(Office of the CNMI Governor) — On Tuesday, Gov. David M. Apatang and his Section 902 Consultations Team continued negotiations with the federal government in Washington D.C., underscoring the need for immediate federal regulatory changes and financial support amid the Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis.
Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and representatives from federal agencies, including the Departments of Commerce, State, Transportation, and Treasury, were present for the robust meeting. The governor also met with Undersecretary of the Navy Hung Cao, who serves as the Department of War’s senior defense official for Guam and the Northern Marianas.
“The Commonwealth does not need a hand out from the federal government, it needs a hand up,” said Governor Apatang at the outset of Tuesday’s meeting. “We are here in good faith, we ask for partnership, and we ask that the Covenant be honored” he continued. This round of 902 consultations focuses on four critical issue areas: budgetary support, tourism and transportation, access to labor, and activities by the Department of War in the Commonwealth. Importantly, the delegation emphasized three priorities: preserving EVS-TAP, securing continued federal tax cover-over payments, and pursuing administrative reforms to strengthen the CW-1 visa program.
As the governor continues to lead the CNMI delegation in Washington, he will meet with senior officials from the Department of War, the Department of Homeland Security, and key congressional committees on Capitol Hill throughout the week. The CNMI administration seeks to achieve sustainable, effective, and rightful support from the federal government, while strengthening partnership and collaboration.
