Sablan, the CNMI’s first congressional delegate, said he is also not required by law to deliver a report to the commonwealth unlike the resident representatives to Washington, D.C. in the past.
He said he told the administration he could not attend the governor’s address because of his commitment to join the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services which arranged the trip to the Middle East.
The delegation that went to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait was led by Congressman James Langevin, D- Rhode Island.
Sablan said they left the nation’s capital on May 25 for Dubai en route to their week-long trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait where some of the local troops are stationed.
From Dubai, the delegation went back to Washington but Sablan chose to go to Saipan. He arrived here on June 1 and will stay through the weekend before going back to Washington.
Sablan said there are talks with the U.S. Postal Service to create a stamp for the 442nd Echo Company to honor its patriotism.
Sablan said the local troops warmly greeted the delegation during their visit.
“My heart goes out to them,” he added.
