Rep. Diego T. Benavente, R-Saipan, is referring to Section 902 of the islands’ Covenant with the U.S. which allows for periodic consultations between the commonwealth and federal governments “on all matters affecting the relationship between them.”
“It’s really the ideal tool for negotiation,” said the former lt. governor who chaired the CNMI’s 902 panel in the previous administration.
Benavente said Fitial should air his concerns regarding the federalization law through the 902 talks.
The governor appoints the members of the CNMI 902 panel which holds talks with the designated representative of the U.S. president.
“We will pressure the governor to call for 902 talks,” said Benavente.
Fitial has retained the U.S.-based law firm, Jenner & Block, to review the lawsuit that his special legal counsel, Howard P. Willens, drafted against the U.S. government.
The federal government recently sent a nine-man delegation to Saipan this week to meet with administration officials, lawmakers and representatives of business and guest worker groups.
The governor described their meetings as “productive” and added that his administration “is committed to meaningful negotiations with all federal agencies involved in” the implementation of the federalization law.
“We would like to see and comment on any draft regulations before they are published for public comments,” he said in a statement.
“These regulations will surely impact the commonwealth’s economy—and the common-wealth’s future — in some very important respects. We need — and deserve — the opportunity to help shape the regulations in a timely manner,” Fitial added.
