Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan tag:sablan.house.gov,2008-09-11://4 2009-11-23T18:41:39Z Press Releases from Representative Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan within the last 90 days Movable Type Enterprise 4.24-en Shooting Tragedy in the Northern Mariana Islands tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.577 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan issued the following statement of condolence in response to the shooting tragedy that has occurred in the Northern Mariana Islands. A lone gunman killed four people, including two children, and wounded six others before taking his own life.

“Today our hearts are heavy as we pray for those killed or injured in the terrible shootings on the island of Saipan.

“No words any of us can say to the families of the victims can lessen the pain they must feel at this sudden and horrible tragedy. We only hope that the families can take comfort knowing that the thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with them.

“Our community also owes its thanks to the emergency personnel, health care workers, and other officials and citizens who responded so quickly in the face of danger to treat the injured and to protect the children and people on our island. We are all so grateful for their bravery.

“For those left behind now the process of recovery begins. The security we take for granted in our island homes has been broken by this senseless act of violence.  But it is my hope that the strength of our extended family structure and our bonds as a community will see us through. As the Psalms say, ‘weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.’ Though we will never forget the pain or the loved ones lost, with prayer and mutual support we can heal and again find peace.”

]]> Kilili: Support builds in Congress for Echo Company resolution tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.576 10th anniversary of NMI Reserve unit to be honored

Saipan, MP — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has now gathered 53 co-sponsors for his bill honoring the NMI’s Army Reserve unit, Echo Company of the 100th Battalion of the 442d Infantry. House Concurrent Resolution 199 recognizes the 10th anniversary of the activation of Echo Company and the sacrifice of its soldiers and their families in support of the United States. 

“On this Veteran’s Day we honor all of our current and former service members and their families for their commitment and sacrifice to this country,” said Kilili.

“And I am especially glad to report that the Resolution I have authored, honoring the troops and families of Echo Company, continues to gather support among my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I am working with Chairman Ike Skelton of the House Armed Services Committee, who has agreed to move this legislation; and I look forward to passage by the House and then the Senate.”

Echo Company has been an integral part of the Northern Mariana Islands community for 10 years and recently returned from their second tour of duty in Iraq.

Kilili’s floor statement recognizing Echo Company can be seen on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYehL3aWZ40&feature=channel

For copies of House Concurrent Resolution 199 please contact Congressman Sablan’s District Office at the Joeten Plaza in Susupe or call the District Office at 670-323-2647.
 

]]> Daughter of San Roque honored in U.S. House of Representatives tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.575 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, has spoken on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the achievements of a Chamorro soldier, Sergeant Michelle Brookfield Wilmot.  

Michelle Wilmot was recently honored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the 2009 Outstanding Woman Veteran Award. The Award is presented by the Department  of Veterans’ Services, Women Veterans’ Network, to Massachusetts residents for exemplary military and community service in the face of personal hardship.

Michelle is the daughter of Teresita Aguon Santos Brookfield, from San Roque, Saipan, and Stephen Brookfield of Boston, Massachusetts.   Her maternal grandparents are Enrique San Nicolas Santos and Ignacia Aguon Santos, both deceased.

WIlmot joined the U.S. Army and served for 8 years.  She was deployed to Iraq from 2005 to 2006 and served as a medic and a mental health NCO.  While in Iraq, Michelle saw combat along with her unit.

“Michelle was a member of Team Lioness,” says Sablan, “the first female Army team attached to Marine infantry units to conduct operations such as raids, checkpoints, and searches for weapons and explosives.”

As a member of Team Lioness, Michelle was featured in the documentary film, “Lioness”, and in a chapter of Kirsten Holmstedt’s book, “The Girls Come Marching Home.”
Michelle holds a BS degree in political science with a specialty in Middle Eastern studies.  She also speaks seven languages, including Arabic.

As a medic and mental health technician, and later as a retention specialist for the Army, Michelle gained valuable knowledge about the problems veterans face when returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.  These experiences enabled her to find her present calling, which is to help fellow veterans, traumatized by the war on terror, to make the adjustment to civilian life.

