url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-continues-push-national-guard-unit-congress,Kilili continues push for National Guard unit in Congress,2016-03-06,2016,2016-03,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Saipan Tribune- As members of the U.S House Armed Service committee craft a Defense budget for 2017, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) submitted testimony last week asking that the budget authorize a National Guard unit in the CNMI and provide language the would require the Department of Defense to produce a report on the unit’s its implementation and funding needs. Sablan, in his March 1 testimony, pointed to the National Guard Bureau report last August that found a unit feasible in the NMI. The study was mandated in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. Sablan said establishing a National Guard in the NMI would support the military’s goal of “rebalance” to Asia, increasing U.S. military presence in the “first line of U.S. soil in the Western Pacific.” Sablan said the National Guard unit would also give the NMI governor additional capacity to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. “Ours is one of only two jurisdictions nationwide that does not have its own National Guard,” Sablan said, “a deficient sorely apparent in August of last year, when Typhoon Soudelor caused widespread damage and led the President to declare a major disaster in the islands.” Sablan added the “groundwork” for establishing a National Guard unit was already in place at the local level, pointing to a 2002 public law to authorize such. “What we need now is federal action,” Sablan said. Sablan said, H.R. 3649, his bill to authorize National Guard units in the NMI would not require any funding nor impose any new requirements on the National Guard Bureau or the Department of Defense. It would simply include the Northern Marianas Island in the definitions sections of current law of what constitutes the Natioanl Guard, he said On his second request—to have the DoD produce a report on how it will implement this National Guard unit—Sablan called this “proper next step” to the 2015 report, which found a guard unit in the NMI feasible. Sablan believes the Defense secretary should report to the Armed Services committee its implementation plan, a report that should include details on force structure allocation, recruiting, and funding requirements. This would enable the committee to “better understand how the Department would stand up a new National Guard unit, and how Congress could help,” Sablan added. Sablan closed his testimony by thanking the committee for its “keen eye” on the expansion of military activity in the NMI and for working with him as these plans develop. “The military buildup and presence in the Marianas region will have long-term consequences for the people I represent,” Sablan said, “and I appreciate the partnership of this committee in managing these developments in the best interest of my constituents and of the national security needs of our nation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/making-case-nmi-national-guard,Making the case for an NMI National Guard,2016-03-06,2016,2016-03,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"At the House Armed Services Committee Member request day this year, I submitted testimony to help set up a Northern Mariana Islands National Guard unit. I asked that my bill, H.R. 3649, authorizing an NMI Guard unit, be made part of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. I also requested that the 2017 NDAA require the Department of Defense to submit a plan following up on last year’s report that an NMI Guard unit is a realistic goal, given our population and other factors. I included an order for the report in the 2014 NDAA as a necessary step in making the case for our own Guard unit. Now, the challenge will be getting the unit approved at a time when the Guard is actually downsizing nationwide. Despite that, an NMI Guard unit is needed to help the Governor respond to natural disasters, such as Typhoon Soudelor, as well as to provide jobs for island residents. Besides, every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands all have their own National Guard. The Northern Marianas should, too.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/nmi-questions-are-focus-secretary-jewell,NMI questions are the focus for Secretary Jewell,2016-03-06,2016,2016-03,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week I questioned Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on her Department’s FY17 budget proposal, focusing on what is important for the Northern Mariana Islands. Close Up, the program that brings island students to Washington every year to learn about their government, has been dropped from any mention in the budget. I wanted the Secretary to make a commitment to fund Close Up; and she said there would be $1 million for the program. I also asked about the Rota National Park study, which I had authorized in law in 2015. The study is on schedule and fully funded, but I wanted the Secretary to know it is a priority for the NMI and especially Rota. I brought up the slow pace of cleanup at American Memorial Park after Typhoon Soudelor that has been a concern of many constituents, so the Secretary will make sure the Park gets more attention. And I asked for a report on the Interagency Group on Insular Areas, which Governor Torres attended last month. Is IGIA working? Are the Governors satisfied with the outcomes? The last report on the IGIA website is from 2008. I got a commitment from the Secretary to provide something more recent. This opportunity for direct communication with Department heads is why the annual budget hearings are so important.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-march-7-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - March 7, 2016",2016-03-06,2016,2016-03,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"In this issue: NMI questions are the focus for Secretary Jewell Making the case for an NMI National Guard Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for/in the Marianas Highlights in the Legislative Program __________________________________________________________________________ NMI questions are the focus for Secretary Jewell. This week I questioned Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on her Department’s FY17 budget proposal, focusing on what is important for the Northern Mariana Islands. Close Up, the program that brings island students to Washington every year to learn about their government, has been dropped from any mention in the budget. I wanted the Secretary to make a commitment to fund Close Up; and she said there would be $1 million for the program. I also asked about the Rota National Park study, which I had authorized in law in 2015. The study is on schedule and fully funded, but I wanted the Secretary to know it is a priority for the NMI and especially Rota. I brought up the slow pace of cleanup at American Memorial Park after Typhoon Soudelor that has been a concern of many constituents, so the Secretary will make sure the Park gets more attention. And I asked for a report on the Interagency Group on Insular Areas, which Governor Torres attended last month. Is IGIA working? Are the Governors satisfied with the outcomes? The last report on the IGIA website is from 2008. I got a commitment from the Secretary to provide something more recent. This opportunity for direct communication with Department heads is why the annual budget hearings are so important. Making the case for an NMI National Guard. At the House Armed Services Committee Member request day this year, I submitted testimony to help set up a Northern Mariana Islands National Guard unit. I asked that my bill, H.R. 3649, authorizing an NMI Guard unit, be made part of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. I also requested that the 2017 NDAA require the Department of Defense to submit a plan following up on last year’s report that an NMI Guard unit is a realistic goal, given our population and other factors. I included an order for the report in the 2014 NDAA as a necessary step in making the case for our own Guard unit. Now, the challenge will be getting the unit approved at a time when the Guard is actually downsizing nationwide. Despite that, an NMI Guard unit is needed to help the Governor respond to natural disasters, such as Typhoon Soudelor, as well as to provide jobs for island residents. Besides, every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands all have their own National Guard. The Northern Marianas should, too. Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: Grants: Senior Medicare Patrol Program – Senior Medicare Patrol Program projects actively work to disseminate fraud prevention and identification information through the media, outreach campaigns, community events and also working with beneficiaries who present with complex cases such as compromised Medicare numbers. Current closing date is April 25, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281363. Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services – The goal of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is to expand the availability of high quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents in communities across the nation. Current closing date is April 22, 2016. For more information, go tohttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281833. Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction – The goal of the Citizenship Instruction grant is to provide support to community-based organizations in their efforts to establish new citizenship instruction programs or expand the quality and reach of existing citizenship instruction programs. Current closing date is April 22, 2016. For more information, go tohttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281832. Technology Innovation for Public Safety – There are two categories under this solicitation: (1) innovative technology implementation to address precipitous increases in crime and (2) training and technical assistance to assist grantees in project implementation and collection of data to assist BJA in identifying promising practices. Current closing date is April 20, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281935. WaterSMART: Cooperative Watershed Management Program – The objective of this FOA is to invite States, nonprofit organizations, existing watershed groups, and local and special districts to submit proposals for Phase I activities to establish or further develop a watershed group. Current closing date is May 4, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281889. Training and Information for Parents of Children with Disabilities: Community Parent Resource Centers – The purpose of this program is to ensure that parents of children with disabilities receive training and information to help improve results for their children. Current closing date is April 11, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281791. Jobs: Commissary Officer – The Defense Commissary Agency is accepting applications for a Commissary Officer in Guam. Incumbent is responsible for managing all of the activities and functions of the commissary to include a full range of managerial and supervisory responsibilities. Position is open untilMarch 8, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430616000/. Western U.S. Pathways-Student Trainee (Store Associate) – The Defense Commissary Agency is accepting applications for a Student Trainee (Store Associate) in Guam. As a Pathways Intern, the trainee will actively participate in on-the-job training and progressively challenging assignments that relate to your academic program, career goals, and the needs of the agency. Position is open until April 30, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430358300/. DoDEA Americas Community Superintendent – The Department of Defense Education Activity is accepting applications for a Community Superintendent in Guam. The Community Superintendent serves as an assistant to the District Superintendent, sharing the full level of supervision for the schools in a predetermined geographical area as delegated by the Superintendent. Position is open until August 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430602300/. Highlights in the Legislative Program THIS WEEK On the floor H.R.3716 – Ensuring Removal of Terminated Providers from Medicaid and CHIP Act (Passed, 406-0) H.R.4557 – Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2016 (Passed, 238-163) H.R.4583 – To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.4238 – To amend the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act to modernize terms relating to minorities (Passed, 376-0) H.R.1471 – FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote) The House is in recess for the District Work Period.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-grills-interior-secretary-fy%E2%80%9917-budget-close-rota-park-study-amp-cleanup-focus,"Kilili grills Interior secretary on FY17 budget: Close Up, Rota park study, AMP cleanup the focus",2016-03-03,2016,2016-03,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Saipan Tribune - WASHINGTON, D.C.—Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP) got Northern Mariana Islands-specific with Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell yesterday, as the House Natural Resources Committee held its annual hearing on the U.S. Interior Department budget. Sablan said he was particularly concerned that the budget submitted to Congress by Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs did not include any funding expressly for the Close Up program. “The Close Up program brings island students to Washington each year to learn how their government works,” Sablan said. “It is a valuable use of federal funds. In fact, several of my colleagues in the Northern Marianas congressional office got interested in government through Close Up.” In 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 the Office of Insular Affairs budget identified Close Up as a program that is “necessary on an ongoing basis for the insular areas” and that should be funded “because there was no other source of funds in the Federal budget. Close Up had a specific line item of $1.1 million in Interior’s FY16 proposal. But for FY17 Interior dropped any reference to Close Up. “I’m not sure what to make of that,” Sablan told Jewell. “But it is troubling.” Jewell said she believed there was $1 million in the budget for the Close Up program, but that she would have to check to get more specifics. The secretary also promised to report back to Sablan, when asked for a status report on the Rota National Park study. Sablan was able to include authorization for the study in the FY16 omnibus appropriation and Park Service personnel have already met with Rota officials and begun work on the three-year project. “This is something I worked to achieve since my very first year in Congress,” the Congressman explained to Jewell. “So, I would just like to hear from you that you have the money you need in your FY17 proposal to keep the Rota Park study moving forward and on schedule.” Another park issue the congressman raised was getting the American Memorial Park back in service. The congressman said he had visited twice himself and that he has been hearing from constituents that the Park Service has been slow to clean up debris, repair damage, and get the park fully open to the public. “Is it a money issue? Is it because the park is supervised from Guam and that means an extra layer of decision-making? What can we do to speed things up?” Sablan asked. “We will follow up with the Park Service directly,” Jewell replied. “We are constrained for resources, but I was not aware of that until you just brought it up.” Packing a fourth question into the five minutes given to each committee member during almost three hours of hearing, Sablan then turned to the work of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas, which Jewell co-chairs. “I think the concept of a White House-led response to the needs of the insular areas is great,” Sablan told the Secretary. “But I am concerned about results. I have never seen a report on what the outcome of these IGIA meetings has been. “Are the problems the island governors raise being addressed? Are the governors satisfied with the results? Is the IGIA process working? I don’t know. “So, I would like to ask if your office could provide me with a report on the problems the Governors have raised at IGIA over the last seven years and what the outcomes have been. Have we gotten results?” “I’ll be happy to ask Insular Affairs to do that,” Jewell said. The last report by the Interagency Group, available on its website, is from 2008. As vice ranking member of the committee, Sablan was also one of the four members allowed by committee rules to make an opening statement. Sablan used the opportunity to call for action on approval of the 15-year extension of the Compact of Free Association between the U.S. and the Republic of Palau. The original Compact was negotiated by the administration of President Ronald Reagan. Sablan has introduced legislation to approve the Compact extension; and the Interior Department has included funding in its FY17 budget proposal. “Today, with the expansion of China in the Pacific, Reagan’s foresight in assuring that Palau would be an ally of the United States is more clear than ever,” Sablan told the Committee. “China certainly understands how important islands can be. Right now China is actually creating islands, where none existed before.” Sablan asked Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) for a hearing on the Palau bill, H.R. 4531. “China is not sitting back on its heels doing nothing,” Sablan said. “Neither should we.” (Office of the CNMI Delegate)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-proposes-improvement-medicaid-implementation-earned-income-tax-credit-program-nmi,"Kilili proposes improvement of Medicaid, implementation of Earned Income Tax Credit program in NMI",2016-03-01,2016,2016-03,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Marianas Variety -- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan says Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis is a chance to improve Medicaid and implement the Earned Income Tax Credit program in the CNMI. In a statement during a committee hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s analysis of the situation in Puerto Rico, Kilili noted that the Caribbean island “is defaulting on its debt, something that has not occurred in my district, the Northern Mariana Islands, or other U.S. insular areas.” But he said the CNMI government has recently “had to scrape together $1.8 million to pay its retirees after cutting their bimonthly pensions by 25 percent…. [And] there remains an unfunded pension liability in the hundreds of millions of dollar.” Puerto Rico has more than $70 billion in outstanding debt. According to Kilili, “What is happening now in Puerto Rico should be a warning of what could happen in other U.S. insular areas. And it would be wise policy and an exercise in foresight to address root causes of the fiscal problems in all the islands, when we address the problem in Puerto Rico.” Kilili said the Treasury and the Obama administration have already put one idea on the table that would help with solvency in all the insular areas. “The idea is to bring the islands closer to the national Medicaid program in which the federal government pays more of state healthcare costs, depending on the proportion of low income persons in that state. “The islands bear a disproportionate share of those Medicaid costs and this burden contributes to fiscal stress and reduces the quality of health care in the insular areas. “Treasury proposed in its Puerto Rico roadmap last fall that Congress remove the cap on Medicaid and increase the federal Medicaid match for Puerto Rico. And the president confirmed in his budget submission this month that it is intended that this Medicaid reform apply to all the U.S. insular areas. I support that proposal.” The congressman said there is one other policy reform that would improve the fiscal situation in all the islands and this is the extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC. “There is broad agreement on both sides of the aisle that the EITC is a policy that supports economic growth and thus, improves the fiscal health of a community. [Republican] Speaker [Paul] Ryan is a fan, because the EITC, unlike conventional welfare programs, rewards work. It encourages those who are unemployed to get a job, support themselves and their families, and become contributing members of society.” Kilili said this has been proposed by the administration both in the Treasury roadmap and in the president’s budget for fiscal year 2017 using the EITC to bring people into the workforce in Puerto Rico but not in any of the other insular areas. Recently, “at the annual meeting of the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs, the administration explained that extending the Earned Income Tax Credit to the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands was not necessary because those areas are not in dire straits,” Kilili said. “I ask you, do we have to see an insular area in fiscal collapse before we take action? Or do we help avoid the kind of problem we now have in Puerto Rico by taking action to treat U.S. citizens living in all the insular areas more like they would be treated if they lived in any U.S. state? “My fellow delegates from American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are co-sponsors of my legislation, H.R. 4309, that would provide federal support for the Earned Income Tax Credit in our jurisdictions. And I strongly recommend that this committee assure that in any legislation addressing the fiscal crisis in Puerto Rico and including reform of the Medicaid program and extension of EITC to Puerto Rico, all of the Insular areas we represent be equally included.