WASHINGTON (WRO) — The new House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs announced on Wednesday that it will hold an oversight hearing on the “Current Economic, Social and Security Conditions of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,” on April 19, at 10 a.m., in Room 1324 of the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill.
“I understand that this will be the first of two hearings,” Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio said. “This one will focus on a federal perspective, but I do not know yet who will be invited to testify.”
He added, “It is my impression, from Subcommittee Chairwoman Donna Christensen, D-V.I., that she wants to take a thorough look at our problems, and I see this as an opportunity to again work with willing members of Congress to see that our economic needs are met. I do not see that as interference and I welcome this as an opportunity to share the scope of our problems and work towards sound solutions.”
Tenorio also confirmed the visit of five congressional staff members next Thursday, April 5. The team, headed by Tony Babauta, the majority staff director for the subcommittee, will be breaking away from a congressional delegation visit on Guam for one day to make some initial courtesy calls in the CNMI.