Currently, Wilmot serves as a Program Director at the Northeast Veteran Training and Rehabilitation Center in Gardner, Massachusetts.  This facility treats veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, homelessness, traumatic brain Injuries, and a range of physical and psychological ailments.

As a result of all her service, Michelle Wilmot was chosen as a recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Woman Veteran Award in Massachusetts.
Congressman Kilili hopes that Michelle’s achievements will serve as an inspiration to the young people of the Commonwealth set their sights high and be all they can be.

“On behalf of all the people of the Northern Marianas,” concluded Sablan, “I congratulate Sergeant Michelle Brookfield Wilmot and thank her for her shining example.”

]]> Kilili Joins Congressional Military Family Caucus tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.574 U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and more than 70 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives have joined the new bi-partisan Congressional Military Family Caucus. The Caucus will focus on identifying solutions to the challenges military families face... U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and more than 70 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives have joined the new bi-partisan Congressional Military Family Caucus. The Caucus will focus on identifying solutions to the challenges military families face before, during and after deployment.

“Clearly, when someone from the Northern Mariana Islands is deployed for military duty, whether they are from close to home like our troops in Echo Company or whether they are part of some other unit of our U.S. Armed Services, the whole family is affected, especially the children,” said Kilili.

Echo Company recently returned from their second tour of duty in Iraq.

“Just as we provide the needed resources to our troops in the field, we must provide the support to the families waiting for their loved ones to return home safe.”

The Caucus kickoff event was attended by Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who pledged his support. “We are extremely grateful for your starting the Caucus,” he said.
“This is a big deal.”

The Caucus is expected to hold its first briefing in December with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense as well as outside organizations such as the Military Families Association, Military Families United, and the Military Officers Association.

“I have talked to many of our military families and the Caucus provides me with another way to continue to work on their behalf,” Kilili said.

For more information on support programs available to our military families, please contact Congressman Sablan’s District Office at the Joeten Plaza in Susupe or call the District Office at 670-323-2647.

]]> Kilili - Bill to help disadvantaged youth finish education introduced tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.571 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, along with Congressman Dale Kildee (D-MI) and 33 other members, is pushing new legislation to help young people who drop out of school finish their education. H.R. 3982 was introduced Monday and referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor, where Sablan is a member.

“We have many young people with great potential,” says Sablan. “But sometimes lack of money, or family or health problems, get in the way of their success. They drop out of school or they can’t find jobs. This bill – the RAISE UP act – is designed to help.”

H.R. 3982 makes money available to schools and local organizations that offer support services for disadvantaged youth. The idea is to bring these groups together to coordinate their work. The local partnerships would identify high school dropouts and connect them with academic assistance, workforce preparation, mental health and drug treatment, and housing services.

“Working together, these organizations can address all of the reasons these bright young people have not been able to complete school.  By getting them this assistance, we can help them secure a diploma or postsecondary educational credential, and a career,” added Sablan. 

Sablan says that the RAISE UP bill is one more piece of his overall strategy to pump up education and educational opportunity for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“Our success as a society – 30 to 50 years down the road – depends on how well we educate ourselves today.

“And success for individual young people depends on getting them access to all the services that can help them with education and job training.

“I think this bill will help them change their lives for the better.”
 

]]> NMI students now have double the opportunity to attend US Service Academies tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.570 Washington, D.C. – Students from the Northern Mariana Islands aspiring to attend one of the US service academies now have twice as many slots open to them. President Barack Obama signed the 2010 Defense Authorization Act into law today with a provision allowing the Northern Marianas to have two students at a time at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and the Military Academy at West Point. The provision was added to the bill by US Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.

“I am so glad that the very first legislative language that I drafted and has become law means an increase in educational opportunities for students from the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Sablan. “I truly believe that only by investing in education for our people will we ensure our economic and social well-being 30 to 50 years into the future.”