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/obama-zika-plan-includes-471-m-insular-relief,Obama Zika plan includes $471 m. in insular relief,2016-02-29,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Obama Zika plan includes $471 m. in insular relief Feb 28, 2016 In a letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan last Monday, President Barack Obama proposed emergency spending to deal with the spread of the Zika virus, including $246 million for Medicaid in the U.S. insular areas. Zika is transmitted by mosquito bite and cases have already been reported in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Infection of pregnant women is associated with microcephaly, a birth defect, and some deaths have been reported. We should be grateful we have not yet seen a case of Zika in the Northern Mariana Islands. But tropical areas, such as our islands, are at risk. So, the President recommended lifting the federal share of Medicaid for insular areas from the current 55 percent to 65 percent for one year at a cost of $246 million. He also wants another $225 million set aside for grants and technical assistance to insular areas, where the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the virus can thrive. All are proposals I support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/puerto-rico-crisis-chance-improve-medicaid-eitc,"Puerto Rico crisis a chance to improve Medicaid, EITC",2016-02-29,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"A hearing that brought Treasury Department officials to the Hill last Thursday to help develop a legislative response to Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis was also an opportunity for me to promote reforms in how insular areas are treated under Medicaid and expansion of the earned income tax credit. Read my statement here. Treasury proposed last fall and the President’s fiscal 2017 included funds for lifting the cap on Medicaid payments to the insular areas and moving towards the same federal/local cost-share as states enjoy. The President also proposed extending the earned income tax credit to Puerto Rico—though not to the Northern Marianas and the other insular areas, as my legislation, H.R. 4309, would do. The EITC is a direct payment to low-income families with a working parent. Unlike traditional welfare, the EITC rewards employment and could bring U.S. citizens into the workforce in the NMI, helping with our labor shortage. But the program is too expensive for the Commonwealth government to pay for. My bill requires a cover over to the CNMI from the U.S. Treasury, similar to the way the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit now work. Puerto Rico is already defaulting on some $70 billion in debt it took on and Speaker Ryan has set a deadline of March 31 for legislation to address the fiscal crisis. This crisis could be an opportunity for the other islands, as well.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-26-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 26, 2016",2016-02-29,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"In this issue: Puerto Rico crisis a chance to improve Medicaid, EITC Obama Zika plan includes $471 m. in insular relief Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for/in the Marianas Highlights in the legislative program ____________________________________________________________________________ Puerto Rico crisis a chance to improve Medicaid, EITC. A hearing that brought Treasury Department officials to the Hill on Thursday to help develop a legislative response to Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis was also an opportunity for me to promote reforms in how insular areas are treated under Medicaid and expansion of the earned income tax credit. Read my statement here. Treasury proposed last fall and the President’s fiscal 2017 included funds for lifting the cap on Medicaid payments to the insular areas and moving towards the same federal/local cost-share as states enjoy. The President also proposed extending the earned income tax credit to Puerto Rico—though not to the Northern Marianas and the other insular areas, as my legislation, H.R. 4309, would do. The EITC is a direct payment to low-income families with a working parent. Unlike traditional welfare, the EITC rewards employment and could bring U.S. citizens into the workforce in the NMI, helping with our labor shortage. But the program is too expensive for the Commonwealth government to pay for. My bill requires a cover over to the CNMI from the U.S. Treasury, similar to the way the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit now work. Puerto Rico is already defaulting on some $70 billion in debt it took on and Speaker Ryan has set a deadline of March 31 for legislation to address the fiscal crisis. This crisis could be an opportunity for the other islands, as well. Obama Zika plan includes $471 m. in insualr relief. In a letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan on Monday, President Barack Obama proposed emergency spending to deal with the spread of the Zika virus, including $246 million for Medicaid in the U.S. insular areas. Zika is transmitted by mosquito bite and cases have already been reported in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Infection of pregnant women is associated with microcephaly, a birth defect, and some deaths have been reported. We should be grateful we have not yet seen a case of Zika in the Northern Mariana Islands. But tropical areas, such as our islands, are at risk. So, the President recommended lifting the federal share of Medicaid for insular areas from the current 55 percent to 65 percent for one year at a cost of $246 million. He also wants another $225 million set aside for grants and technical assistance to insular areas, where the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the virus can thrive. All are proposals I support. Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: Grants: Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program – BJA is accepting applications for financial and technical assistance to develop and implement drug courts that effectively integrate evidenced-based substance abuse treatment, mandatory drug testing, sanctions and incentives, and transitional services in a judicially supervised court setting with jurisdiction over substance-abusing offenders. Current closing date is April 19, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281717. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program – The AANAPISI Program provides grants to eligible institutions of higher education (IHEs) that have an undergraduate enrollment of at least 10 percent Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander students to allow such institutions to plan, develop, undertake, and carry out activities to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders and low-income individuals. Current closing date is April 22, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281701. Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement – The purpose of this grant is to provide guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Current closing date is May 2, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency. Clean Diesel National Grant – The program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. Current closing date is April 26, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants. TIGER Grant Program – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced $500 million will be made available for transportation projects across the country under an eighth round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program. Current closing date isApril 29, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.transportation.gov/TIGER. National Significant Freight and Highway Projects (NSFHP) Grant Program– The NSFHP Grant Program, which the Department of Transportation will refer to as the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-Term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grants, includes $800 million in funding to address many of the challenges outlined in the Department’s Beyond Traffic report and draft National Freight Strategic Plan. Applications for FY 2016 are due on April 14, 2016. The Notice of Funding Opportunity can be found at: https://www.transportation.gov/FASTLANEgrants. Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant – Small matching grants, between $5,000 and $25,000, available from USDA Rural Development in support of non-profit schools, day cares, fire protection, public safety, medical facilities and other rural community-based initiatives. Grants can be used to purchase items such as equipment, furniture, computers, appliances, and vehicles. For more information, go to http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program/hi. Jobs: Aircraft Pilot – The Army National Guard Unit is accepting applications for an Aircraft Pilot in Guam. The position is located in the office of the State Army Aviation Office and serves as the primary staff officer for the management of aircrew standardization and training programs, among other related duties. Position is open until March 21, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430281900/. Administrative Assistant – The Army National Guard Unit is accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant in Guam. The purpose of this position is to provide technical and administrative assistance for programs within the United States Property and Fiscal Officer’s area of responsibility. Position is open until March 17, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/429972600/. Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic – The Air Force Personnel Center is accepting applications for an EMT/Paramedic. Incumbent will provide initial care, respond to accidents, and perform basic emergency treatment, among other related duties. Position is open until April 30, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430025700/. Highlights in the Legislative Program THIS WEEK: On the floor S.2109 – Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.3584 – Transportation Security Administration Reform and Improvement Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.4408 – National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel Act of 2016 (Passed, 392-0) H.R.4398 – DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2016 (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.4402 – Foreign Fighter Review Act of 2016 (Passed, 397-0) H.R.3624 – Fraudulent Joinder Prevention Act of 2016 (Passed, 229-189) H.R.2406 – Sportsmen Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act (Passed, 242-161) NEXT WEEK: On the floor H.R.4238 – To amend the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to modernize terms relating to minorities H.R.4583 – To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce H.R.4401 – Amplifying Local Efforts to Root out Terror Act of 2016 H.R.1471 – FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015 S.1172 – Edward “Ted” Kaufman and Michael Leavitt Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015 S.1580 – Competitive Service Act of 2015 H.R.3716 – Ensuring Terminated Providers are Removed from Medicaid and CHIP Act H.R.4557 – Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2016 Committee Hearings March 1 Committee on Natural Resources Oversight Hearing on “Examining the Department of the Interior’s Spending Priorities and the President’s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Proposal” Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans Legislative Hearing on H.R.4576 - Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-19-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 19, 2016",2016-02-25,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 19, 2016 Feb 25, 2016 In this issue: ____________________________________________________________________________ Keeping the Northern Mariana Islands free of invasive species of plants and animals and helping us get rid of those that have already infested our islands is an important responsibility of the federal government. This week, those of us representing the Pacific in Congress emphasized this by asking for a status report from the National Invasive Species Council on implementation of the Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia and Hawaii. The Regional Biosecurity Plan sets out the strategy for dealing with the anticipated increase in invasive species activity resulting from the military buildup in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Joining in the request were Hawai’i Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D) and Brian Schatz (D) and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D) and Mark Takai (D), as well as Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D). Now that we have the plan, we want to make sure that the Council remains committed to putting it to work protecting our region from the environmental and economic damage caused by invasive species. The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders is asking for your nominations of AAPI musicians, poets, and storytellers who are Champions of Change. If you know someone who uses their art to increase awareness of Asian and Pacific issues or encourages our inclusion in American society, the White House wants to hear from you. As part of AAPI Heritage Month in May, the Initiative will highlight the accomplishments of Champions from around our nation. Nominate a Champion of Change by March 9, 2016. Read more here. Grants: Smart Policing Initiative – This grant program seeks to build upon analysis-driven, evidence-based policing by encouraging state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to develop effective, economical, and innovative responses to crime within their jurisdictions. Current closing date is April 12, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281577. Comprehensive Community-Based Adult Reentry Program – The Community-Based Reentry Program Utilizing Mentors will provide awards for a three-year grant period to private non-profits to provide comprehensive, community-based reentry services to formerly incarcerated individuals with moderate to high risk of recidivating. Current closing date is April 12, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281593. National Criminal History Improvement Program – This program is intended to improve the nation’s safety and security by enhancing the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information used for criminal justice and noncriminal justice background checks. Current closing date is April 28, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281524. NICS Act Record Improvement Program – The NICS Improvement Amendments Act seeks to address the gap in information available to NICS about prohibiting mental health adjudications and commitments and other prohibiting factors. Current closing date is May 10, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281498. Community Development Financial Institutions – The CDFI Fund provides awards of up to $2 million to Certified Community Development Financial Institutions to build their financial capacity to lend to their Target Markets, and TA grants to build Certified, Certifiable, and Emerging CDFIs’ organizational capacity to serve their Target Markets. Current closing date is March 18, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281557. Homeland Security Grant Program – The HSGP provides funding to implement investments that build, sustain, and deliver core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. Current closing date is April 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281548. Emergency Management Performance Grant Program – The purpose of the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program is to provide funds to assist in preparing for all hazards. The Federal Government, through the EMPG Program, provides necessary direction, coordination, and guidance, and provides necessary assistance to support a comprehensive all hazards emergency preparedness system. Current closing date is March 18, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281565. Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response – SAFER grants provide financial assistance to help fire departments increase frontline firefighters, rehire firefighters that have been laid off, retain firefighters facing imminent layoffs, or filling of positions that were vacated through attrition. Current closing date is March 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281571. Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance in Retail Food Specimens – This program protects and promotes public health by enhancing, strengthening and sustaining antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens within the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System program. Current closing date is May 1, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281542. Jobs: Medical Technologist – The Department of the Navy, Naval Medical Command is accepting applications for a Medical Technologist in Guam. The selectee will serve as a Quality Assurance Technologist responsible for the administration of the Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement unit of the Laboratory Division. Position is open until February 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/429879100. Sales Store Checker – The Defense Commissary Agency is accepting applications for a Sales Store Checker in Guam. Incumbent manages the self-check-out registers assisting customers in the correct processing of their purchases. Position is open until February 29, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430050000. Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic – The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Personnel Center is accepting applications for an Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic in Guam. Incumbent will provide prompt initial care to increase survivability, respond to accidents, perform basic emergency medical treatment, provide transportation, and other related duties. Position is open until April 30, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430025700. Administrative Assistant – The Department of the Army, Army National is accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant in Guam. The purpose of this position is to provide technical and administrative assistance for programs within the United States Property and Fiscal Officer’s area of responsibility. Position is open until March 17, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/429972600. THIS WEEK: The House is in recess for the District Work Period. NEXT WEEK: On the floor S.2109 – Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015 H.R.3584 – Transportation Security Administration Reform and Improvement Act of 2015 H.R.2406 – Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act H.R.4408 – National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel Act of 2016 H.R.4398 – DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2016 Committee Hearings February 24 Committee on Education and Workforce Hearing on “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Education” Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans Hearing on “The 2016 California Water Supply Outlook During the El Niño and Three Years of Restricted Water Deliveries” Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs Legislative Hearing February 25 Committee on Education and Workforce Hearing on “Next Steps for K-12 Education: Upholding the Letter and Intent of the Every Student Succeeds Act” Committee on Natural Resources Hearing on “The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Analysis of the Situation in Puerto Rico”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-obama-zika-plan-includes-insular-medicaid-relief-0,Kilili: Obama Zika plan includes insular Medicaid relief,2016-02-24,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Marianas Variety — WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Congressional Delegate) — President Obama has proposed $1.9 billion in emergency spending to deal with the spread of the Zika virus, including improvements in the Medicaid program in the U.S. insular areas. The president sent his proposal in a letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan on Monday. The Zika virus is transmitted by mosquito bite and cases have already been reported in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Infection of pregnant women has been associated with microcephaly, a birth defect. “We should be grateful we have not yet seen a case of Zika in the Northern Mariana Islands,” said U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan. “But clearly tropical areas of the United States, such as our islands, are on the front line of risk. “I thank the president for taking steps now to stop the spread of this disease and help keep the Marianas safe. I will certainly be supporting his proposal.” Among the president’s recommendations to the U.S. Congress is $246 million to cover the cost of increasing the federal share of Medicaid in the insular areas. Currently, the federal government pays 55 percent of the cost of this health insurance program for low-income people. The president’s Zika proposal lifts the federal share to 65 percent for one year. Although the total amount of federal spending for Medicaid in the insular areas is capped, the extra federal share the president proposes would not count against the capped amount. The $246 million would be additional, new money. The president also wants $828 million for the Centers for Disease Control to prevent, detect, and respond to the Zika virus and other emerging infectious diseases. $225 million would be specifically set aside for grants and technical assistance to the insular areas, where the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the virus are known to occur. CDC would also support active surveillance for Zika virus infections in pregnant women.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/building-coalition-fight-invasive-species,Building a coalition to fight invasive species,2016-02-21,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Building a coalition to fight invasive species Feb 21, 2016 Keeping the Northern Mariana Islands free of invasive species of plants and animals and helping us get rid of those that have already infested our islands is an important responsibility of the federal government. Last week, those of us representing the Pacific in Congress emphasized this by asking for a status report from the National Invasive Species Council on implementation of the Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia and Hawaii. The Regional Biosecurity Plan sets out the strategy for dealing with the anticipated increase in invasive species activity resulting from the military buildup in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Joining in the request were Hawai’i Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D) and Brian Schatz (D) and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D) and Mark Takai (D), as well as Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D). Now that we have the plan, we want to make sure that the Council remains committed to putting it to work protecting our region from the environmental and economic damage caused by invasive species.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/nominate-pacific-islands-champion-change,Nominate a Pacific Islands Champion of Change,2016-02-21,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Nominate a Pacific Islands Champion of Change Feb 21, 2016 The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders is asking for your nominations of AAPI musicians, poets, and storytellers who are Champions of Change. If you know someone who uses their art to increase awareness of Asian and Pacific issues or encourages our inclusion in American society, the White House wants to hear from you. As part of AAPI Heritage Month in May, the Initiative will highlight the accomplishments of Champions from around our nation. Nominate a Champion of Change by March 9, 2016. Read more here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/bill-introduced-extending-palau-compact,Bill introduced extending Palau Compact,2016-02-16,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bill introduced extending Palau Compact Feb 15, 2016 Last week I introduced legislation, approving the agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau to extend Palau’s Compact of Free Association through 2024. The U.S. and Palau signed the agreement on September 3, 2010. Over five years later, however, Congress has yet to approve the extension, which provides annually decreasing amounts of financial assistance to our island neighbor. The U.S. also helps with postal, weather, and civil aviation services, and offers continued access to a limited number of federal grant programs. Instead, Congress has been meeting the financial aspects of the extension on a year-by-year basis. This is no way to treat a friend. Fortunately, President Obama does include the costs of the Compact extension in his FY17 budget proposal; and with introduction of my legislation, H.R. 4531, Congress may finally confirm the importance of our relationship with the Republic of Palau.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/fy17-budget-highlights,FY17 budget highlights,2016-02-16,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"FY17 budget highlights Feb 15, 2016 President Obama sent his Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal to Congress last Tuesday. This is the final set of spending priorities the President will submit before ending his time in office. From the hundreds of pages of explanations, legislative language, and allocation tables we have selected a few items of key interest to the Northern Mariana Islands: Education: Funding increase for NMI schools. Last year’s reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act made only one change to the Title I program that supports students from low-income families: my proposal to increase funding for the Northern Marianas and the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The increase is contingent in an overall increase in Title I funding, which the President has now proposed for FY17. If the President’s request for $15.36 billion, $450 million over the 2016 enacted level, is approved, then funding for the Marianas Public School System will go up from about $6.8 million this year to $11.2 million in 2017, a $4.4 million increase for our students. Healthcare: Equal treatment under Medicaid. A long-sought goal of insular areas— getting the same funding as U.S. states for Medicaid coverage of low income persons—is part of the President’s budget proposal. The budget removes the cap on funding, which is currently about $5.5 million per year for the Northern Mariana Islands, although the Affordable Care Act has tripled that through 2019. And the President proposes a gradual increase in the share of Medicaid costs covered by the federal government as territories modernize their Medicaid programs. Currently, insular areas cover 45 percent, the federal government 55 percent. But in some states the federal percentage is as high as 74 percent. Extending the Compact with Palau: $273 million over ten years. The President’s budget includes the funding necessary for the extension of the Compact of Free Association with Palau. (See story below.) Air Force land lease in NMI: $9 million. The Air Force included $9,002,000 in its military construction budget request to lease 7.1 hectares of land in support of the divert activities and exercises initiative. (See story below.) While not specified in the budget, the land will be identified during negotiations with the Commonwealth, which are expected to begin this summer. According to a Navy real estate survey, the cost to acquire the land by fee is $3.2 million, but the budget reports the Air Force is prepared to lease the property at a higher cost in order to conform to the Covenant agreement to acquire only the minimum real property interest necessary to meet mission requirements. Office of Insular Affairs: Funds increased to address economic challenges. The President’s budget adds funds for insular area energy security, protection of natural and cultural resources, and adaptation to climate change: Technical assistance, primarily for climate resilience projects: +$5.6 m. Maintenance assistance to improve school facilities: +3.9 m. Invasive species control under the Coral Reef Program: +$1 m. (corresponding $500,000 reduction in Brown Tree Snake Control) Empowering insular communities to cut residential energy costs: +$2 m. Compact Impact program remains unchanged at $3 million. Clean Water and Drinking Water funds cut. A change we have been able to include in every appropriation bill since FY10 has raised water and sewer infrastructure funding for the Marianas from under $1 million in 2009 to over $6 million every year since. But for FY17 the President has recommended cutting nationwide funding for the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water funds from $2.3 billion to $2 billion. If the President’s proposal is enacted, funds for the NMI would be reduced from this year’s $6.5 million to $5.9 million. Community Development Block Grants hold steady. Although the President proposed reducing the Community Development Block Grant from $3 billion to $2.8 billion, he did not change a $7 million set-aside for the insular areas. So annual funding for the Marianas would be unchanged. CDBG pays for neighborhood revitalization projects such as the Kagman Community Park, which has just gone out to bid. Inflation increase added for Section 8 vouchers. Nationally, and in the Northern Marianas, demand exceeds funding for this low-income housing assistance. While the President has proposed an additional $765.5 million over the FY16 level, the new money only covers increases in rental costs, and will not open the program to more families. Full funding for WIOA. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was drafted in the Education and the Workforce Committee, where I sit. But funding for training and skills development the Act authorizes lagged last year. For FY17, the President has returned the WIOA formula grants to the full amount we authorized. In the NMI, WIOA’s Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker programs are currently receiving $1.39 million. To see the President’s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget in full, go to the Office of Management and Budget website.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-divert-airfield-negotiations-local-matter,Kilili: Divert-airfield negotiations a local matter,2016-02-16,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Marianas Variety- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan said he would respect the negotiation between the CNMI government and the U.S. Department of Defense pertaining to the divert airfield, adding that the issue is a local matter. “I have always taken the position that land-use negotiations and decisions between the U.S. Department of Defense and the commonwealth government are a local matter, and I will continue to respect that process,” he said in an email, Tuesday. Last week, he added, “Lt. Gen. Anthony Crutchfield made it clear that the Air Force decision to locate the divert airfield on Tinian was in response to Governor Torres’ request. I respect that — both the governor’s request and the Air Force response,” he said. Over the weekend, Kilili reported in his e-newsletter that the Air Force included $9 million in its military construction budget request for the lease of 7.1 hectares of land in support of divert activities and exercise initiatives. Kilili said the land will be identified during negotiations with the commonwealth which is expected to begin this summer. He said based on a Navy real estate survey, the cost to acquire the land by fee is $3.2 million, “but the Air Force is prepared to lease the property at a higher cost in order to conform to the Covenant agreement to acquire only the minimum real property interest necessary to meet mission requirements.” This $9 million funding proposal is part of President Obama’s FY 2017 budget proposal sent to the U.S. Congress on Tuesday last week. Kilili said he made the case for the selection of Tinian in his 2012 response to the Air Force Draft Environmental Impact Statement. In his e-newsletter, he said the “divert airfield will be used for training and will give the Air Force a backup in case planes cannot use Andersen field on Guam. Saipan was considered and the Air Force also looked at dividing its activities between Saipan and Tinian. Specifics of the Tinian-only plan are not yet fully available. I look forward to learning more once the final environmental impact statement is released this spring and I will continue to listen to the voices of constituents and the commonwealth government as the details of the Tinian-only plan emerge.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/tinian-selected-air-force-divert-airfield,Tinian selected for Air Force divert airfield,2016-02-16,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tinian selected for Air Force divert airfield Feb 15, 2016 Miranda A.A. Ballentine, Assistant Secretary for Installations, Environment, and Energy, called on Wednesday to inform me of the decision to select Tinian for the U.S. Air Forces’ divert activities and exercises in the Northern Mariana Islands. I made the case for citing on Tinian in my 2012 response to the Air Force’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The divert airfield will be used for training and will give the Air Force a backup in case planes cannot use Andersen field on Guam. Saipan was considered and the Air Force also looked at dividing its activities between Saipan and Tinian. Specifics of the Tinian-only plan are not yet fully available. I look forward to learning more once the final environmental impact statement is released this spring; and I will continue to listen to the voices of constituents and the Commonwealth government as the details of the Tinian-only plan emerge.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/ucgc-program-offers-glimnpse-cadet,UCGC program offers glimnpse of cadet,2016-02-16,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"UCGC program offers glimnpse of cadet Feb 15, 2016 Since the 1950s, thousands of high school students have discovered the United States Coast Guard Academy by attending the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program. AIM is exclusively for students preparing to enter their senior year of high school. Immerse yourself in Academy tradition and cadet life during this six-day program in New London, Connecticut. There are three AIM sessions scheduled for July 2016. The Academy has a limited amount of funds to provide scholarships for students with legitimate financial need. Students with demonstrated financial need may receive a scholarship for tuition, travel, or both. Information and application materials are available online at http://www.cga.edu/admissions.aspx?id=88. The application period ends April 1, 2016.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/uscis-director-provides-update-cw-processing,USCIS Director provides update on CW processing,2016-02-16,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"USCIS Director provides update on CW processing Feb 15, 2016 Initial processing of the 2,800 Commonwealth-only (CW) worker applications, expiring December 31, 2015, is finished, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez reported to me last week. Of these, 805 received Requests for Evidence and processing will resume as soon as additional supporting documents are received from employers. In his letter, Director Rodriguez also confirmed that the rule, allowing CW workers to continue working for up to 240 days while a timely-filed petition is pending, will take effect on Tuesday, February 16. Workers whose CW petitions have been delayed may resume working on that day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-12-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 12, 2016",2016-02-16,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"In this issue: ____________________________________________________________________________ President Obama sent his Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal to Congress on Tuesday. This is the final set of spending priorities the President will submit before ending his time in office. From the hundreds of pages of explanations, legislative language, and allocation tables we have selected a few items of key interest to the Northern Mariana Islands: Education: Funding increase for NMI schools. Last year’s reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act made only one change to the Title I program that supports students from low-income families: my proposal to increase funding for the Northern Marianas and the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The increase is contingent in an overall increase in Title I funding, which the President has now proposed for FY17. If the President’s request for $15.36 billion, $450 million over the 2016 enacted level, is approved, then funding for the Marianas Public School System will go up from about $6.8 million this year to $11.2 million in 2017, a $4.4 million increase for our students. Healthcare: Equal treatment under Medicaid. A long-sought goal of insular areas— getting the same funding as U.S. states for Medicaid coverage of low income persons—is part of the President’s budget proposal. The budget removes the cap on funding, which is currently about $5.5 million per year for the Northern Mariana Islands, although the Affordable Care Act has tripled that through 2019. And the President proposes a gradual increase in the share of Medicaid costs covered by the federal government as territories modernize their Medicaid programs. Currently, insular areas cover 45 percent, the federal government 55 percent. But in some states the federal percentage is as high as 74 percent. Extending the Compact with Palau: $273 million over ten years. The President’s budget includes the funding necessary for the extension of the Compact of Free Association with Palau. (See story below.) Air Force land lease in NMI: $9 million. The Air Force included $9,002,000 in its military construction budget request to lease 7.1 hectares of land in support of the divert activities and exercises initiative. (See story below.) While not specified in the budget, the land will be identified during negotiations with the Commonwealth, which are expected to begin this summer. According to a Navy real estate survey, the cost to acquire the land by fee is $3.2 million, but the budget reports the Air Force is prepared to lease the property at a higher cost in order to conform to the Covenant agreement to acquire only the minimum real property interest necessary to meet mission requirements. Office of Insular Affairs: Funds increased to address economic challenges. The President’s budget adds funds for insular area energy security, protection of natural and cultural resources, and adaptation to climate change:       - Technical assistance, primarily for climate resilience projects: +$5.6 m.      - Maintenance assistance to improve school facilities: +3.9 m.      - Invasive species control under the Coral Reef Program: +$1 m. (corresponding $500,000 reduction in Brown Tree Snake Control)      - Empowering insular communities to cut residential energy costs: +$2 m.      - Compact Impact program remains unchanged at $3 million. Clean Water and Drinking Water funds cut. A change we have been able to include in every appropriation bill since FY10 has raised water and sewer infrastructure funding for the Marianas from under $1 million in 2009 to over $6 million every year since. But for FY17 the President has recommended cutting nationwide funding for the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water funds from $2.3 billion to $2 billion. If the President’s proposal is enacted, funds for the NMI would be reduced from this year’s $6.5 million to $5.9 million. Community Development Block Grants hold steady. Although the President proposed reducing the Community Development Block Grant from $3 billion to $2.8 billion, he did not change a $7 million set-aside for the insular areas. So annual funding for the Marianas would be unchanged. CDBG pays for neighborhood revitalization projects such as the Kagman Community Park, which has just gone out to bid. Inflation increase added for Section 8 vouchers. Nationally, and in the Northern Marianas, demand exceeds funding for this low-income housing assistance. While the President has proposed an additional $765.5 million over the FY16 level, the new money only covers increases in rental costs, and will not open the program to more families. Full funding for WIOA. