(Office of the CNMI Delegate-Elect) — Kimberlyn King-Hinds, delegate-elect for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, has been appointed to the influential U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure or T&I Committee for the upcoming congressional term.
The announcement was made following a vote by the Republican Steering Committee, with input from T&I Chairman Sam Graves, R-MO. King-Hinds joins a slate of new Republican members who will serve on the committee, tasked with overseeing key federal policies on transportation systems, infrastructure development, maritime issues, and economic resilience — areas that are critical to the CNMI’s growth and sustainability.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,” King-Hinds stated. “This committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that directly impact the CNMI, from establishing reliable and affordable transportation networks to addressing infrastructure needs and strengthening our economy that is so reliant on access to the world. The transportation challenges of our islands have been limiting opportunities for our people, and the soaring costs for basic utility services are top of mind for nearly all our residents. I look forward to taking this opportunity to work with my colleagues and ensure that the CNMI’s unique challenges and opportunities are part of the national conversation and see results for our people.”
King-Hinds emphasized the importance of her appointment in addressing the CNMI’s immediate infrastructure needs, particularly regarding ports, utilities, and transportation systems, which are essential for economic development, community well-being, public safety, and disaster preparedness.
On Tuesday, as part of her ongoing listening tour with government agencies, King-Hinds met with officials from the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation to discuss the CNMI’s pressing infrastructure needs. The meeting focused on priorities for power generation, water, and wastewater services — critical areas that impact both economic growth and residents’ quality of life. “Our labor force, businesses, and families all rely on reliable and affordable utilities,” King-Hinds said. “The discussions today with CUC officials reaffirmed the need for immediate action and targeted investments to address these challenges.”
“Our inclusion on this committee provides the CNMI with a stronger platform to advocate for the CNMI’s infrastructure priorities,” King-Hinds continued. “From expanding investments in our ports to improving resilience against natural disasters and securing opportunities to help families with the rising costs of utilities, I am excited to get started on ensuring the needs of our islands are understood and met.”
The T&I Committee oversees matters related to federal transportation systems, water infrastructure, maritime commerce, and economic development — making it a key driver of initiatives to improve connectivity, strengthen trade, and support communities like the CNMI.
King-Hinds joins other newly appointed members, including Representatives-elect Tom Barrett, R-MI, Nick Begich, R-AK, Brad Knott, R-NC, Addison McDowell, R-NC, Jefferson Shreve, R-IN, Rob Bresnahan, R-PA, Jeff Hurd, R-CO, and Dave Taylor, R-OH.
King-Hinds concluded, “This appointment reflects the recognition of the CNMI’s importance to national infrastructure conversations and reaffirms my commitment to delivering results for our people. I am excited to begin this work and to amplify the CNMI’s voice in Washington, D.C.”
Kimberlyn King-Hinds
Delegate-Elect Kimberlyn King-Hinds alongside Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Chief Financial Officer Betty Terlaje, CUC Executive Director Kevin Watson, and CUC Board of Directors Chair Janice Tenorio.