Kilili succeeded in having his amendment added to the Defense Authorization bill during its debate in the House Armed Services Committee in June. And the amendment survived throughout the long legislative process that ended today with the President’s signature.

“I certainly want to thank Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo, who is a member of the Armed Services Committee, and who co-sponsored my amendment, for her generous support,” said Sablan.

“I also want to thank Committee Chairman Ike Skelton of Missouri and all of his staff, who assisted me in this effort.”

Sablan traveled with Skelton earlier this month to the Chairman’s hometown of Lexington, Missouri to visit the Wentworth Military Academy there. Skelton is a Wentworth graduate. The school is interested in enrolling students from the Northern Marianas into its 2-year Associate of Arts degree, which can also earn a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Enactment of the Defense Act today means that Sablan will now have 5 slots to fill at the Service Academies for the term beginning in 2010.

“All the information is available on my web site (http://sablan.house.gov/services/academy-nominations.shtml) for those interested in applying for a congressional nomination to West Point, Annapolis, or Colorado Springs,” Sablan advises.

The deadline to begin the application process is November 25.

Although Section 533 of the Defense Act increases the number of appointments that can be made as a result of a congressional nomination, it is actually possible to have more than two Northern Mariana Islands students at any one of the academies. This is because Northern Mariana Islands students sometimes first attend a one-year preparatory school before entering the academy. And those students are appointed by the Secretary of the respective branch of service, not be a member of Congress.

“We actually have two young men at the Naval Academy prep school now,” explains Kilili, “and one cadet at the Academy. So it’s possible that this time next year we could see 4 of our young people going to school in Annapolis. That would be great!”

Although Sablan and other Members of Congress can make nominations to the Academies, the nominations do not ensure acceptance. It is ultimately up to the Academy admissions offices to decide who, among all the nominees, will have the honor and opportunity of attending.

Qualifications for admission include academic and physical skills, as well as a potential for the leadership required of any military officer.

]]> Transitional Worker rule available for public comment tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.569 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has now placed its interim rule on the CNMI-only Transitional Workers on the internet here The rule will be published today, Tuesday, October 27th in the Federal Register and will be open for public... The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has now placed its interim rule on the CNMI-only Transitional Workers on the internet here

The rule will be published today, Tuesday, October 27th in the Federal Register and will be open for public comment for 30 days.

The transitional worker is a category established in Public Law 110-229 to strike a balance between the need for additional workers in the Commonwealth and the goal of providing jobs and adequate wages and working conditions for local residents.

U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan made the following preliminary comment regarding the proposed rule:

“Public Law 110-229 requires that the transitional worker program be designed to promote the maximum use of U.S. workers. The law is also supposed to prevent wages and working conditions for our local residents from getting worse because of competition from alien workers.

“It is widely recognized that at the present time we do not have enough local residents to fill all the jobs in our economy. So we still need alien workers.

“But thinking ahead, 5-10 years, we are going to want to see many fewer alien workers and many more CNMI citizens, US Permanent Residents, and people from the Freely Associated States filling the jobs in our economy.

“So I will be examining the rule that was issued today very carefully to make sure that in the long run the result will be more jobs and better paying jobs for local people. That is my goal.”

]]> Transitional Worker Rule available for public comment tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.568 Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has now placed its interim rule on the CNMI-only Transitional Workers on the internet here.


The rule will be published tomorrow (Tuesday, October 27th) in the Federal Register and will be open for public comment for 30 days.

The transitional worker is a category established in Public Law 110-229 to strike a balance between the need for additional workers in the Commonwealth and the goal of providing jobs and adequate wages and working conditions for local residents.

]]> Kilili: Special payments for service members who served under stop loss orders now available tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.567 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan announced today that special payments are now available to over 185,000 service members, including those from the Northern Mariana Islands, who had their enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001. The special payments are $500 for every month the service members were held under stop-loss orders.
 
“We established this payment in the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted in July,” said Kilili. “Because our those who serve America deserve the best our government can possibly offer.

