House Floor Leader Joseph N. Camacho, R-Saipan, introduced H.B. 16-92 upon CPA’s request.
The bill, which was passed by the House in May, remains pending in the Senate.
Camacho said he is aware of CPA’s financial condition, but he remains non-committal regarding the proposal to “forgive” the agency’s $6 million debt to the Commonwealth Development Authority.
“It’s still being discussed by the leadership and has yet to be introduced as a bill,” Camacho told Variety.
But he said the 24-hour availability of alcohol beverages at the airports’ holding area “is a sure way” to help the agency.
According to Camacho, passengers arriving and departing at CNMI airports come from different time zones and should not be subject to time restrictions.
Under the current law, alcohol products can be sold at airports from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
