By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

THE islands’ dire social and economic problems are “a shame” to the U.S., the world’s biggest economy, according to Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio.
In his testimony on Thursday before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs chaired by Congresswoman Donna Christensen, D-Virgin Islands, Tenorio reiterated the CNMI’s need for federal assistance while urging the federal government to proceed with caution in any proposal that will extend federal minimum wage and immigration laws to the islands.
“I fear now that our economy is swiftly becoming a basket case and a failure. It is indeed a shame when any place in America can be described this way. I am here today to appeal for assistance in getting us out of this serious predicament. Now, more than ever, Congress should exercise its oversight, expend its resources and provide technical assistance to help us avoid economic and social chaos,” Tenorio said in his testimony.
Unlike other U.S. jurisdictions, he added, the CNMI’s access to federal welfare programs is very limited.
“We have few safety nets that normally protect society from the adverse consequences of poverty. We do not have unemployment programs or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. We have a small food stamp program that I worry will not be able to expand to meet future needs,” Tenorio said.
“Fortunately, our close-knit extended social structure has been able to mitigate the situation to some extent. We are seeing one or two breadwinners providing for the needs of all those in a family housing compound. I and other elected officials are asked daily for money so that fathers can feed their children,” he added.
Reports reaching Tenorio’s office indicate that hundreds of Chamorro and Carolinian families have short-sold their property so they can move to Guam, Hawaii or the U.S. mainland.
Tenorio fears if this exodus continues, the islands will lose their highly skilled and trained local people.
He added, “The cost of utilities, food items, fuel, education, shipping, medical services and other essential amenities increase almost daily...Madam chairwoman, I could go on with the depressing scenarios people in the CNMI face. We must admit that these challenges are too daunting and tough for us alone to tackle. I feel that we simply cannot survive on our own. I am here to request your intervention and assistance.”