“This $500 per month payment will help these service members who literally served beyond the call of duty. Those extra months of service placed a special hardship on these troops and their families and this payment helps to compensate.

The Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is available to service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009.  Service members from every branch of the military will receive compensation.

Service members may begin submitting their claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay today.  All applications must be submitted to the respective services no later than Oct. 21, 2010.  Service members must provide documented proof they were Stop Lossed with their claim.  Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim.

Army: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil
Navy:  send email to – NXAG_N132C@navy.mil
Marine Corps:  https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss
Air Force:  http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss

“This Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind, and we are continuously working to fulfill that promise,” said Kilili.
 

]]> Hard Work Pays Off – China and Russia Are In, Kilili Announces tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.566 Washington, DC — Chinese and Russian visitors will be able to enter the Northern Mariana Islands visa-free after November 28, 2009. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, informed U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan this afternoon that the Department has responded to the constant, continual conversation on this issue with her landmark decision.

“We got what we’ve asked for,” said Sablan. “We are successful.

“Russian and Chinese tourists will continue to come in to the Northern Mariana Islands after November 28. Everyone’s hard work has paid off.”

DHS announced that after November 28, Russian and Chinese tourists will be allowed visa-free into the Commonwealth. The visitors will enter under the “parole” authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security and will be able to stay in the Northern Marianas up to 45 days. The tourists will not be able to enter any other part of the United States.

In order to ensure the security of the borders the Department will examine flight manifests 72 hours before visitors depart for the Marianas, screening out criminals or persons on terrorist watch lists.

“I’ve been assured that all the necessary equipment to do the pre-screening and monitor visitor exits will be in place by November 28,” said Kilili. “I have been very concerned about the Department’s operational readiness, but I’m beginning to see some forward motion.

“I also think that we have to be sure that this capacity is also present for the Rota and Tinian tourist markets. This isn’t just about Saipan.”

Details of the Department’s plans to use the parole system will be worked out over the next weeks; and Congressman Sablan’s office will continue to monitor the Department’s decisions in this regard.

Kilili also offered thanks and congratulations all around. “First, I thank Secretary Napolitano for making this important decision. Chinese and Russian visitors account for 20% of our tourist dollars. The Secretary told me she ‘gets it’ about the economic impact. And today she proved that by her action.

“I also want to thank Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and his Assistant Secretary Anthony Babauta for supporting today’s action. Interior, too, is very aware of the economic importance of these tourists for the Northern Marianas economy and the business community.

“Our friends at the White House also were a big help in getting the State Department and the Department of Defense to sign off on Secretary Napolitano’s decision.

“Most of all I want to congratulate everyone in the Northern Mariana Islands who has worked so hard and for so long to make this happen. Jim Arenovski, who testified here in May, and the entire Chamber of Commerce, including Executive Director Kyle Calabrese were very strong advocates for keeping Russian and Chinese tourists.

“The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, which has such a big stake in this issue, also played an important role, as did the Marianas Visitors Authority Board and Directory Perry Tenorio.

“And, of course, Governor Fitial and the Legislature deserve credit for all of their efforts, as well.

“This is an accomplishment that required a concerted effort and proves how much we can succeed when we work together for the benefit of the Commonwealth.”

]]> $44 million in fiscal stabilization funds begin to flow tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.564 The Northern Marianas has received the first installment on the largest, single grant ever awarded to the Commonwealth. PSS Commissioner Rita Sablan together with U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan met with U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary Gabriella Gomez... The Northern Marianas has received the first installment on the largest, single grant ever awarded to the Commonwealth. PSS Commissioner Rita Sablan together with U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan met with U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary Gabriella Gomez on Friday to announce the release of $28,359,191 dollars in State Fiscal Stabilization Funding to the Northern Mariana Islands.  The money is Phase One of a total of $44,433,595 in State Fiscal Stabilization Funding the Northern Marianas is scheduled to receive. Most of the money, over $36 million, will go to education.

