to use the Army Corps for projects that improve navigation, reduce flood and typhoon damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. I thank Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) and Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-West Virginia) for their support of the U.S. territories. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/cw-limit-fy14-cut-14000 | CW limit for FY14 cut to 14,000 | 2013-09-25 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has sent word to Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan of the decision to reduce the number of Commonwealth-Only Transitional -- CW -- workers to 14,000 for the fiscal year beginning October 1. This cuts 1,000 permits from the 15,000 allowed in fiscal 2013; and is 8,417 fewer than allowed in 2012. Sablan said that he was satisfied with the number. “This cut will increase the pressure to give jobs to qualified U.S. workers, which is our long-term goal. “Businesses will have to do more to recruit local workers. And our government and educational system will have to do more to train local workers for jobs in the Northern Mariana Islands economy. “At the same time, USCIS is continuing to provide some room for economic growth. With visitor arrivals increasing, hotel occupancy rates high, resort renovations on the drawing boards, and a new commitment from the local government to spend the backlog of federal capital improvement grants, there will be new jobs created; and local workers may not be available or want every job.” In announcing the cap for 2014 the agency said it based its decision in part on the need to accommodate the expected extension of permits for 12,247 CW workers granted during 2012. The 14,000 limit “will also accommodate possible economic growth that might lead to a need for additional nonimmigrant workers during FY 2014,” according to the notice to be published in the Federal Register. Congressman Sablan said he remains concerned about striking the right balance that puts local workers into jobs and still allows the economy to grow. For that reason he has written to USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas, asking for an update on efforts the agency announced last year to step up investigations of employers who are alleged to be hiring CW workers while turning away U.S. workers who are qualified for jobs. “Specifically, I would like to know the number of complaints that have been received, the number of complaints investigated, the number of employe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/national-park-study-act-authorizes-rota-study | National Park Study Act authorizes Rota study | 2013-09-25 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | National Park Study Act authorizes Rota study Sep 25, 2013 I introduced the National Park Service Study Act of 2013, H.R. 3131, authorizing the review of areas on Rota and over a dozen other sites around the country for possible inclusion in the National Park system. My bill authorizing a study of the feasibility and suitability of creating a Rota National Park, H.R. 573, has already passed the House of Representatives and has received a hearing in the Senate. But the larger bill I have now introduced, because it contains areas important to other Members of Congress, may have a better chance of eventually being enacted into law. Included in H.R. 3131 are the Kau coast of the island of Hawai’i, Mahaulepu on Kauai, and Maui’s North Coast; sites in Alaska associated with the forced abandonment of Aleut villages during World War II; Japanese relocation centers in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Arkansas; mining-era sites in Nevada; New York’s Hudson River Valley; the Norman Studios in Florida, where African-American casts and crews were used in the making of silent films; the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in the state of Mississippi; Galveston Bay, Texas; the Pullman railcar site in Illinois; and historic areas on Midway Atoll. Not all of these areas will eventually be added to the National Park system. But, like Rota, each has unique significance in our national history that warrants consideration for the honor of designation as a National Park. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/republican-cr-strips-obamacare-medicaid-funds-nmi | Republican CR strips Obamacare Medicaid funds for NMI | 2013-09-24 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Republican CR strips Obamacare Medicaid funds for NMI Sep 24, 2013 The Republican continuing resolution to keep the federal government open contains numerous unacceptable provisions that could lead to a government shutdown after September 30. For instance, the Republican’s proposal would strip the Northern Mariana Islands and the other U.S. territories of new Medicaid funding as part of the effort to defund Obamacare. That new law is providing $109 million in additional Medicaid funding for the NMI, money that is helping to keep our hospital open. Veterans, too, are at risk of losing access to services and face delays in medical claims processing, if the CR passes. To prevent that, I have joined with 36 of my colleagues to ask President Obama to designate certain Department of Veterans Affairs employees “essential” in the event of a government shutdown. This will insure continuity of service to our veterans, who served our country without excuse or delay. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/snap-pilot-program-back-table | SNAP pilot program back on the table | 2013-09-23 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | SNAP pilot program back on the table Sep 23, 2013 $32.5 million for the Northern Mariana Islands to test the feasibility of joining the national food stamp program passed the House by a narrow vote of 217-210. The five-year pilot program is part of the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act, H.R. 3102, introduced by Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. The $32.5 million is in addition to the annual Nutritional Assistance Program block grant the NMI receives, currently $12.148 million. Mr. Lucas and his Democratic counterpart Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) backed the pilot program concept while I was a member of their Agriculture Committee in the 112th Congress; and a bipartisan majority on the Committee included it in this year’s reauthorization of national farm policies, H.R. 1947. That bill, however, was defeated on the House floor in June. A working group, led by Majority Leader Eric Cantor, put together a new bill, H.R. 3102, and kept the NMI pilot program intact. The Senate has already passed its “farm bill,” so H.R. 3102 should now go to a conference committee for resolution of differences between the House and Senate versions. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/190301-sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-coalitions-program | $190,301 for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program | 2013-09-22 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $190,301 for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program Sep 22, 2013 The U.S. Department of Justice has announced $190,301 in grant funding to support the Northern Marianas Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program to assist in efforts to coordinate victim assistance and other violence against women services. Congratulations to the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/216513-sex-offender-registry-services | $216,513 for Sex Offender Registry services | 2013-09-22 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $216,513 for Sex Offender Registry services Sep 22, 2013 The Department of Justice has announced that the CNMI Department of Public Safety has received $216,513 for the Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program. DPS will use grant funds to: (1) work closely with the Sex Offender Registry Administrative Board in refining the legislation, policies and procedures to ensure program compliance and effectiveness; (2) reinforce the partnership they have within by training on island; (3) procure three computer systems that will be assigned to task force members allowing them access information and the ability to update registrant information; (4) maintain the Administrative Specialist position; and (5) pay for the overtime costs of officers registering and monitoring sex offenders, collecting data, gathering information and providing system information updates. Congratulations to DPS. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/566657-coral-reef-management-grant | $566,657 for Coral Reef Management Grant | 2013-09-21 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $566,657 for Coral Reef Management Grant Sep 21, 2013 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded the CNMI Division of Environmental Quality $566,657 for the State and Territory Coral Reef Management Grant. These funds provide ongoing support of coral reef coordination, education and outreach, student internships, watershed coordination, long-term coral reef monitoring, continued implementation of the Talakhaya Conservation Action Plan, and the "Size Matters" campaign for fishers. The award is also supporting new initiatives such as the implementation of the Garapan Conservation Action Plan, storm drain and wetland improvements, and renewed support for coordination of Marine Protected Areas. Congratulations to DEQ. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/869500-coastal-zone-management-program | $869,500 for Coastal Zone Management Program | 2013-09-21 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $869,500 for Coastal Zone Management Program Sep 21, 2013 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded $869,500 to the CNMI Coastal Resources Management Office. These funds will support jobs, and provide continued assistance to the CNMI coastal management program to address many important coastal issues including capacity development, Geographic Information Systems, climate change, ongoing coastal land use permitting enforcement, public outreach and education, and new initiatives such as scoping potential demonstration projects for coastal marine spatial planning in the Commonwealth. This grant will also deliver ongoing funding that protects, restores, and responsibly develops our coastal resources by balancing economic development, coastal uses, and natural resource protection. Congratulations to CRM. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/cjpa-receives-176341-doj-grants | CJPA receives $176,341 in DOJ grants | 2013-09-20 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | CJPA receives $176,341 in DOJ grants Sep 20, 2013 The CNMI Criminal Justice Planning Agency received $176,341 from the U.S. Department of Justice this week. These grants will support and provide prevention programs and services for juvenile delinquency and sexual assault services. Congratulations to CJPA. $21,060 for the Juvenile Accountability Block Grants Program: The JABG program funds will be used to help continue funding efforts towards supporting the most critical areas in the Juvenile Justice System in the CNMI such as Juvenile Detention improvements, Juvenile Pre-Trial services, Interagency Information sharing, training and resources to officers, managing caseloads, and providing accurate data. $75,890 for the Title II Formula Grant Program: Title II Grant funds will assist in the improvement, compliance monitoring, and delinquency prevention programs in the CNMI juvenile justice systems. $59,639 for State and Community Development Division Invited Awards: The Juvenile Justice Task Force and the Department of Public Safety will work to ensure proper compliance and enforcement of this program both for public and private violators found contributing to underage drinking under the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program. $19,752 for Sexual Assault Services Program: The SASP Program will assist the CNMI rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations in the provision of direct intervention and related assistance. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/cjpa-receives-49518-state-justice-statistics-program | CJPA receives $49,518 for the State Justice Statistics program | 2013-09-18 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | CJPA receives $49,518 for the State Justice Statistics program Sep 18, 2013 The Department of Justice has awarded the Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA) $49,518 for the State Justice Statistics (SJS) program. These funds will support the CNMI statistical Analysis Center (SAC) and will utilize SJS funds to support personnel costs for a Statistical Analyst who will be responsible for managing the administrative functions of the SJS grant and assisting the SAC Director in all phases of the planning and development of SAC projects. The SAC's goal is to publish the CNMI Crime Report two times a year and publish the CNMI Criminal Justice Bulletin on a quarterly basis to provide a snapshot of crime trends occurring within the Territory. Congratulations to CJPA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/president-signs-nmi-submerged-lands-bill-law | President signs NMI submerged lands bill into law | 2013-09-18 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | President Obama has signed into law S. 256, conveying to the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands the submerged lands surrounding the islands extending three geographical miles outward from the coastline and rescheduling minimum wage increases. The bill becomes one of only 36 that have become law during the President’s second term of office. By this time in his first term Congress had passed 181 bills that received the Presidential signature. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, who represents the Northern Mariana Islands, expressed his gratitude to the President: I am very grateful to President Obama for signing S. 256 into law. Legislation conveying submerged lands was the very first bill I introduced, as the Northern Mariana Islands first representative in Congress, in February 2009. Now, after unanimous votes approving the submerged lands conveyance in the House of Representatives in 2009, 2011, and 2013, and a final unanimous consent agreement in the Senate earlier this year, the bill has finally become law. The people of the Northern Mariana Islands have always believed that the lands and waters surrounding our islands, which for millennia our ancestors used and preserved, belonged to us. A federal court ruling in 2005 said otherwise, requiring that the lands be conveyed by Congress. Now that S. 256 has become law, the lands can become ours again. I want also to say thank you, again, to Senators Ron Wyden and Lisa Murkowski, who introduced S. 256 in this Congress at my request. Originating the bill in the Senate with bipartisan sponsorship, certainly helped to win Senate passage, which had always been the stumbling block for the bill. I also appreciate the cooperation of House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings and his Democratic counterpart Ranking Member Peter DeFazio for helping find time this month on a very crowded legislative schedule to win the fourth and final unanimous vote in the House that sent the bill to the President for his action. Northern Mariana Islands … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/264364-awarded-victim-assistance-program | $264,364 awarded for the Victim Assistance program | 2013-09-17 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $264,364 awarded for the Victim Assistance program Sep 17, 2013 The Department of Justice has awarded the Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA) $264,364 under the Victim Assistance Program. The program funds will be used to provide services that include crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, criminal justice advocacy, emergency transportation, and to provide victims with a safe and secure environment in the Northern Marianas. Congratulations to CJPA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/rota-landholders-can-earn-500-and-help-protect-aga | Rota landholders can earn $500 and help protect the Aga | 2013-09-16 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is again offering $500 to Rota landholders, who want to help protect the critically endangered Aga, or Mariana crow. Land parcels that Aga inhabit for nesting or feeding are eligible for the payment. In return, landholders agree not to remove vegetation from wooded areas or harass the birds, and