Benavente, R-Saipan, for instance is just a member of one panel — the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Other Republicans in the House are facing the same situation but Benavente said that’s not stopping them from performing their responsibilities as legislators.
“There’s really nothing we can do about that. It’s the prerogative of the chairs to appoint their members,” he told the Variety.
“I served as speaker for three terms and I feel that [bipartisan] participation is necessary in the committee level is necessary. We always encourage committees to have mixed memberships. There are 20 House members and it would be good if every member can have memberships in at least two committees,” he added.
The ruling Covenant Party assumed the House leadership after four Independents aligned with it.
The four were rewarded with committee chairmanships.
Saipan Independent Rep. Stanley T. Torres, who resigned from the House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications chairmanship in the 16th Legislature, is once again the head of the panel.
Saipan Independent Rep. Fredrick P. Deleon Guerrero chairs the House Committee on U.S. and Foreign Affairs, which Benavente headed in the 16th House.
Rota Independent Rep. Teresita Santos chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Benavente said the House minority is happy as far are sessions are concerned under the leadership of Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan.
“So far, it’s good as far as the session is concerned,” said Benavente.