“This is the largest, single grant of Federal funds the Northern Mariana Islands has ever received,” said Sablan. “And the largest formula grant, distributed automatically, to the Northern Marianas as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”

Participating in passage of the Recovery Act in February of this year was one of Sablan’s very first jobs upon being sworn in as the first Northern Marianas representative in Congress. The Northern Marianas is receiving over $100 million in automatic formula grants from the Act and is eligible for tens of millions of additional competitive funds.

“The $44 million that is the Northern Marianas’ share of stabilization funding will do all of the things Recovery Act money is supposed to do: pump new money into the local economy to get things going again, protect existing jobs and create new ones, and help us build our future economy by investing in educating our people.”

The majority of this funding will go to the Public School System, which plans to use the money for much-needed repairs to school facilities and classrooms, rehiring teachers that were let go as a result of budget cuts, and improving educational programs and technology.

High school students in public and private schools will be provided laptop computers, also, with the grant funds.

“These funds will bring a much-needed sense of relief to the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Kilili.  “Not only has PSS been able to preserve over 100 teaching jobs, but PSS is also helping us all look forward by investing in our future. They are doing this in practical terms, making school buildings more comfortable for learning and more energy efficient so they are less expensive to operate. And they are doing this in terms of quality of educational experience, which will have a positive effect on our children for many, many years to come.”

Four million dollars of this Phase One money – and $8 million of the total funding – will be used to support CNMI Government operations, particularly medical referrals. Northern Marianas College will also receive support for its educational programs.

“I know many people – both within our local government and Public School System and at the United States Department of Education – have worked very hard to bring this grant to fruition,” Kilili noted.

“First, of course, I offer my thanks to Chairmen George Miller and Dale Kildee, under whom I serve on the Education and Labor Committee. These are the leaders who made sure that the Recovery Act would include an ample investment in education.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of Governor Benigno R. Fitial and Secretary of Commerce Michael Ada. The requirements that had to be met before the Department of Education would begin releasing the stabilization funds were extensive, but CNMI Government officials fulfilled all those requirements.

“I say thank you to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and his team: Assistant Secretary of Education Gabriella Gomez, Deputy Assistant Secretary Lloyd Horwich, as well as Will Ragland, Phil Maestri, Jeanette Lim, Jenelle Leonard, Lauren Scott and everyone at the Department of Education who have helped get this money out the door while making sure that it would be well-accounted for and would be put to the best possible use in the Commonwealth.

“Last, but not least, I would like to say ‘job well done’ to the Board of Education, Commissioner Rita Sablan and her staff at PSS, especially Federal Grants Officer Tim Thornburg. They submitted their grant application to the Department of Education even before the Department had fully decided how stabilization funds to the U.S. territories would be handled. Commissioner Sablan and her PSS team were always ahead of the curve. And I know they will put this money to good use helping teachers teach and students learn.”

Public School System Officials say the funding will help them meet their goals of bringing more students’ reading skills up to grade level, improve standardized test scores, and help teachers seek professional development opportunities and “highly qualified teacher” status.  If achieved, all of these goals will help the Northern Mariana Islands receive even more merit-based federal funding.

Added Kilili, “I look forward to seeing all the great things that the people of the Northern Mariana Islands can do with this money, and I am eager to see how we can work together to invest in our future.”

]]> As NMI breathes sigh of relief, attention returns to American Samoa tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.561 Saipan, MP – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan arrived in Guam on Saturday night and will be returning to the Northern Mariana Islands on Sunday.

“It appears that our prayers are answered and the Northern Mariana Islands has been spared any major damage,” Sablan said.

“I want to thank all of the people at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who have been in a high state of preparedness for Typhoon Melor all week. And I want to commend all of the first-responders in the Northern Mariana Islands who have been out repairing electrical lines and taking care of the damage that has occurred.”

Sablan said he hopes that being spared any serious damage or loss of life from Typhoon Melor will help the people of the Northern Mariana Islands open their hearts even more to the people of American Samoa.

“I want to pass along the information I have received from FEMA about reunification of families in American Samoa and about how best we can contribute to recovery efforts there.

