WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Congressional Delegate) — Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced that FEMA has confirmed the CNMI’s request for Disaster Unemployment Assistance following Super Typhoon Sinlaku remains under active federal review.
Following recent public questions regarding the status of Disaster Unemployment Assistance, King-Hinds spoke directly with FEMA Region 9 Administrator Robert Fenton to clarify the federal process and determine what actions remain before assistance can be awarded. FEMA confirmed that the CNMI formally requested DUA as part of the Sinlaku recovery process, remains eligible, and that the request is now under review.
FEMA also explained that for awards exceeding $1 million, the agency must notify Congress and allow a 72-hour review period before funds are disbursed. That statutory notification process does not require a vote or separate approval by Congress before FEMA may proceed.
“I agree that Disaster Unemployment Assistance is needed, and I understand how difficult the wait is for workers and families,” said King-Hinds. “As with other disaster programs, federal action begins after the local government submits the request. That request has now been made, the federal review is underway, and my office will keep working to make sure the process moves as quickly and clearly as possible.”
Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides temporary income assistance to workers, including certain self-employed individuals, who lose work as a direct result of a major disaster and are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. The CNMI’s major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Sinlaku designated the entire Commonwealth, including Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands, for Individual Assistance.
Although Disaster Unemployment Assistance is federally funded, the program is carried out through the CNMI government under a federally approved operational plan and budget. Once approved, the CNMI Department of Labor will administer the program in coordination with FEMA and the U.S. Department of Labor and in accordance with the approved plan.
“CNMI DOL submitted the request and has been preparing for implementation,” King-Hinds said. “These programs require coordination between the Commonwealth, FEMA, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Our job is to help keep that process moving, get clear answers from the federal government, and make sure workers are not left waiting any longer than necessary.”
FEMA has indicated it will provide additional public information regarding the DUA process and the status of the CNMI’s request. King-Hinds’s office has also shared local points of contact with FEMA to help the agency coordinate directly with CNMI DOL and Commonwealth officials.
“Families and businesses affected by Sinlaku deserve accurate information and timely action,” King-Hinds said. “We now have greater clarity on the federal process, and my office will continue pressing for a prompt decision and, when approved, a smooth implementation of the program.”
King-Hinds said her office will continue working with FEMA, CNMI DOL, and other federal partners to monitor the request, support local implementation efforts, and keep affected workers informed.