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was drafted in the Education and the Workforce Committee, where I sit. But funding for training and skills development the Act authorizes lagged last year. For FY17, the President has returned the WIOA formula grants to the full amount we authorized. In the NMI, WIOA’s Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker programs are currently receiving $1.39 million. To see the President’s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget in full, go to the Office of Management and Budget website. This week I introduced legislation, approving the agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau to extendPalau’s Compact of Free Association through 2024. The U.S. and Palau signed the agreement on September 3, 2010. Overfive years later, however, Congress has yet to approve the extension, which provides annually decreasing amounts of financial assistance to our island neighbor. The U.S. also helps with postal, weather, and civil aviation services, and offers continued access to a limited number of federal grant programs. Instead, Congress has been meeting the financial aspects of the extension on a year-by-year basis. This is no way to treat a friend. Fortunately, President Obama does include the costs of the Compact extension in his FY17 budget proposal; and with introduction of my legislation, H.R. 4531, Congress may finally confirm the importance of our relationship with the Republic of Palau. Miranda A.A. Ballentine, Assistant Secretary for Installations, Environment, and Energy, called on Wednesday to inform me of the decision to select Tinian for the U.S. Air Forces’ divert activities and exercises in the Northern Mariana Islands. I made the case for citing on Tinian in my 2012 response to the Air Force’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The divert airfield will be used for training and will give the Air Force a backup in case planes cannot use Andersen field on Guam. Saipan was considered and the Air Force also looked at dividing its activities between Saipan and Tinian. Specifics of the Tinian-only plan are not yet fully available. I look forward to learning more once the final environmental impact statement is released this spring; and I will continue to listen to the voices of constituents and the Commonwealth government as the details of the Tinian-only plan emerge. Initial processing of the 2,800 Commonwealth-only (CW) worker applications, expiring December 31, 2015, is finished, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez reported to me this week. Of these, 805 received Requests for Evidence and processing will resume as soon as additional supporting documents are received from employers. In his letter, Director Rodriguez also confirmed that the rule, allowing CW workers to continue working for up to 240 days while a timely-filed petition is pending, will take effect on Tuesday, February 16. Workers whose CW petitions have been delayed may resume working on that day. Since the 1950s, thousands of high school students have discovered the United States Coast Guard Academy by attending the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program. AIM is exclusively for students preparing to enter their senior year of high school. Immerse yourself in Academy tradition and cadet life during this six-day program in New London, Connecticut. There are three AIM sessions scheduled for July 2016. The Academy has a limited amount of funds to provide scholarships for students with legitimate financial need. Students with demonstrated financial need may receive a scholarship for tuition, travel, or both. Information and application materials are available online at http://www.cga.edu/admissions.aspx?id=88. The application period ends April 1, 2016. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is offering three scholarships for academic years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. These scholarships aim to help build the capacity of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa to sustainably manage their fisheries through the employment of their own people. The scholarships are available to graduate students and undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year at the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Hawai’i, the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hawai’i Pacific University, or the University of Guam. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals with strong ties to the Northern Marianas, Guam, or American Samoa. Completed application and letters of recommendation are due by February 29, 2016. To learn more, click here, call (808) 522-5341, or email atinfo@wpcouncil.org. Grants: Smart Supervision: Reducing Prison Populations, Saving Money, and Creating Safer Communities – The FY 2015 Smart Supervision Program seeks to improve supervision success rates and reduce crime, which would in turn reduce admissions to prisons and jails and save taxpayer dollars. Funds can be used to implement evidence-based supervision strategies and to develop innovative strategies to improve outcomes for probationers. Current closing date is April 11, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281427. Swift, Certain, and Fair Sanctions/Replicating the Concepts Behind Project HOPE – The Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications from states, localities, and tribes that are interested in implementing or enhancing a Swift, Certain, and Fair Sanctions program model. This program furthers the Department’s mission by providing resources for state, local, and tribal governments to establish or enhance programming focused on modifying and reducing criminal behavior and enhancing public safety. Current closing date isApril 11, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281426. Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Maximizing State Reforms – BJA, in a public/private partnership launched the Justice Reinvestment Initiative in 2010 as a multistaged process in which a jurisdiction reduces unnecessary incarceration, increases the cost-effectiveness of its criminal justice system and reinvests savings into high-performing public safety strategies. Current closing date is April 11, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281428. Second Chance Act Reentry Program for Adults with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders – Second Chance Act Programs are designed to help communities develop and implement comprehensive and collaborative strategies that help individuals make a successful transition from prison, jail, or juvenile residential facilities to the community. Current closing date is March 30, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281473. Intellectual Property Enforcement Program – The Intellectual Property Enforcement Program, administered by BJA, is designed to provide national support and improve the capacity of state, local, and tribal criminal justice systems to address IP criminal enforcement, including prosecution, prevention, training, and technical assistance. Current closing date is March 28, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281450. Drought Contingency Planning Grants for Fiscal Year 2016 – The objective of this FOA is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost-sharing Drought Contingency Planning with Reclamation to build resilience to drought in advance of a crisis. Current closing date is April 11, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281448. Community-based Restoration Program Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants – Proposals submitted under this solicitation will be primarily evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate how the proposed habitat restoration actions will help recover threatened and endangered species listed under the Endangered Species Act and sustain or help rebuild fish stocks managed under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Current closing date is May 6, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281357. NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture Research Program 2016 – Applicants must describe how their proposed work will rapidly and significantly advance U.S. aquaculture development in the short term (1-2 years after project completion). Current closing date is May 12, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281438. FY16 Flood Mitigation Assistance – This program makes available federal funds to state, local and tribal governments to implement and sustain cost-effective measures that reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. Current closing date isJune 15, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281474. FY16 Pre-Disaster Mitigation – This program provides federal funds to state, local and tribal governments to implement and sustain cost-effective measures designed to reduce the risk to individuals and property from natural hazards, while also reducing reliance on federal funding from future disasters. Current closing date is June 15, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281453. HOPE VI Main Street Grant Program – These grant funds can be used to revitalize an historic or traditional central business district, or Main Street, by building new affordable housing or reconfigure obsolete or surplus commercial space (or extremely substandard, vacant housing) into affordable housing units. Current closing date is April 12, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281471. Summer Jobs and Beyond: Career Pathways for Youth – The purpose of this program is to provide employment-related services to eligible youth who are new entrants to the workforce, including those with limited current or past work experience. The program will provide youth with work experience opportunities, including summer and year-round part-time job opportunities, and exposure to career pathways in in-demand job sectors. Current closing date is March 25, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281342. Environmental Education Local Grants Program – EPA is seeking grant proposals from eligible applicants to support locally-focused environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens. Current closing date is April 8, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281449. Fiscal Year 2016 Recovery Implementation Fund – The FWS Ecological Services Program provides Federal financial assistance on a competitive basis to States, other Federal agencies, landowners, educators, non-profit organizations, researchers, and other partners to secure information about endangered, threatened or candidate species, to aid in the recovery of these species, to avert listing of species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, and to help conserve the ecosystems upon which these species depend. Current closing date is July 31, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281338. Fiscal Year 2016 Candidate Conservation Action Funds – Financial assistance is available to secure candidate and other at-risk species information or undertake restoration actions that will help avert federal listing of species. The purpose is to provide a means by which the ecosystems upon which candidate and at-risk species depend may be conserved, to provide a program for the conservation of these species. Current closing date is July 31, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281344. Telehealth Network Grant Program – The primary objective of the TNGP is to demonstrate how telehealth programs and networks can improve access to quality health care services in rural, frontier, and underserved communities. TNGP networks are used to: (a) expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of health care services; (b) improve and expand the training of health care providers; and/or (c) expand and improve the quality of health information available to health care providers, and patients and their families, for decision-making. Current closing date is April 8, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281424. Institutes for Advanced Topics in the Digital Humanities – Through these programs, NEH seeks to increase the number of humanities scholars using digital technology in their research and to broadly disseminate knowledge about advanced technology tools and methodologies relevant to the humanities. Current closing date is March 15, 2016. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281355. THIS WEEK: On the floor H.R.3016 – VA Provider Equity Act (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.3106 – Construction Reform Act of 2016 (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.677 – American Heroes COLA Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.3234 – VA Medical Center Recovery Act (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.2915 – Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.3894 –To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the prompt notification of State Child Protective Services by military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense required by law to report suspected instances of child abuse and neglect (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.3293 – Scientific Research in the National Interest Act (Passed, 236-178) H.R.3442 – Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2015 (Passed, 267-151) H.R.2017 – Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015 (Passed, 266-144) H.R.757 – North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enforcement Act of 2016 (Concurred in the Senate amendment, 408-2) Sponsored Legislation H.R.4531 – To approve an agreement between the United States and the Republic of Palau, and for other purposes NEXT WEEK: The House is in recess for the District Work Period.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/igisomar-kilili-discuss-exception-cabotage-cnmi,"Igisomar, Kilili discuss exception of cabotage in CNMI",2016-02-11,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Marianas Variety- Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) and U.S. Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) discussed the merits and pitfalls of having the Commonwealth exempted from federal cabotage laws to allow foreign airlines travel to or from Guam and the CNMI, according to letters between the two officials in recent weeks. U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced a billS.2360 that Igisomar believes would exempt American Samoa from cabotage and allow foreign airlines to land on American Samoa and then another U.S. territory or Compact Impact Nation. Currently, cabotage law prevents foreign airlines form traveling solely between two U.S./territory airports, Igisomar said. The foreign airline must return back to a foreign point after landing at one U.S./territory airport. Igisomar proposed that the bill be amended to provide the same exemption to the CNMI and Guam, as cabotage law applies to in the region. Since 2006 with the departure of Japan Airlines and other airlines, the CNMI has endured diminished air transportation traffic. I truly believe that with a cabotage exception, the CNMI can tremendously boost its air transportation traffic and revenue, and create more competition thereby driving down the airfare prices, Igisomar said, requesting that Sablan offer an amendment to the bill to reflect these concerns. But Sablan, in a letter to Igisomar on Feb. 4., attempts to corrects Igisomars understanding of the bill. Sablan said the bill would not expand authorization to allow foreign airlines to fly between American Samoa and another U.S. territory or Compact nation, but would allow a foreign carrier to provide service solely between the American Samoa islands of Tutuila and Manua. Sablan said this would be allowed without the requirement to have an emergency service waiver for the route renewed every thirty. Still, he said, the Secretary of Transportation would be required to revoke the emergency service waiver for any foreign airlines in the event that a U.S. carrier entered the market. What you really seek is to exempt foreign airlines from federal cabotage laws altogether for flights to and from Rota, Tinian, Saipan, Guam, and international destinations, Sablan said in his letter. Sablan said he appreciated the frustration we have all experienced with the increased cost and diminished convenience of reliable air travel, but that lifting cabotage would not guarantee that a foreign carrier would enter the market or that a foreign carrier would duplicate the routes currently being served by domestic carriers. Sablan said it is essentiallybefore changing the lawto understand fully the effect that competition or foreign carriers would have on domestic carriers. I believe it would be a mistake to take any action that could drive out U.S. carriers, leaving Rota and Tinian without any air service at all or placing the Saipan-Guam route in the hands of a single, foreign carrier. Sablan said he would not want to move forward without input from local lawmakers, the governor, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and from local businesses that would be affected. He also suggested that Igisomar obtain the agreement of the government of Guam, so that all stakeholders agree with Igisomars position.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/cool-connected-webinar,Cool & Connected webinar,2016-02-08,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Cool & Connected webinar Feb 7, 2016 How to use broadband service to promote community development is the topic of a series of webinars being hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. A team of experts will assist participants in developing strategies and action plans to use in their communities. A growing number of communities have combined broadband service with other local assets such as cultural and recreational amenities to attract and retain investment and people, including young people. This can help diversify local economies. Learn more on February 9 or on February 16 at 7 am ChST. Register here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-february-5-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 5, 2016",2016-02-08,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - February 5, 2016 Feb 7, 2016 In this issue: Cool & Connected webinar Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for/in the Marianas Highlights in the legislative program ___________________________________________________________________________ Cool & Connected webinar. How to use broadband service to promote community development is the topic of a series of webinars being hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. A team of experts will assist participants in developing strategies and action plans to use in their communities. A growing number of communities have combined broadband service with other local assets such as cultural and recreational amenities to attract and retain investment and people, including young people. This can help diversify local economies. Learn more on February 9 or on February 16 at 7 am ChST. Register here. Opportunites - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas Grants: Special Education - State Personnel Development Grants The purpose of this program is to assist State educational agencies in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and professional development in early intervention, educational, and transition services in order to improve results for children with disabilities. Current closing date is March 21, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281309. Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element The State Support Services Element program provides funding for technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program and to evaluate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities. Current closing date is April 15, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281297. Communities Addressing Childhood Trauma The Communities Addressing Childhood Trauma Program seeks to address unhealthy behaviors in minority and/or disadvantaged youth, ages 5-15 years, who have been exposed to childhood trauma. ACT is intended to test the effectiveness of innovative approaches in promoting healthy behaviors among minority and/or disadvantaged youth at-risk for poor health/life outcomes due to childhood trauma. Current closing date is April 18, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281316. Hazardous Materials Public Sector Training and Planning Grants The purpose of this grant program is to increase effectiveness in safely and efficiently handling hazardous materials incidents, enhance implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and encourage a comprehensive approach to emergency training and planning by incorporating the unique challenges of responses to transportation situations. Current closing date is May 2, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281252. Jobs: Electronics Technician The Department of the Navy is accepting applications for an Electronics Technician in Guam. Incumbent will perform Defense Switched Network administration, operation, maintenance, and system control functions within the Naval Computer Telecommunications Station. Position is open until February 8, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/428590700. Health System Specialist The Air Force Personnel Center, Department of the Air Force is accepting applications for a Health System Specialist in Guam. Incumbent analyzes, evaluates, advises on and/or coordinates health care delivery systems and operations supporting the provision of health care to authorized beneficiaries. Position is open until April 30, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/428484800. Highlights in the Legislative Program THIS WEEK: On the floor H.R. 2187 Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act (Passed, 347-8) H.R. 4168 Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act (Passed, 390-1) H.R. 515 International Megans Law to Prevent Child Exploitation and Other Sexual Crimes through Advanced Notification of Traveling Sex Offenders (Concurred in Senate amendments, by voice vote) H.R. 4188 Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (Concurred in Senate amendments, by voice vote) H.R. 3700 Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015 (Passed, 427-0) H.R. 3662 Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act (Passed, 246-181) Presidents Veto Message on H.R. 3762 Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 (Failed, 241-186) H.R. 766 Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2015 (Passed, 250-169) NEXT WEEK: On the floor H.R. 3293 Scientific Research in the National Interest Act H.R. 3442 Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act H.R. 2107 Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act Committee Hearings February 10",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-29-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 29, 2016",2016-02-02,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"In this issue: ___________________________________________________________________________ AAFES Troop Store expansion project awarded. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced that local contractor, RNV Construction, has been awarded a $1.8 million contract for expansion of the troop store at the Army Reserve Center on Saipan. The 1,120 square-foot store will be expanded to 5,000 square-feet. Construction is expected to be complete by December 2016. I have been working on improving the store since my first term in Congress. A study I included in the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act determined the project to be viable, but the expansion was delayed for over two years, while a team from the U.S. Navy made sure there was no unexploded ordnance on the site. The existing store, which serves nearly 4,000 active and reserve service members, retirees, and their families is small, deteriorating, and in need of a major overhaul. Our service members, veterans, and their families deserve better and can finally look forward to a new and improved AAFES Troop Store on Saipan opening soon. Medicaid drug savings extended to NMI. The Northern Mariana Islands and other U.S. insular areas will be able to achieve savings in their drug expenditures for Medicaid patients as a result of a final rule published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services last week. The rule revises the definition of state to include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas. It also addresses changes made to Medicaid Drug Rebate Program by the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Changes to rebate percentages in the Affordable Care Act will increase Medicaid rebates being paid to federal, state, and non-state governments by manufacturers of covered outpatient drugs, including higher cost brand name drugs. See CMS for more information. EPA releases new guide for healthier school renovations. With Typhoon Soudelor repairs underway, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys new manual on best practices for protecting childrens health and minimizing environmental health risks is most timely. The manual includes an overview of potential environmental hazards that may emerge during school renovations, such as exposure to lead, asbestos, mold, mercury, and radon, and offers guidance for avoiding exposure, as well as a review of regulations and resources available to schools. The Sensible Guide to Healthier School Renovations can be found online at https://www.epa.gov/schools/sensible-guide-healthier-school-renovations. High school students: Become a Junior Statesman. Now is the time for high school students to apply to attend the Junior Statesman summer program at Stanford University, Princeton University, or Georgetown University. Students are schooled in civic engagement, leadership, and political studies, while getting a feel for the life and work in college. Those who apply by February 28, 2016 will be automatically considered for one of the four scholarships set aside for the Northern Marianas. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and transportation costs. For more information, and to apply, visit https://summer.jsa.org. Complete applications include an online account, two essays, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and a current transcript. Transcripts can be emailed directly to JSA Territory Program Director Ed Banayat at ebayanat@jsa.org. All other parts of the application may be completed online. Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: Grants: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants This program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve and or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Because of land alienation issues in the NMI, qualified applicants are limited to unsecured loans of up to $7,499. Qualified applicants age 62 and older may also apply for grant funding of up to $7,500. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. No deadline applies. For more information, go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/hi and click here. SMART FY 16 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program The Program assists jurisdictions with developing and/or enhancing programs designed to implement requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The SMART Office is interested in proposals that facilitate, enhance and maintain jurisdictional implementation of SORNA. Closing date is April 7, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281058. National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program The NCWCG program provides states with financial assistance to protect and restore coastal environments. Projects can include: 1. acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters (coastal wetlands ecosystems) from willing sellers or partners for long-term conservation; 2. restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems; or 3. a combination of acquisition, restoration, and management. Closing date is June 29, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281103. Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) Mentoring The STEM program recognizes individuals for their mentoring of persons from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, women, persons with disabilities, and persons from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has done exemplary, measurable mentoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields over a sustained 5 year period is eligible for nomination. Closing date is June 17, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281097. OVW FY 2016 Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities Grant Program Disability Grant Program funds programs that establish and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborative relationships; increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and deaf individuals who are victims of violence and abuse; and identify needs within the grantees organization and/or service area, and develop a plan to address those identified needs that builds a strong foundation for future work. Closing date is March 10, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281165. Federal Planning Assistance for Broadband and Sustainable Community Development Cool & Connected USDA Rural Utilities Service encourages communities interested in using broadband service to help revitalize small-town main streets and promote economic development to apply for Cool & Connected, a pilot program sponsored by USDA Rural Utilities Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Sustainable Communities. Closing date for letters of interest is February 24, 2016. For more information, click here. Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans & Grants USDA Rural Development is soliciting applications for Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants. The programs provide affordable financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers. Housing may be constructed in rural and urban areas with a demonstrated need. Approved applicants receive a 1 percent fixed rate with up to a 33-year payback period. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-applications packages may be obtained at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/FLH_Preapplication_FY2016.pdf. Pre-applications are due by 5 p.m. April 12 to the Hawaii State Office. Pre-applications may be submitted to USDA Rural Development, Room 311, Federal Building, 154 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720. For more information, call (808) 933-8300 or go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants/hi. Jobs: Transportation Security Officer The Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security is accepting applications for a Transportation Security Officer in Saipan. Incumbent will operate various screening equipment and technology, perform searches and screening, control terminal entry and exit points, interact with public, maintain focus and awareness in a stressful environment, engage in development of critical thinking skills, and retain and implement knowledge of all applicable Standard Operating Procedures. Position is open until February 2, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427535500. Loan Adjuster The Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for TWO Loss Adjusters; one for Saipan and the other for Rota. A Loss Adjuster is an independent contractor who will visit farms for the purpose of inspecting, measuring and appraising agricultural crops. Positions are open until February 8, 2016. For inquiries, please call 671-300-8550. Applications can be accessed at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/fm_ct_001_02212014.pdf. Highlights in the Legislative Program: THIS WEEK: Votes were postponed this week due to inclement weather. NEXT WEEK: On the floor Complete Consideration of H.R.3662 Iran Terror Finance Transparency Consideration of the Veto Message on H.R.3762 Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Act H.R.2187 Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act H.R.3784 SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2016 H.R.4168 Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R.515 International Megans Law to Prevent Child Exploitation and Other Sexual Crimes Through Advanced Notification of Traveling Sex Offenders H.R.400 Trafficking Prevention in Foreign Affairs Contracting Act Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R.4188 Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 H.R.3700 Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015 H.R.1675 Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015 Committee Hearings February 2 Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans Legislative Hearing Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Oversight Hearing on The Need for the Establishment of a Puerto Rico Financial Stability and Economic Growth Authority Committee on Education and Workforce Full Committee Markup February 3 Committee on Education and the Workforce Hearing on Expanding Educational Opportunity Through School Choice Committee on Natural Resources Full Committee Markup",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/aafes-troop-store-expansion-project-awarded,AAFES Troop Store expansion project awarded,2016-02-01,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced that local contractor, RNV Construction, has been awarded a $1.8 million contract for expansion of the troop store at the Army Reserve Center on Saipan. The 1,120 square-foot store will be expanded to 5,000 square-feet. Construction is expected to be complete by December 2016 at a total cost of $2.8 million. I have been working on improving the store since my first term in Congress. A study I included in the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act determined the project to be viable, but the expansion was delayed for over two years, while a team from the U.S. Navy made sure there was no unexploded ordnance on the site. The existing store, which serves nearly 4,000 active and reserve service members, retirees, and their families is small, deteriorating, and in need of a major overhaul. Our service members, veterans, and their families deserve better and can finally look forward to a new and improved AAFES Troop Store on Saipan opening soon.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/epa-releases-new-guide-healthier-school-renovations,EPA releases new guide for healthier school renovations,2016-02-01,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"EPA releases new guide for healthier school renovations Jan 31, 2016 With Typhoon Soudelor repairs underway, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys new manual on best practices for protecting childrens health and minimizing environmental health risks is most timely. The manual includes an overview of potential environmental hazards that may emerge during school renovations, such as exposure to lead, asbestos, mold, mercury, and radon, and offers guidance for avoiding exposure, as well as a review of regulations and resources available to schools. The Sensible Guide to Healthier School Renovations can be found online at https://www.epa.gov/schools/sensible-guide-healthier-school-renovations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/high-school-students-become-junior-statesman,High school students: Become a Junior Statesman,2016-02-01,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Now is the time for high school students to apply to attend the Junior Statesman summer program at Stanford University, Princeton University, Georgetown University, or Capitol Normal University in China. Students are schooled in civic engagement, leadership, and political studies, while getting a feel for the life and work in college. Those who apply by February 28, 2016 will be automatically considered for one of the four scholarships set aside for the Northern Marianas. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and transportation costs. For more information, and to apply, visit https://summer.jsa.org. Complete applications include an online account, two essays, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and a current transcript. Transcripts can be emailed directly to JSA Territory Program Director Ed Banayat at ebayanat@jsa.org. All other parts of the application may be completed online.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-says-tennis-courts-will-re-open-march,Kilili says tennis courts will re-open in March,2016-02-01,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Marianas Variety- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan said the tennis courts at American Memorial Park will re-open for daylight play sometime in March. He said there are still typhoon-damaged trees adjacent to the courts that have to be cut down as they are threats to the public. Kilili is responding to Rep. Antonio Sablans inquiries regarding the repair of the federal park facilities and its pathways that were damaged by Typhoon Soudelor in August. In his letter to Rep. Antonio Sablan, Kilili said the tennis courts have been cleared of fallen trees, but a few damaged trees adjacent to the courts may fall on the fence. He said the U.S. Park Service is purchasing a fence replacement that will be installed as soon as it can be shipped to the island. They are [also] cutting off and removing the many lights on the tennis courts that were damaged and are no longer safe. Replacement lights have been ordered and are expected to be installed by a local contractor soon after they arrive. There is some damage to the court surface. The courts are expected to be open for daylight play sometime in March, with nighttime play to resume after the lights are installed, Kilili said. As for access, he said nearly 90 percent of the trees in the park were either uprooted or were significantly damaged. While all of the sidewalks have been initially cleared for access, several leaning trees and threatening branches must be removed before the sidewalks can be safely opened for the public, Kilili said, adding that access to the sidewalks is only for day-use until lighting can be replaced. He said access to Smiling Cove and Outer Cove Marinas were opened two days after the typhoon. But the Outer Cove docks have significant safety issues, are not open to normal public use, and provide very limited berthing for owners, he added. He said public boarding of boats is safely occurring at Smiling Cove but only temporarily while the commonwealth is still working on a more permanent solution for the Outer Cove docks. The Visitor Center, Kilili said, is open to the public on regular hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. However, he said the auditorium is still closed due to water and mold damage, and one wall at the back will have to be replaced along with exhibits on that wall. The memorial portion of the park is open and being maintained regularly, Kilili said, but added that the park is open only during daylight hours as most of the safety and security lighting was damaged in the storm. The replacement of the American flagpole at the center of the Court of Honor is expected to arrive on island soon, Kilili said. American Memorial Park, he added, was able to use fiscal year 2015 operational funds to address its recovery needs. In an interview, Rep. Antonio Sablan said he appreciated Kililis efforts in providing him with a thorough report on the status of all of the parks facilities, adding that a lot of people have been inquiring about the state of American Memorial Park.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/medicaid-drug-savings-extended-nmi,Medicaid drug savings extended to NMI,2016-02-01,2016,2016-02,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Medicaid drug savings extended to NMI Feb 1, 2016 The Northern Mariana Islands and other U.S. insular areas will be able to achieve savings in their drug expenditures for Medicaid patients as a result of a final rule published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The rule revises the definition of state to include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas. It also addresses changes made to Medicaid Drug Rebate Program by the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Changes to rebate percentages in the Affordable Care Act will increase Medicaid rebates being paid to federal, state, and non-state governments by manufacturers of covered outpatient drugs, including higher cost brand name drugs. See CMS for more information.