“People with family in American Samoa should know that the Red Cross has activated their “Safe and Well” program, which can help you locate your loved ones. Families can register on the Red Cross “Safe and Well” Website at https://disastersafe.redcross.org/ or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register.

“With respect to material contributions probably the best any of us can do is to provide financial support for the recovery effort. Donating items that have to be shipped takes time and takes away from limited shipping resources going in to Samoa.

“FEMA advises that the best option is to make monetary donations to nonprofit organizations, which are in the best position to know what is most needed in American Samoa and to get it there.”

FEMA reports that the American Red Cross has volunteers on the ground in American Samoa providing food and supplies. Financial contributions can be made to the effort by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767), or by visiting www.redcross.org and clicking on the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund link.

Another organization FEMA has identified is the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. For a list of National VOAD members and links to their websites please go to http://www.nvoad.org/ 

Questions concerning how to aid relief efforts for American Samoa can also be addressed to my office: on Saipan, 670-323-2647/8, or in Washington, 202-225-2646.

-30-
 

]]> Kilili voices concern on cost of Medicaid for FAS migrants in health reform bill tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.559 Saipan, MP — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has raised concerns about fine print in health reform legislation, which could reduce Medicaid benefits in the Commonwealth. In a letter to the Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other key leaders in the House of Representatives Kilili identified a problem with an amendment to H.R. 3200, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act, that makes migrants from the Freely Associated States eligible for Medicaid – without putting any more federal money into the CNMI’s Medicaid grant.

“The Eshoo-Engel amendment,” Sablan wrote, “adds no additional funding to the fixed amount the CNMI and other territories now receive from the federal government [for Medicaid].

“So, by adding more persons to be covered by Medicaid, the Eshoo-Engel amendment will force territorial governments either to spend more local funds to cover these additional Medicaid recipients or ration care among the enlarged group of Medicaid eligibles.”

Representatives Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Eliot L. Engel (D-NY) introduced their amendment during the House Committee on Energy and Commerce markup of H.R. 3200. The amendment attempted to place the burden of caring for FAS citizens’ medical needs on the federal government by covering them through Medicaid.
 
“I certainly agree that FAS citizens, who are in the Commonwealth and other parts of the United States by virtue of the Compacts of Free Association, should not be a financial burden on the CNMI,” Sablan says.

“When people come to the CNMI because of U.S. treaty agreements and then put a strain on local resources, the Federal Government should take responsibility for the financial burden.

“That is the whole point of compact impact aid.

“At the same time, I believe that the Commonwealth – and the United States as a whole – has to make sure that everyone living in our society has access to health care.

“That is the right moral decision.

“It’s also the right decision from the point of view of self-interest. Because the healthier people are in our society, the less exposure any of us has to illness.”
Unfortunately, the letter says, “because federal funding for Medicaid is structured differently that for the states,” the amendment will force the local government to pay the additional cost and not the federal government, as Eshoo and Engel intended.

“This is a good example of the complexity of the issues faced by all the congressional committees as they work on improving this massive, 1,200-page bill,” said Kilili.
 
“I know the problem Mrs. Bordallo and I raise in our letter was an unintentional oversight; and I’m glad that I can work with her to help our colleagues better understand how changes in the law will affect our constituents in the Marianas.”
Currently, federal funding for each of the United States territories, including the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, is limited. Once spending has passed a set level each year, the federal government no longer contributes funds. This means that any added benefits must be paid for with local tax dollars.

So far this year, Sablan has already succeeded in obtaining an additional $1.5 million in Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands. The total federal funding for CNMI Medicaid is now $6.5 million.

In addition, Sablan has won an increase in the Children’s Health Insurance Program from $0.7 million to $1.2 million in the reauthorization of CHIP this year. 

While their letter applauded the intent of the Eshoo-Engel amendment, Kilili and Mrs. Bordallo asked that it be refined by adding more federal money to help pay for the cost of health care for FAS migrants.

View letter here.