must allow biologists onto the property for observation purposes. Our Mariana Crow is now on the brink of extinction. In 1982, there were an estimated 1,318 Aga. Today, there are only 124. That is why we protect the Aga under federal and Commonwealth law. We know we have a responsibility to hand over the natural world to those who come after us, as it was passed on to us by our ancestors. The Landowner Incentive Plan is a joint endeavor between the Service, the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, the Commonwealth Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Office of the Mayor of Rota, and the University of Washington Rota Avian Behavioral Ecology Program. To get more information call Nick Songsong, Resident Director of DLNR at 532-9495, or Julia Boland, USFWS biologist at 285-9453. For an application click here. The deadline is November 1, 2013. Rota lands marked in blue on the map above are eligible to participate in the Aga Incentive Plan. Landholders earn $500 by agreeing to let biologists monitor Aga, or Mariana Crow, nesting and feeding on the property. There are only 124 Aga remaining in the world. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/nmi-water-task-force-receives-1227962 | NMI Water Task Force receives $1,227,962 | 2013-09-13 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | NMI Water Task Force receives $1,227,962 Sep 13, 2013 The Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce announced today the award of $1,227,962 to the Northern Mariana Islands Water Task Force. The money will be used for design and construction of new and upgraded water and sewer infrastructure in the Lower Base Industrial Park on Saipan. Congratulations to the Water Task Force. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/238742-edward-byrne-memorial-justice-assistance-grant-awarded-cjpa | $238,742 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant awarded to CJPA | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $238,742 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant awarded to CJPA Sep 10, 2013 The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs has awarded $238,742 to the Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency. CJPA will use the grant to support multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces, crime prevention, law enforcement, and domestic violence programs, and court, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. The Byrne grant focuses on addressing crime by providing services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the criminal justice system. Congratulations to CJPA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-sablan-congratulates-ms-esther-kia%E2%80%99aina | Congressman Sablan congratulates Ms. Esther Kia’aina | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan congratulated Ms. Esther Kia’aina on the announcement today that President Obama intends to nominate her to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas. “Ms. Esther Kia'aina is someone I have known since my days working in Congress for Senator Daniel K. Inouye in the 1980s. She is a person of proven ability, having served as chief of staff for two Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Robert Underwood of Guam and Ed Case of Hawai'i. In addition to this considerable Washington experience, as a Native Hawaiian, Ms. Kia'aina is someone who understands the Pacific region and who is familiar with my district, the Northern Mariana Islands. “This background and expertise make Ms. Kia’aina a solid choice to fill the position of Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas. “I congratulate Ms. Kia’aina on the news that President Obama intends to nominate her and offer my support as we move through the Senate confirmation process. “I also want to acknowledge the excellent job that Acting Assistant Secretary Eileen Sobeck has done over the last several months, though I look forward to having a permanent, Senate-confirmed leader representing island interests in the Department of the Interior. “I thank the President for taking action to fill a position that is so important to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands and to all the U.S. insular areas.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/territorial-sea-bill-passes-house-now-goes-president-signature | Territorial sea bill passes House, now goes to President for signature | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | A bill conveying ownership of the seabed around each of the Northern Mariana Islands to the Commonwealth government passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 415 - 0. The Northern Marianas is the only U.S. coastal state or territory that does not have ownership of these offshore lands, which can be leased for economic activities and managed to preserve environmental resources. S.256 passed the Senate by unanimous consent on August 1, so the bill now goes to the President for signature and enactment into law. The bill also stretches out the timeline for increases in minimum wage in the Northern Marianas. The annual 50¢ raise will be deferred this year and in 2015. The wage will still go up in 2014 and then in 2016 and every year after until reaching the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr in 2018. Congress previously authorized a deferment in 2011. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, who has seen his own territorial sea bills pass the House without dissent in the 111th and 112th Congresses and in the 113th Congress this May, managed S.256 for the Democrats during floor debate today. “I am grateful to Chairman Ron Wyden and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, who introduced S.256 at my request and navigated the bill through their committee and through Senate approval,” Sablan said. Previously, the Senate has failed to act on House-passed bills, conveying submerged lands to the Marianas. “I also want to thank the Republican and Democratic leadership, who found a space for S. 256 in the very crowded House agenda this week,” Sablan said. “With only 9 legislative days in September and votes on authorization of force in Syria, a continuing resolution for fiscal 2014 spending, the debt ceiling, immigration, the farm bill reauthorization – all needing attention – I know there was intense competition for floor time. “I very much appreciate the help of Chairman Doc Hastings and our new Ranking Member Peter DeFazio at the Natural Resources Committee … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/118000-awarded-dfw-fisheries-data-program | $118,000 awarded to DFW fisheries data program | 2013-09-09 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $118,000 awarded to DFW fisheries data program Sep 9, 2013 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has granted $118,000 to the Commonwealth’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Western Pacific Fisheries Information Network program provides the formula funds to collect data needed for fisheries management in the Mariana Islands. DFW has been collecting commercial catch statistics in the Marianas since the mid-1970s. Congratulations to DFW. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/27879-will-help-provide-public-health-services | $27,879 will help provide public health services | 2013-09-06 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $27,879 will help provide public health services Sep 6, 2013 The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion awarded $27,879 to the Department of Public Health in the Northern Mariana Islands this week. The competing continuation grant supports achievement of national Healthy People objectives, responds to emerging health threats, and provides emergency medical services and services for sex offense victims. Congratulations to the Department of Public Health. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/kilili-statement-syria | Kilili Statement on Syria | 2013-09-04 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan released the following statement today regarding the upcoming debate in Congress about US military action in Syria: Last Thursday, together with 60 other Members of Congress I wrote to President Obama condemning the apparent use of chemical weapons in Syria. We also urged the President to seek the agreement of Congress before taking any military action. I thank the President for heeding our call. Next week, Congress returns to Washington and the Syria debate will be front and center. The Northern Marianas will not have a vote in any resolution approving military action. Yet our men and women in the military could be put in harm’s way by a decision to use force in Syria. So I will be examining the intelligence carefully to be certain that we know chemical weapons have been used – and who used them. There will continue to be classified briefings for Members of Congress from the National Security Agency and the White House that I will attend next week. I will be looking closely at what alternative responses there may be, short of the U.S. taking unilateral action against the regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria. And I will be questioning what the outcome is likely to be if the U.S. does strike against Assad in retaliation for the chemical attack. The Northern Mariana Islands has lost 18 fine young men and women during the wars of the last decade. Before putting any more lives at risk, I want to know that we are certain of why we are acting and we have an endgame. Most important of all, I want to be certain that we have looked at every alternative before the U.S. commits its military forces or limited financial resources. We cannot stand by, while chemical weapons are being used in violation of international law. But we cannot send Americans to war without clearly defined goals that make the risk worthwhile. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/cjpa-awarded-42918-rsat-program | CJPA awarded $42,918 for RSAT program | 2013-09-03 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | CJPA awarded $42,918 for RSAT program Sep 3, 2013 The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $42,918 to the CNMI Criminal Justice Planning Agency for the FY13 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program. The RSAT Program assists local governments in the development and implementation of substance abuse treatment programs in local correctional and detention facilities and to create and maintain community-based aftercare services for offenders. CJPA will use the RSAT funds to implement up to three types of programs: residential, jail-based, and aftercare. At least 10 percent of the total grant allocation will be made available to the CNMI Department of Corrections for either residential or jail-based substance abuse treatment programs. Congratulations to CJPA and the Department of Corrections. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/deq-receives-63447-hazmat-grant | DEQ receives $63,447 Hazmat grant | 2013-09-02 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | DEQ receives $63,447 Hazmat grant Sep 2, 2013 The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration has awarded $63,447 to the Commonwealth’s Division of Environmental Quality. The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant will fund the development, implementation, and improvement of emergency plans and training of the Commonwealth's emergency responders to be prepared for an incident involving the transportation of hazardous materials. The amount of the grant is based on a formula that accounts for demographics, local emergency response capabilities, and the degree of hazard of commodities regularly transported through the Northern Mariana Islands. Congratulations to DEQ. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/cnmi-awarded-185-million-fema-preparedness-grants | CNMI awarded $1.85 million in FEMA preparedness grants | 2013-08-26 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | CNMI awarded $1.85 million in FEMA preparedness grants Aug 26, 2013 The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the following grant allocations to the CNMI for FY 2013 state and local preparedness grant programs. Under the State Homeland Security Program, the CNMI was awarded $790,712 to support the implementation of homeland security strategies to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. At least 25 percent of this award will go towards law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. $863,367 in Emergency Management Performance Grants was also awarded to the CNMI for assistance in providing a system of emergency preparedness for the protection of life and property from hazards and to vest responsibility for emergency preparedness. The Commonwealth Ports Authority also received $195,096 in Port Security Grant Program funding for transportation infrastructure security activities. Congratulations to the CNMI Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and to the Commonwealth Ports Authority. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/140000-awarded-healthcare-corporation-early-childhood-community-based-integrated | $140,000 awarded to the Healthcare Corporation for Early Childhood Community-Based Integrated Service Systems | 2013-08-22 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | $140,000 awarded to the Healthcare Corporation for Early Childhood Community-Based Integrated Service Systems Aug 22, 2013 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the award of $140,000 to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Division of Public Health. This grant will support the Early Childhood: Community-Based Integrated Services which will help improve the physical, social, and emotional development of a child during infancy and early childhood; to eliminate disparities; and to increase access to needed early childhood services by engaging in systems development, integration activities and utilizing a collective impact approach to strengthen communities for families and young children and to improve the quality and availability of early childhood services. Congratulations to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/marines-release-report-tinian-and-pagan-plans | Marines release report on Tinian and Pagan plans | 2013-08-21 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Marines release report on Tinian and Pagan plans Aug 21, 2013 The Marine Corps Forces Pacific has published comments received from government agencies and the public on the environmental impact of the U.S. military’s proposal to construct or upgrade training areas on Tinian and Pagan. The proposed increase in training capabilities, which includes live-fire ranges on both islands and impacts air and sea space, as well, requires an environmental impact statement under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. The comment period opened in March of this year and ended in May. Public meetings were held on Tinian and Saipan in April. The Scoping Summary Report is available on the project website https://www.cnmijointmilitarytrainingeis.com/announcements/15. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sablan.house.gov/press-release/global-entry-can-speed-immigration-korean-visitors | Global Entry can speed immigration for Korean visitors | 2013-08-20 | 2013 | 2013-08 | Independent | Senate | MP | Gregorio Sablan | S001177 | sablan.house.gov | legacy | Global Entry can speed immigration for Korean visitors Aug 20, 2013 U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has announced that citizens of the Republic of Korea are now eligible for the Global Entry program, which allows trusted travelers faster entry at 34 airports in the U.S., including Saipan International. These pre-approved, low-risk travelers bypass traditional CBP screening and use an automated kiosk instead. Citizens of Korea who participate in their own country’s Smart Entry System may apply for the Global Entry benefit. There is an online application, a $100 fee, and an in-person interview required, usually at a CBP enrollment center. The Northern Marianas does not yet have an enrollment center, although CBP does hold mobile enrollment events and plans one for Seoul in the near future. Hospitality is essential to a successful tourist economy. Everything that makes our guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive or that makes travel easier for the Korean business people, who manage and invest in the tourism industry, is helpful to us all. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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