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-22-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 22, 2016",2016-01-24,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 22, 2016 Jan 24, 2016 In this issue: __________________________________________________________________________ Opportunites - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: Grants: Market Development Cooperator Program The International Trade Administration creates economic opportunity for U.S. workers and firms by promoting international trade and investment, strengthening industry competitiveness, and ensuring fair trade. The Market Development Cooperator Program strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry by generating exports of nonagricultural goods and services produced in the United States. Closing date isMarch 15, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281029. State Energy Program The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energys State Energy Program seeks applications to advance policies, programs, and market strategies that accelerate job creation, reduce energy consumption, and help achieve energy and climate security for the nation. Closing date isMarch 31, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281050. Early Comprehensive Childhood Systems Impact The purpose of this program is to enhance early childhood systems building and demonstrate improved outcomes in population-based childrens developmental health and family well-being indicators using a Collaborative Innovation and Improvement Network approach. An additional goal of the ECCS Impact grant is the development of collective impact expertise, implementation and sustainability of efforts at the state, county and community levels. Closing date isMarch 15, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281007. Secondary and Two-Year Postsecondary Agriculture Education Challenge Grants The Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants program seeks to promote and strengthen secondary education and two-year postsecondary education in agriscience and agribusiness in order to help ensure the existence in the U.S. of a qualified workforce to serve the food and agricultural sciences system. Closing date isMarch 18, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=281049. Jobs: Test Administrator The Department of the Army, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command is accepting applications for a Test Administrator in Saipan. Incumbent will conduct the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Enlistment Test Session to determine individual qualifications for enlistment into military service. Closing date isJanuary 26, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/420331900. Chief U.S. Probation/Pretrial Services Officer The U.S. District Courts of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are accepting applications for a Probation/Pretrial Services Officer to be located in Guam. Incumbent will organize the probation/pretrial services office; review, analyze, and interpret requirements; maintain administrative liaison with the Court, chief judge, and all judges; and other related duties. Position is open untilFebruary 19, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.nmid.uscourts.gov/employment.php. Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Aircraft Computer Software The Federal Aviation Administration is accepting applications for a Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Aircraft Computer Software in Guam. Incumbent defines and advances new technologies in software evaluation techniques to establish leadership in the development and implementation of technical standards for new advances in software technology related to aviation safety. Position is open untilFebruary 2, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427016000. Electronics Technician The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is accepting applications for an Electronics Technician in Guam. Incumbent will perform field maintenance technical services and related support for a wide range of complex electronic, electro-mechanical, data acquisition, communications equipment, and standalone and networked computer systems. Position is open untilFebruary 2, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/423796600. Highlights in the Legislative Program THIS WEEK: The House is in recess for the District Work Period. NEXT WEEK: The House floor schedule for next week has not yet been released.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/chci-summer-internships-open-nmi-students,CHCI summer internships open to NMI students,2016-01-18,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHCI summer internships open to NMI students Jan 18, 2016 Full-time college undergraduate students from the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible for paid summer internships with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. CHCI interns will have the opportunity to work in a congressional office and get training in the legislative process, constituent casework, legislative research, and other meaningful work. Other benefits include round-trip airfare to Washington, DC, a $2,500 stipend, free housing, academic credit, leadership training, networking opportunities, and more. Applications for the 2016 Congressional Summer Internship are due January 22, 2016. For more information, go to https://chci.org/programs/internships/.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-15-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 15, 2016",2016-01-18,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"In this issue: __________________________________________________________________________ 240-day grace period for CW renewals finalized. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson signed the final rule allowing foreign workers in the Northern Mariana Islands to keep working for up to 240 days, even if their CW-1 permit renewal has not been processed, as long as a new permit was applied for before the old permit expired. The rule is published in the Federal Register today and goes into effect on February 14. Even workers whose employers applied for an extension before that date may qualify. The new rule is an improvement to the immigration system, but is not a solution to the ongoing problem of delayed CW processing. The delays have meant lost income for NMI businesses and workersforeign and U.S. I have pressed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Lon Rodrguez to clear the backlog and met with his processing staff in California last week to make sure they understand the costs of the slowdown to the NMI economy. CHCI summer internships open to NMI students. Full-time college undergraduate students from the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible for paid summer internships with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. CHCI interns will have the opportunity to work in a congressional office and get training in the legislative process, constituent casework, legislative research, and other meaningful work. Other benefits include round-trip airfare to Washington, DC, a $2,500 stipend, free housing, academic credit, leadership training, networking opportunities, and more. Applications for the 2016 Congressional Summer Internship are due January 22, 2016. For more information, go to https://chci.org/programs/internships/. Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs, for and in the Mariana: Grants: FY2016 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Qualified organizations may submit proposals for administering the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The intent of the program is to broaden the U.S. student population that participates in study abroad by focusing on those students who would not otherwise study outside the U.S. due to financial constraints. Closing date is March 14, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280938. Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund is a tool that provides grants to states and territories to participate in voluntary conservation projects for candidate, proposed, and listed species. The program provides funding to states and territories for species and habitat conservation actions on non-federal lands. Closing date is March 18, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280853. North American Wetlands Conservation Act 2017 U.S. Standard Grants The U.S. Standard Grants Program supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. These projects must involve only long-term protection, restoration, enhancement and/or establishment of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. Closing date is February 26, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280961. OVW FY 2016 Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations This program is to develop and implement outreach strategies targeted at, and provide victim services to, adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking in underserved populations. Closing date is March 9, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280922. Linking to Employment Activities Pre-Release through Specialized American Job Centers The purpose of this pilot program is to provide incarcerated individuals with workforce services prior to release and link them to a continuum of services offered through their community-based AJCs post-release. These grants are job-driven and build connections to local employers that will enable transitioning offenders to secure employment. Closing date is February 26, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280963. Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Closing date is March 14, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants. Housing Preservation Grants This program provides grants to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing occupied by low and very low income people. Closing date is February 12, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/housing-preservation-grants. Jobs: Supply Technician The US Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army Signal Command is accepting applications for a Supply Technician in Guam. Incumbent will perform a wide variety of complex assignments related to maintaining specialized property accounts and records, completing individual transactions, providing customer assistance, screening reference riles, conducting data searches, and distributing output files, among other duties. Position is open until January 25, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425989700. Audiologist The Naval Medical Command, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for an Audiologist in Guam. Incumbent will perform clinical audiometric services, consult customers, develop operational standards, and identify commonly unrecognized hearing loss trends. Position is open until January 20, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/426530200. Fire Protection Engineer The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Fire Protection Engineer in Guam. Incumbent will provide fire protection engineering direction, approve plans developed by Architect-Engineer, interpret the guidelines and practices, and conduct fire protection engineering surveys and reports. Position is open until January 26, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425914900. Clinical Nurse The US Naval Hospital Guam, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Clinical Nurse in Guam. Incumbent will provide training resources, lead planning and coordination for the annual influenza vaccination program, ensure inpatients immunizations, maintain and update immunization instruction and standard operating procedures, and document all immunization in patients health records. Position is open until January 22, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/426371800. Diagnostic Radiological Technologist (Mammography) The Naval Medical Command, Department of the Navy is accepting applications for a Diagnostic Radiological Technologist in Guam. Incumbent will perform radiographic examinations, keep up-to-date and review new documents, assist in performing complex procedures, provide patient support, perform and maintain quality assurance tests. Position is open until January 22, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/426320400. Highlights in the Legislative Program THIS WEEK: On the floor S.142 Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.757 North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2015 (Passed, 418-2) H.R.1777 Presidential Allowance Modernization Act (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.1069 Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2015 (Agreed to by voice vote) S.1115 Grants Oversight and New Efficiency (GONE) Act (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.598 Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.653 FOIA Act (Agreed to by voice vote) H.R.3231 Federal Intern Protection Act of 2015 (Passed, 414-0) H.R.1644 STREAM Act (Passed, 235-188) Co-sponsored Legislation H.R.4370 Compact Impact Relief Act of 2016 NEXT WEEK: The House is in recess for the District Work Period.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/240-day-grace-period-cw-renewals-effective-feb-14,240-day grace period for CW renewals effective on Feb. 14,2016-01-15,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Saipan Tribune- If their papers arent in yet, foreign workers kept from working because of the federal governments delay in processing thousands of contract worker permit renewals can get back on the job starting Feb. 14, after U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson signed off on a rule to allow a 240-day grace period for these waiting CW-1 workers. The rule has been a long time coming since being published in the Federal Register for public comments in May 2014, and will become effective in February, a month after its published on the Federal Register this Jan. 15. The rule grants a grace period for CW workers to continue working if an application for a new permit was filed before the old permit expired and if the new permit is still waiting approval. It also fixes inconsistency that allows for a loophole CW workers who change employers to continue working. Currently, a CW-1 worker who changes employer may continue working for up to 240 days while the new employers petition is pending. In the case of renewal petitions, however, the worker cannot stay on the job once their permit has expired, even if a petition for renewal was filed months in advance. The new rule means that the workers who are being renewed will get the same extended work authorization as workers who are transfers from one employer to another or who are terminated and then find a new employer. Its about time, said Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) in a statement yesterday. The disruption to the Northern Marianas economy, the lost income of businesses and workersthat is still going onwould have been completely avoided if USCIS had not waited over a year and half to finalize this rule. While the business community has expressed elation over the new rule, it does little to assure or ease the negative effects already being experienced on the ground, with the short business hours, closed shops or restaurants, and out-of-work residents continuing their toll on businesses and livelihoods. The fiasco came about after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services failed to process a backlog of 2,800 CW permit renewals by the beginning of the new year. All these 2,800 employees comprise 23 percent of the CNMIs total foreign national workforce base, Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Alex Sablan said yesterday. Practically every mom-and-pop business in the Commonwealth was impacted or affected by the lack of CW workers, Sablan said. He said business leaders had hoped that the rule would have been implemented prior to the end of last year, relieving a considerable amount of heartache and loss of business and individual worker opportunity. Instead, employers have had to shut down their businesses or downsize their business to a level where they are not allowed to have full opportunity. At this stage, [the new rule] would helpGod forbidif we have another incident like this next year, said Sablan. He hopes this is not repeated next year and USCIS has the manpower and capability to get all permits out regardless of when they are placed in order of acceptance, as permit submitted even within 90 days of expiration should be processed. No adverse economic impact The federal law that wrested control of immigration from the local to federal government assured that the transition would be implemented in a way that minimizes adverse economic impact, according to Delegate Sablan. Many times over the last seven years USCIS has made choices that were consistent with that requirement to minimize negative impacts, he said, and we should not forget that. But not this time. The delay in approving this rule has definitely hurt the people I represent. They didnt fulfill their promise, added Alex Sablan. In a statement, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres called the new rule a step in the right direction and applauded Delegate Sablan for his untiring efforts to resolve this issue with our federal counterparts. We are not done yet and discussions on improvements will be ongoing, said Torres. I also extend the Commonwealths appreciation to Sen. Murkowski of Alaska who serves as the chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that oversees issues regarding insular areas. In my communication with the senators office, I was informed that she recognized our concerns and had communicated with USCIS to assist in resolvingthis current matter. Delegate Sablan said the new rule is an improvement to the immigration system overall, but not a solution to the ongoing problem of delayed CW processing. I call on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to continue to use all its resources to clear the backlog of CW applications as quickly as possible, so that the Northern Marianas can get back to business. Sablan spoke directly with USCIS Director Len Rodrguez on Jan. 3 to demand action on the processing delay and make clear what it costs Marianas businesses and workers. And the congressman met last week directly with USCIS staff in California who are responsible for the processing to drive that point home. Sablan also urged Rodrguez to get the 240-day rule approved immediately. The rule was originally opened for public comment on May 12, 2014, in response to a Dec. 20, 2012, request from the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Society for Human Resource Management CNMI. All six comments received by USCIS favored the 240-day grace period for delayed processing. Once the new rule goes into effect on Feb. 14, any worker whose employer files a renewal petition before the workers CW-1 permit expires will be able to stay on the job legally for up to an additional 240 days. The new rule also covers workers with H-1B1 or E-3 visas. The H-1B1 program allows employers to temporarily employ foreign workers from Chile and Singapore in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant basis in specialty occupations. The E-3 does the same for workers from Australia. Both categories have annual numerical caps, similar to the cap on CW-1 permits.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-attends-last-obama-state-union,Kilili attends last Obama State of the Union,2016-01-13,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Marianas Variety WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Congressional Delegate) U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan joined his colleagues in the U.S. Congress tonight to witness President Obama deliver his final State of the Union address. Congressman Sablan issued this statement following the State of the Union: The people of the Northern Mariana Islands gave me the incredible opportunity to be a witness to history to see our first African American president sworn in to office and now to hear him talk to America about the road we traveled over the last seven years and where we can go from here. In some ways the history of this president matches the recent history of the Northern Marianas. We, too, people of color, gained representation in our national government that we had never had before. We, too, had to struggle back from a great economic recession and today see a brighter future ahead. President Obama has been good for the people of the Northern Marianas. Even though I was just a freshman representative in 2009, the Obama administration treated the Northern Marianas as the equal of any other insular area when the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was drafted and passed. When health care reform legislation would have given the islands short shrift, it was President Obama who decided to add more money for our Medicaid program. I know. I was sitting right there at the table when he made the decision. The Obama administration used its executive authority in response to my call to help the poor by raising food stamp funding for the Marianas and energy assistance for our low-income households. The Obama administration eased us through the transition to federal immigration, using parole authority to keep families together and to keep our doors open to tourists from Russia and China. And the President wound down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, so that our brave service men and women from the Northern Marianas would no more have to put their lives on the line in those distant lands. The president has also set the stage for a better future for Americans and for all the worlds people by helping bring about the Paris agreement on climate change, which is an especially great danger to those of us on islands subject to typhoons and sea level rise. His negotiation of the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement will lift the economies of nations that surround the Marianas and of our region as a whole. As a son of the Pacific islands, President Obama knows in his bones that we have to work together, cooperate, find consensus, if we want to survive. That is the Pacific culture and creed. He said it tonight in words we know are true: The future we want opportunity and security for our families; a rising standard of living and a sustainable, peaceful planet for our kids all that is within our reach. But it will only happen if we work together. Those are words for all of us to remember from President Obamas final State of the Union address; and words for all of us in Congress to remember as we work to improve the lives of all Americans in this final year of the Obama presidency. Watch the entire State of the Union address here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-inspects-cw-processing-center-california,Kilili inspects CW processing center in California,2016-01-13,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Saipan Tribune- WASHINGTON, D.C.Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) made a snap inspection of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services California Service Center last Thursday. The center handles all the applications for CW foreign workers in the Northern Mariana Islands. Delays in processing there, as well as a large number of applications submitted with less than the recommended 90 days lead time, have resulted in CNMI businesses cutting hours and in lost income for employees of those businessesboth foreign and U.S. workers. The CW applications represent only 2 percent of the total workload of the California Service Center, Sablan said. But what is of small importance to their overall operation is of huge importance to the people I represent in the Northern Marianas. I wanted to make that point clear by making a personal inspection of the center. According to USCIS officials, all application for CW permits that expired on Dec. 31 have been taken out of the regular line and are being processed separately. The 800 applications submitted at least 90 days in advanceas recommendedhave all been processed, I am told, and I expect the remaining 2,000 applications to be done by mid-January. Kathy Baran, director of the California Service Center, and a team of department heads took Sablan through the centers operational process from mail intake and data entry to the office where adjudications occur. The congressman explained to Baran and to the adjudication staff that he wanted to impress on them how important CW workers still are to the Northern Marianas economy and how disruptive the delays in processing have been. Sablan said that, if 90 days is not sufficient lead time for the submission of renewal applications, then better guidelines need to be issued to Northern Marianas businesses. We cannot afford to have this kind of a back-up occur again in the future, Sablan told the USCIS staff. (Office of the Delegate)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/another-sign-recovery%E2%80%A6,Another sign of recovery,2016-01-11,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Another sign of recovery Jan 10, 2016 The U.S. Small Business Administration announced last Friday that it will close its Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Capitol Hill on Saipan at the close of business, today, Monday, January 11. SBA has approved more than $10.9 million in low interest disaster loans to Saipan businesses and more than $13.3 million to individuals, the agency said. And, though the deadline to apply for property damage loans has expired, small businesses and nonprofits may continue to apply for working capital loans of up to $2 million. These Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available even if no property damage occurred to the business or nonprofit and may be used to pay fixed debt, payroll, and other bills that cannot be covered because of Typhoon Soudelor. The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for private nonprofits with terms up to 30 years. The deadline for EIDL applications is May 5, 2016. Apply at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, call: 800.659.2955, or e-mail: disastercustomerassistance@sba.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/bill-seeks-expand-americorps-service-coverage-fas-citizens-kilili-one-bill%E2%80%99s-co-sponsors,Bill seeks to expand AmeriCorps service coverage to FAS citizens: Kilili one of bills co-sponsors,2016-01-11,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Saipan Tribune- WASHINGTON, D.C.Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU) has introduced federal legislation to extend eligibility for national service programs to citizens of the Freely Associated States who reside in the United States and are otherwise eligible for these programs. Specifically her bill would amend Section 5 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to include citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands who reside in the U.S. on the list of eligible individuals. The current statute only allows U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents to participate in these programs. Because of the unique relationship between the U.S. and the Freely Associated States, FAS citizens are not required to obtain a visa or become lawful permanent residents to enter and reside in the U.S. Congresswoman Bordallo believes that FAS citizens who live in the U.S. should be allowed to participate in national service programs, similar to their ability to serve in our military or receive student financial aid. Her bill would fix this disparity and ensure that those who wish to participate in these programs are not disqualified simply because they do not meet the citizenship guidelines. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) of Hawaii and Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (Ind-MP) of the Northern Mariana Islands. Citizens from the Freely Associated States who reside in the U.S. should be allowed to participate in national community service programs, just as they are allowed to serve in our military or receive student aid to further their education, said Congresswoman Bordallo. It is only fair that if we can allow FAS citizens to serve in our military and protect our way of life, then we should also allow them to serve our local communities through community service. I was disappointed when last year several FAS citizens who had already begun their service projects were removed from the AmeriCorps program simply because they did not meet the citizenship eligibility requirements. These individuals are role models who want to help our community, and they should be allowed to do so through community service. I appreciate the leadership of Senator B.J. Cruz for championing this issue in the Guam Legislature and working with me to develop this bill. I also appreciate the support of my colleagues, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and Congressman Kilili Sablan from the Northern Mariana Islands, who are cosponsors of this bill. I look forward to working with them to move this bill through the legislative process and having it enacted it into law. This legislation would help tens of thousands of COFA migrants living in the United States, including more than 12,000 in Hawaii, gain valuable job training and skills, and give back to our community, by participating in programs that provide disaster relief services, educational opportunities, environmental restoration, and health care assistance to communities across the country, said Gabbard, who introduced legislation to reinstate Medicaid eligibility for COFA migrants last year. Bordallo is an original cosponsor of Gabbards bill. I thank Congresswoman Bordallo for identifying this problem in Guam and offering a solution that will help young people from the Freely Associated States living in the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii, and throughout the United States, said Sablan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/congressional-app-challenge-deadline-extended,Congressional App Challenge deadline extended,2016-01-11,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional App Challenge deadline extended Jan 10, 2016 High school students who would like to take the Congressional App Challenge now have until Thursday, January 21, 2016, 3:00pm EST (Friday, January 22, 2016, 6:00am CHST) to do so. The App Challenge invites young programmers across the nation to showcase their talents and learn valuable computer science skills. For more information, including competition guidelines and coding resources for students, visit https://www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us/ or contact your congressional office at Kilili@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/republicans-want-cut-insular-medicaid,Republicans want to cut insular Medicaid,2016-01-11,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Republicans want to cut insular Medicaid Jan 10, 2016 President Obama vetoed on Friday Republican legislation that cut Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands by an estimated $26 million. Medicaid for the other insular areas American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands would also have been cut. The vetoed bill passed the House this week with Republicans all voting to cut insular Medicaid funding, Democrats all voting against it. I worked very hard to get that money into the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. It increased NMI Medicaid from about $50 million to $158 million through the period ending in 2019 a three-fold jump. That money has been essential to keeping the Commonwealth Health Center open after the Commonwealth government took away its local funding. Health Center executive officer Esther Muna told the Saipan Tribune the Republican bill would be devastating for our people, the hospital and the entire health care system. Governor Ralph Torres echoed that concern. To reduce the federal funding for this important program that provides for lower-income households in the CNMI is a disservice to the disproportionate amount of the population living under the federal poverty guidelines, the Governor said. I agree with the Governor and thank President Obama for his action.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-january-8-2016,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - January 8, 2016",2016-01-11,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"In this issue: __________________________________________________________________________ Republicans want to cut insular Medicaid. President Obama vetoed today Republican legislation that cut Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands by an estimated $26 million. Medicaid for the other insular areas American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands would also have been cut. The vetoed bill passed the House this week with Republicans all voting to cut insular Medicaid funding, Democrats all voting against it. I worked very hard to get that money into the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. It increased NMI Medicaid from about $50 million to $158 million through the period ending in 2019 a three-fold jump. That money has been essential to keeping the Commonwealth Health Center open after the Commonwealth government took away its local funding. Health Center executive officer Esther Muna told the Saipan Tribune the Republican bill would be devastating for our people, the hospital and the entire health care system. Governor Ralph Torres echoed that concern. To reduce the federal funding for this important program that provides for lower-income households in the CNMI is a disservice to the disproportionate amount of the population living under the federal poverty guidelines, the Governor said. I agree with the Governor and thank President Obama for his action. Another sign of recovery. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that it will close its Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Capitol Hill on Saipan at the close of business on Monday, January 11. SBA has approved more than $10.9 million in low interest disaster loans to Saipan businesses and more than $13.3 million to individuals, the agency said. And, though the deadline to apply for property damage loans has expired, small businesses and nonprofits may continue to apply for working capital loans of up to $2 million. These Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available even if no property damage occurred to the business or nonprofit and may be used to pay fixed debt, payroll, and other bills that cannot be covered because of Typhoon Soudelor. The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for private nonprofits with terms up to 30 years. The deadline for EIDL applications is May 5, 2016. Apply at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, call: 800.659.2955, or e-mail: disastercustomerassistance@sba.gov. Opportunites - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: Grants: Accountable Health Communities The Accountable Health Communities model provides funding opportunities to community based organizations, healthcare providers practices, hospitals and health systems, institutions of higher education, local government entities, and local and national entities for the purpose of testing whether systematically identifying the health-related social needs of community-dwelling Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and addressing their identified needs impacts those beneficiaries. Current closing date is March 31, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280812. Telehealth Resource Center Grant Program Telehealth Resource Centers (TRCs) assist health care organizations, health care networks and health care providers in the implementation of cost-effective telehealth programs to serve rural and medically underserved areas and populations. Current closing date is March 4, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280809. Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement This program supports rural providers engaged in quality improvement initiatives through evidence-based quality improvement models, tests of change focused on improvement and use of health information technology to collect and report data. Current closing date is March 4, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280808. Improving Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking This program furthers the Department of Justices mission by encouraging partnerships between governments, courts, victim service providers, coalitions and rape crisis centers, to ensure that sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are treated as serious violations of criminal law requiring the coordinated involvement of the entire criminal justice system and community-based victim service organizations. Current closing date is March 3, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=280869. Jobs: Store Workers The Defense Commissary Agency, Department of Defense is accepting applications for Store Workers in Guam. Incumbents will maintain adequate stock, identify spoilage, damage, and out-of-date merchandise, receive supplies and items, operate computer system, and transport and display store items. Position is open until March 31, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424794700. Sales Store Checkers The Defense Commissary Agency, Department of Defense is accepting applications for Sales Store Checkers in Guam. Incumbents will operate an electronic system, manage change machines, assist customers, and manage self-check-out registers. Position is open until March 31, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424794400. Medical Administrative Assistant The Air Force Reserve Command is accepting applications for a Medical Administrative Assistant in Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve Technician Enlisted position is to serve as a Medical Administrative Assistant who will accomplish a variety of duties involving assisting in determining unit's readiness and capability to perform its peacetime/wartime mission. Position is open until January 11, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425337800. Operations Technician The Air Force Reserve Command is accepting applications for an Operations Technician in Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve Technician Enlisted position is to serve as an Operations Technician assisting the aviation resource management specialist in managing flying operations resources. Position is open until January 11, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425348400. Human Resources Assistant The Air Force Reserve Command is accepting applications for a Human Resource Assistant in Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve Technician Enlisted position is to serve as a Human Resources Assistant accomplishing military personnel functions within the unit personnel activity and to train reservists in the accomplishment of such tasks. Position is open until January 11, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425349600. Executive Officer The Air Force Reserve Command is accepting applications for an Executive Officer in Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve Technician Officer position is to serve as an Executive Officer or the group senior ART. The incumbent will administer and direct the group's executive support functions and ensure that day-to-day operations comply with the policies of the senior ART and the command. Position is open until January 11, 2016. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425438800. Highlights in the Legislative Program THIS WEEK: On the floor H.R.3762 Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 (Agreed to the Senate amendment, 240-181) H.R.1155 SCRUB Act of 2015 (Passed, 245-174) H.R.712 Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015 (Passed, 244-173) H.R.1927 Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2015 (Passed, 211-188) Co-sponsored Legislation H.R.4345 To expand the eligibility of individuals from Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau for participation in National Service Programs, and for other purposes NEXT WEEK: On the floor H.R.757 North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act H.R.3662 Iran Terror Transparency Act S.J.Res.22 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of waters of the United States under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-us-republicans-cut-medicaid-nmi-other-insular-areas,"Kilili: US Republicans cut Medicaid for NMI, other insular areas",2016-01-08,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Marianas Variety WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Congressional Delegate) -The Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives voted to take away approximately $26 million in Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands that was part of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Funding for the other insular areas American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands was similarly cut. Republicans also voted to raise the local match required for Medicaid to 50 percent. The Affordable Care Act had lowered the local share for the insular areas to 45 percent. The bill, H.R. 3762, has already passed the Senate and now goes to President Obama for action. He is expected to veto it. We worked very, very hard to get increased Medicaid funding for our islands into the Affordable Care Act in 2009, said U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan in response to the Republican action. To date that amounts to over $52 million, new money that was essential to keeping the Commonwealth Health Center open after the hospital lost local funding. And the Northern Marianas still has another $57 million in the Affordable Care Act pipeline between now and 2019. What the Republican bill would do is end all of that funding in 2017 a loss of about $26 million to CHC and to the low-income families who depend on Medicaid to pay for their health care. I just do not understand how any political party can justify taking so much from people who have so little, Sablan said. In addition to the straight loss of federal Medicaid dollars for the insular areas, H.R. 3762 is also a setback to the effort to get the same treatment as states on the local match for Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act took a step in the right direction by changing the local/federal cost-share from 50/50 to 45/55, Sablan said. That gave us a better local/federal match than 22 states. Of course, if we were treated exactly like a state and the match was calculated based on income levels in the Marianas, it would be in the neighborhood of 20 percent local and 80 percent federal. Being treated like a state for Medicaid remains my goal. But todays Republican vote takes us in the opposite direction. I am glad that President Obama will be vetoing this bad legislation and standing up for families in the Northern Mariana Islands, who would not have access to health care except for the Medicaid program, Sablan said. Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid funding increased from about $50 million to $158 million over the 10-year period ending in September 2019 a three-fold increase. What I want to be talking about now is what comes after 2019, Congressman Sablan explained. CHC and poor families here cannot go back to the days when we only received $5 million per year for Medicaid. We should be enacting legislation that continues or expands the new funding provided by the Affordable Care Act. Instead, the majority wants to take us backwards to the way Medicaid worked in the Northern Marianas before 2009. In a separate interview, Gov. Ralph Torres said: Regardless of the politics surrounding the Affordable Care Act in Washington, D.C, the fact of the matter is that Medicaid services provide access to healthcare to a vast number of our residents. To reduce the federal funding for this important program that provides for lower-income households in the CNMI is a disservice to the disproportionate amount of the population living under the federal poverty guidelines. I appreciate and applaud Congressman Sablans efforts to protect our Medicaid program and our ability to continue the necessary work to improve the overall health outcomes of our people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/uscis-processes-800-cw-applications,USCIS processes 800 CW applications,2016-01-05,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Marianas Variety- U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan says U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processed 800 CW-1 permit renewal applications on Tuesday, local time, and assured him that most of these applications will be approved. In a media conference, Sablan said he received a call from Leon Rodriguez, the USCIS director, on Tuesday morning telling the congressman that the 800 applications for CW permit renewals submitted at least 90 days before expiration would be processed by the end of the day, Tuesday. Rodriguez was in Washington, D.C. while Sablan was on Saipan when they spoke on the phone. He assured me that they are going to approve most of the applications and only a small number will require more evidence from the applicants and a smaller number will probably be denied, Sablan said during the press conference. USCIS, he added, will continue to process the other 2,000 pending renewal applications submitted later than 90 days before their expiration. Sablan said USCIS informed him that there were 2,800 applications backlogged at the processing center in California of which 800 were filed 90 days before expiration and 2,000 were filed later. That was unacceptable to me and we are already seeing the negative effects of that backlog with businesses having to close or cut back hours, he said. Sablan urged employers to go online and check the status of their applications. If these have been approved already, employers should print them out and keep copies until the originals come in by mail. He said USCIS will continue to provide additional resources and the people assigned to review this process will continue to review the other petitions as they move forward hopefully we can resolve this issue sooner rather than later. Sablan said he also inquired about the status of his request for a 240-day grace period regulation. Mr. Rodriguez doesnt have an immediate answer for me they are again circling the wagons as they talk to lawyers. Because my request was for an emergency regulation, even if they were to approve it after the final publication in the Federal Register, it still needs 30 days to become effective. But I will continue to urge them to approve it, and I have a good feeling about getting that finalized sooner than later. I cant say when, but I can say that we will not have this kind of problem [again this year] orcome 2017, he added. Sablan said he asked USCIS to include the CWs in their review of the processing for all kinds of visas. 240 days is for certain H visas and other kinds of visas so we ask that they include the CW permits in the drafting of those regs. Sablan said that his office has been working daily even during the holidays to make sure that USCIS put extra people to work on the processing of CW renewal applications and other measures that could help keep affected CNMI businesses open. He said they have been in touch with USCIS officials every day since the backlog was revealed. I very much appreciate that Director Rodriguez called today to give me an update and give me his personal commitment that he is taking action and that we will see results today, Sablan said. He plans to visit the USCIS office in California on Thursday to find out if there are more updates. He wont be able to attend the memorial services that the CNMI government is preparing for the late Gov. Eloy S. Inos, as Sablan said he will be in the states to follow up on the 902 consultations with the White House that the late governor requested in October. Sablan said Gov. Ralph Torres has asked him to deliver a letter to the White House. The administration plans to discuss CW and military buildup issues during the 902 talks. The end of the CW program in 2019 is still a very important issue, Sablan said. We have workers here that dont qualify for H visas and so CW is a catch-all. I dont want the employers to lose their CW employees because the CW slots are being filled by construction workers who should be hired through the H--B visa process instead.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/week-congress-december-30-2015,"THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS - December 30, 2015",2016-01-05,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"In this issue: __________________________________________________________________________ Working together with the new Torres administration. Our new Governor, Ralph DLG Torres, led the response and recovery to Typhoon Soudelor; and the congressional office assisted by making sure that every federal resource he called for was provided fully and quickly. In a meeting with Governor Torres this week I pledged to continue that model of cooperation and partnership with his new administration for the benefit of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. I thanked the Governor, too, for leading us all through these days of grief with grace and courage. 2015 - The Year in Review. 2015 will be remembered in part as the year of Typhoon Soudelor. Complete recovery is still to be accomplished, but federal assistance helped local hands respond to the immediate emergency and will continue to aid in restoration of homes and public infrastructure. 2015 was also a year of significant accomplishment in Washington. January 16% NAP benefit increase for Saipan takes effect- Food stamp beneficiaries on Saipan received a 16 percent increase in their benefits. The Saipan increase followed a 28 percent increase for Tinian and 62 percent for Rota and the Northern Islands that took effect in 2014. Seniority pays off in Committee assignment- Six years of seniority allowed the Northern Marianas Delegate to win promotion to Vice-Ranking Member for the Natural Resources Committee. February H.R. 851 aims to increase federal funding for PSS- As it became apparent that the Elementary and Secondary Education Act would finally be reauthorized, I introduced legislation to increase federal education funding for our Public School System a move that paid off in December. March Presidents budget includes funding for Rota National Park study- The study was only authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2014, but the President immediately proposed funding. April Community Health Centers, CHIP benefit from doc fix- The Kagman Community Health Center was assured of funding through 2017 in Public Law 114-10. The law also extended the CHIP program, which will provide $1.4 million for health insurance for children from low-income families in the Northern Marianas in 2016. June Geothermal explorations get green light- CUC got the go-ahead to use technical assistance funds provided by Congress to continue exploring geothermal potential on Saipan. Hot water deep below the surface could generate electricity and lower the cost of power. July Foxx-Messer-Sablan Act would help students select college- Along with Education and the Workforce Committee members Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Luke Messer (R-IN), I introduced H.R. 3178 to help students and their families get the facts they need to make decisions about college. TheSablan.house.govwebsite also added resources for college-bound students. August President signs disaster declaration, releasing federal aid- We worked with the White House to get a declarationwithin 30 hoursof the request from the CNMI and federal aid quickly followed: Home repair:$24.6 million in aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency reached 4,821 households. Commonwealth Health Center:The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped CUC quickly restore power to the hospital. Debris removal:U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit cleared debris from schools and roadways, making it easier to replace power poles. Water:Marines also set up a reverse osmosis purification system and gave out drinking water in villages around Saipan. Replacement food:The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved emergency food stamps helping over 12,000 households. Business recovery:The U.S. Small Business Administration loaned out $23 million to get business and individuals back on their feet. Postal services:The U.S. Post Office in Saipan resumed operations using generator power. Immigration services:The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services center on Saipan maintained regular hours. Customs and Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration kept their airport operations up and running. Environmental protection:Along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Coast Guard contained a dangerous spill of gasoline and helped remove damaged boats blocking the Saipan harbor. EPA also provided hazardous waste disposal around the island. Establishing NMI National Guard found feasible- The report I included in the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act was issued and found that it would be feasible to have a Northern Marianas National Guard unit. Soudelor underscored the need for the Governor to have this additional resource in times of emergency. I followed up with introduction ofH.R. 3649, creating an NMI Guard. September His Holiness Pope Francis addressed a joint meeting of Congress- To maintain a proper decorum as the Pope entered, sixteen Members, including the representative of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, were selected to line the corridor. October Saipan Troop Store project bids close- Contractors submitted proposals for the 5,000-square-foot expansion of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Troop Store located at the Army Reserve Center on Saipan. Bidding had been delayed to check for unexploded ordnance. The store serves about 4,000 active and reserve service members, retirees, and their families and needs a major overhaul. First year of stretched-out CW program- Last year, I was able to get the foreign worker program extended through 2019, instead of ending in 2014. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services set the cap on workers at 12,999 for 2016, but with four years now remaining the need to convert to U.S. workers remains pressing, if growth is to continue in our islands. November College and Career workshops begin for NMI students- As part of the effort to beef up the local workforce, the congressional office began workshops for Northern Marianas high school students. We offered information on how to decide on college, in-demand jobs and options for vocational training, and opportunities for service in the military, AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. Three academy slots added for NMI students- President Obama signed the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act into law, adding three new slots for Northern Mariana Islands students at the U.S. service academies. Now, we have gone from three slots, when I came into office in 2009, to nine positions set aside for NMI young people. December Highway funds for NMI increased- Transit and safety programs worth $1.2 million annually to the Northern Marianas and an additional $8 million in highway construction funds for the NMI, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands are included in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Public Law 114-94. New education law means millions for NMI schools- Millions of dollars in new funding for Northern Mariana Islands schools will result from the Every Student Succeeds Act, Public Law 114-95. The new law contains proposals from my bill,H.R. 851, to raise Title I-A grant funds going to U.S. insular areas. The Congressional Research Service projects Northern Marianas funding will go up from the current $6.8 million to $11.1 million each year, beginning next October. Soudelor commendations added to the Congressional Record- In a statement before Congress, I recognized and expressed appreciation to all who made possible the recovery from Typhoon Soudelor. The hard work of the local government, charitable organizations, businesses, and many friends near and far deserves this lasting recognition. Consolidated appropriations act aids the NMI- The fiscal 2016 funding and tax extension law, P.L. 114-113 contains numerous benefits for people and programs in the Northern Marianas: Rota and Tinian harbor projects get $600,000:The law includes my request to fund the Rota and Tinian harbor improvements. This is the first year of direct funding for the two projects, which will eventually cost about $3 million each. Rota National Park study funded:The study was only authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2014, but funding is now available. $6 million for Clean Water/Safe Drinking Water:The improved formula for the NMI and other insular areas continues, bringing total funding over the last 7 years to approximately $51.6 million. Pell Grants increased.The maximum grant will be $5,915, an increase of $140 in the 2016-2017 school year for NMC students. Teacher tax credit made permanent:Teachers may continue to deduct up to $250 in out-of-pocket costs. American Opportunities Tax Credit made permanent:Families get a credit of up to $2,500 per college student per school year. Funds are covered over to the CNMI Treasury. Child Tax Credit made permanent:The credit is based on the number of children in a family. Funds are covered over to the CNMI Treasury. USCIS assures action on pending CW petitions. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has responded to my calls for action on delayed renewals of Commonwealth-only worker permits by moving CW applications submitted over 90 days ago for permits that expire this week to the front of the line for processing about 800 in all. Extra staff have also been added to clear the backlog of CW applications. USCIS has told me that they expect to act on these 800 CW petitions by the end of this week. Another 2,000 applications that were not submitted before the recommended 90 days will also receive the extra staff attention I called for. I urge employers with applications that are more than 90 days old to contact the congressional office. I also recommend that employers submit applications for renewals as early as possible they may do so up to 180 days prior to expiration. FEMA obligates $1.2 million for CUC Soudelor repairs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced this week a grant of $1,194,653.70 to the Northern Mariana Islands. The funds are intended to be passed through to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation for costs of restoring power on Saipan following Typhoon Soudelor. These public assistance funds are authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act and should continue to be obligated for a variety of public infrastructure that was damaged during the storm. FEMA provides 90 percent of funding; the Commonwealth provides 10 percent, a reduction of the usual 25 percent match. Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for and in the Marianas: Grants: National Arts and Humanities The Presidents Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, invites applications for the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards. Current closing date isFebruary 2, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.neh.gov/grants/pcah/national-arts-and-humanities-youth-program-awards. Jobs: Immigration Services Assistant (Office Automation) The Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security is accepting applications for an Immigration Services Assistant in Guam. Incumbent will be supporting Immigration Services Officers, providing security checks in accordance with DHS/USCIS laws and policies; researching, collecting, correlating and analyzing data to ensure the integrity of information and preparation of report; providing direct service to customers and their representatives, and managing files, databases and correspondence. Position is open until January 4, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425257600. Biologist The Geological Survey, Department of the Interior is accepting applications for a Biologist in Guam. Incumbent will conduct fieldwork on brown tree snakes and other reptiles on Pacific Islands; perform quality assurance and control on data and transmitting results to project leaders; organize, coordinate, and lead brown tree snake projects; and conduct workshop, outreach materials and work with government, local authorities, and private citizens. Position is open until January 4, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/424910300. IT Specialist (Data Management) The National Guard Unit, Department of the Army is accepting applications for an IT Specialist in Guam. Incumbent will develop and review the administration, implement policy for use of data, analyze database operations, determine equipment demands, and provide technical advice, among other duties. Position is open untilJanuary 25, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/423212900. Closed Microphone Reporter The Air Force Personnel Center, Department of the Air Force is accepting applications for a Closed Microphone Reporter. Incumbent will utilize a closed microphone or similar mechanical equipment, transcribe and assemble records of trail, performs actions necessary to prepare hearings, uses varied and advanced functions of word processing software. Position is open untilJanuary 12, 2016. For more information, go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/425124300. Highlights in the Legislative Program THIS WEEK: The House is in recess for the District Work Period. NEXT WEEK: The House floor schedule for next week has not been released.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sablan.house.gov/kilili-no-reason-be-alarmed-video-woman%E2%80%99s-threats-cops,Kilili: No reason to be alarmed by video of womans threats to cops,2016-01-04,2016,2016-01,Independent,Senate,MP,Gregorio Sablan,S001177,sablan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Saipan Tribune- Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan has assured that, at this time, there is no reason to be alarmed by a video circulating on social media that captured a womans call warning Guam and Saipan police about an alleged group coming to kill the police force and take over families. Saipan Tribune tried yesterday to obtain comments from the Department of Public Safetys information office, but there was no reply as of press time. On his Facebook account, Sablan said a video of a telephone call discussing threats against police officers in Guam and the CNMI has gone viral. Sablan said federal authorities have informed his office that while they have not found this call to be credible, they are aware of the call and are looking into its origin. The delegate was referring to the video of a womans call to a Guam police precinct that the Guam Police Department confirmed was received last New Years Eve and classified as terroristic conduct. The caller first identified herself as Victoria Tudela, but later changed it to Stephanie Doris Cruz. Theyre American citizens trying to come on island to kill the police force and to take over our families. Im going to call the international police for the islands of the Marianas Islands. And I am going to notify the FBI here in the United States and let everybody know, the woman stated in the recording.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z