]]> FEMA continues typhoon preparations for NMI tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.558 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, now en route to the Northern Mariana Islands, continues to be updated by Federal Emergency Management Agency on preparations underway in response to Typhoon Melor.

Melor was 245 miles east of Saipan at 02:00 local time, Saturday, October 3 (Noon, Friday, October 2 in Washington) and is moving west-northwest at 7 mph. This general motion is expected to continue with an increase in forward speed over the next 12 hours. The typhoon is expected to pass through the Marianas archipelago just north of Saipan on Saturday afternoon. Melor has maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and is predicted to intensify slightly. Melor may become a super typhoon in the next 12 to 24 hours.

FEMA has pre-positioned supplies and personnel on Guam and, if they are needed, is ready to move these essential resources to areas affected by the typhoon. Stockpiled supplies include: 

•90,000 meals
•90,000 liters of water
•2,500 cots
•Nearly 4,000 blankets
•85 generators

FEMA expects to be able to deliver these provisions within 6-8 hours by barge or 30-45 minutes either by charted commercial or Department of Defense aircraft.
Additional supplies from FEMA facilities in Hawaii can supplement what is already pre-positioned.  In addition to these commodities, one Incident Management Action Team has been pre-deployed to Guam, and FEMA personnel have been already been deployed to Saipan.
 

Shelter Available
In the meantime, people in the Northern Mariana Islands have begun seeking shelter. The CNMI Emergency Management Office reports that as of 02:00 ChST, Saturday, October 3, 597 persons are in public shelters. Locations and current occupancies follow:


Location:                                                                          Persons now at shelter:
Saipan:

•Tanapag Elementary School                                     60 (39 adults, 21 kids)
•Garapan Elementary School                                    105 (65 adults, 40 kids)
•Marianas High School                                               167 (93 adults, 74 kids)
•Koblerville Elementary School                                 87 (49 adults, 38 kids)
•Dandan Elementary School                                     54 (29 adults, 25 kids)
•Kagman High School                                                50 (25 adults, 25 kids)
•Kagman Community Center                                    72 (38 adults, 34 kids)
•On Stand by:  Saipan Grand Hotel and Hyatt Regency Saipan

Tinian:

•Tinian Elementary        unknown

Rota:

•On Stand by only:  Sinapalu Elementary School  and Rota Elementary School
Shelter operation is coordinated jointly by EMO and the Public School System.
Additional updates will be issued, as Typhoon Melor bears down on the Marianas. Update information is also available at sablan.house.gov

]]> Sablan en route to Marianas as Typhoon Melor threatens tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.557 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has departed Washington and is en route to the Northern Mariana Islands to make sure that all necessary federal assistance is available after Typhoon Melor.

In a teleconference with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials this morning Sablan reviewed details of the agency’s preparations for the storm.

Melor was 245 miles east of Saipan at 02:00 local time, Saturday, October 3 (Noon, Friday, October 2 in Washington) and is expected to pass through the Marianas archipelago Saturday afternoon. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and is predicted to intensify slightly over the next 24 hours.

FEMA reported to Sablan that it has at this time approximately 30 personnel in place in Guam and small response team on Saipan.

FEMA maintains a significant supply of emergency commodities on Guam and is prepared to bring these where they are needed by helicopter and barge.

90,000 meals and 95,000 units of water are available to feed storm victims. 2,500 cots and 4,000 blankets are on hand.

In addition, the agency has 85 generators on Guam ready to be dispatched to supply emergency power in the event the typhoon takes out the utility system.

Additional updates will be issued, as Typhoon Melor bears down on the Marianas. Update information is also available at sablan.house.gov

]]> CAPAC Statement on natural disasters in the Asia Pacific tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.556 Washington, DC – Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Mike Honda, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued the following statement regarding the natural disasters in the Asia Pacific:

“On behalf of all the Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I extend my thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the devastating tsunami in the South Pacific, and earthquakes and typhoons throughout Southeast Asia.

