By Jude O. Marfil
For Variety

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairwoman Donna M. Christensen of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs says the CNMI, like other territories and commonwealths, should have a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
But Christensen, D-Virgin Islands, said this congressional representation should not be linked to the proposed extension of federal minimum wage and immigration laws to the CNMI.
“I really don’t think (a delegate bill and federal takeover) should be tied to each other,” she said. “The people of the CNMI need to have their own representative. It’s time for that. We’re hoping that in this Congress we can make that happen.”
Besides Christensen, Guam’s congressional delegate, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, and U.S. Deputy Assistant Interior Secretary for Insular Affairs David B. Cohen are also supporting the CNMI delegate bill.
Cohen reminded Congress that six CNMI servicemembers have already died for their nation in the ongoing war against terrorism: Army Sgt. Eddie Chen, Army Sgt. Wilgene Lieto, Army Spc. Derrence Jack, Army Sgt. Jesse Castro, Marine Lance Cpl. Adam Quitugua Emul and Army Spc. Leeroy Camacho.
“Please consider their sacrifices while we embrace the need to support the CNMI during a difficult time. Before considering legislation that would drastically change the lives of the people of the CNMI, we hope that Congress will consider granting them a seat at the table at which their fate will be decided,” Cohen said in his nine-page testimony submitted to today’s subcommittee hearing.
Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio also mentioned the CNMI delegate bill in his nine-page testimony..
“I desperately want reason to prevail in any congressional actions that will affect the CNMI,” he said. “Let us proceed in a logical manner. I respectfully request that prior to the introduction of any other legislation that the CNMI delegate bill be re-introduced and acted on first.”