But some lawmakers said they, too, are disappointed with the governor for pushing through with the lawsuit instead of taking the less confrontational negotiation route.
In his State of the Commonwealth Address, Fitial said the federalization law is perhaps the CNMI’s biggest obstacle to economic recovery.
“A few people are unduly fixated on our…lawsuit rather than the reasons behind the lawsuit. Given the significant economic harm presented by federalization, I am disappointed that more members of our Legislature did not get behind our efforts to oppose federalization and support our 903 lawsuit,” he said in his speech.
“As elected leaders of this commonwealth, we swore to uphold our constitution and our Covenant agreement with the United States. I believe I am honoring my oath of office by properly bringing this matter to the attention of the federal courts, as provided for in Section 903 of our Covenant and I look forward to the resolution of this case,” he added and stressed that because of the federalization law the CNMI stands to lose its Russian and Chinese tourism markets.
The governor reiterated that the federalization law “was approved without meaningful economic studies for political reasons.”
“Federalization harms our local self-government and presents formidable and unprecedented economic challenges,” he said.
Rep. Diego T. Benavente, R-Saipan, R-Saipan and chairman of the House Committee on U.S. and Foreign Relations, said some lawmakers are disappointed that the governor went through with the lawsuit.
Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, R-Saipan, said it’s unfair to blame federalization for the islands’ economic problems.
He said the First Hawaiian Bank’s economic report indicated that federalization may stabilize the business climate in the CNMI.
House Minority Leader Oscar M. Babauta, Covenant-Saipan, said the lawsuit is an important option that the CNMI must exercise.
“I supported the governor in that endeavor. It’s an issue that we need to clarify,” he said.
Majority of the lawmakers praised the governor for being candid about the state of the commonwealth.
Benavente said although the governor “picked” on the Legislature as he did in the past, his speech was actually issue-oriented.
“Overall, I thought it was a good State of the Commonwealth Address. It was very informative. This particular delivery was one of the best,” he said.
Senate President Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, agreed.
“I was impressed with his State of the Commonwealth Address,” he said and stressed that he agrees with the governor that the Legislature should cooperate with the administration to accomplish things for the benefit of the public.
Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan did not deliver his anticipated first delegate report. There was no immediate information when he would deliver it.