“The President has declared American Samoa a major disaster area, as whole villages were destroyed by the tsunami. The U.S. government is in response phase, and currently, rescue workers seek to bring help to and stabilize those severely injured. Tragically, the death count in the Samoas already has reached 150 people, mostly young children and the elderly. We pray for the tens and thousands of survivors and their loved ones in the islands and here on the mainland.

“Two earthquakes also hit Indonesia yesterday and today, resulting in a death toll of over 500. In the Philippines, 277 people have been killed by an earlier storm in and around Manila, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. That storm has moved through Vietnam and Cambodia, and is headed toward Laos and Thailand.

“These terrifying events are felt throughout the world as members of the Asian and Pacific Islander diasporas scramble to locate family members. As our caucus continues to monitor the disaster response, I praise the leadership of Vice Chair Rep. Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa, a senior member of CAPAC. Rep. Faleomavaega and his staff have rushed to the aid of residents in American Samoa, and we stand ready to do whatever we can to support the Samoan community in the islands and here on the mainland.

"Executive Board Members Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo and Rep. Gregorio Kilili Sablan are closely monitoring Typhoon Melor in the Western Pacific and are in close communication with FEMA, NOAA and the Department of Defense to ensure appropriate federal response and support activities are in place if the situation warrants.  Both are appreciative that FEMA has dispatched its Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to Guam to assist in the response. And Rep. Sablan is appreciative that FEMA has also prepositioned a Command and Control Element of four people on Saipan, which is already engaged with the CNMI Emergency Management Office, tracking Melor.

“As we follow the disaster response, our hearts and prayers go out to the families facing the suffering and loss of these devastating events.”

]]> Sablan wants Pacific Islanders included in new Coast Guard internships tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.555 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan wants to be sure that Asian-American and Pacific Islander students are eligible to participate in a new Coast Guard internship program now under consideration in Congress.

In a letter today to Rep. James L. Oberstar, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sablan called the program “an exciting opportunity for students at minority-serving institutions.”

But, Kilili pointed out, colleges serving Asian-American and Pacific Islanders are not included in the definition of “minority-serving institutions.”

The new program is part of the Coast Guard Authorization Act, H.R. 3619 and allows students from minority-serving institutions to intern with the Coast Guard.

“I think this will be a wonderful program, and I look forward to seeing it modified so that students from the NMI can participate, whether they attend a local school like Northern Marianas College, or another minority-serving institution further away from home.”

H.R. 3619 has been reported by Oberstar’s committee, but has not yet been taken to the full House for debate.

“I’m confident that it will be easy to remedy when the final bill comes to the floor.,” Kilili said in his letter.

Minority-serving institutions are defined in the United States code as those in which students from a particular group made up at least 10% of the student body. Because many of these minorities are historically disadvantaged, MSIs are entitled to additional federal government aid and are often the target of special opportunities like the Coast Guard internship.

]]> Kilili Leads Effort to Ensure Territories Included in Tourism Legislation tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.554 Travel Promotion Act of 2009 would not include Territories

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and his counterparts from Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have written to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and to Chairman Henry Waxman and Ranking Member Joe Barton of the Energy and Commerce Committee asking that language including the U.S. Territories be included in S. 1023, the Travel Promotion Act of 2009.

The Senate legislation establishes a non-profit Corporation for Travel Promotion in the U.S. Department of Commerce to encourage international travel to the U.S. States and the District of Columbia.  The legislation also sets a $10 fee for international travelers entering the U.S., including the Territories.

“The problem with this legislation,” says Sablan, “is that the Territories put money into the program, but don’t get anything in return.

“If international travelers visiting the CNMI are required to pay a $10 fee to fund the Corporation, then the mission of the Corporation should be to encourage travel to all parts of the U.S. – including the CNMI and other U.S.  territories.”

The issue was brought to the attention of Sablan by the Marianas Visitors Authority. Sablan then drafted the letter for the benefit of the territorial delegation.

“One of the strengths the U.S. Territories have in Congress is their good working relationship,” according to Sablan. “If any of us spots an issue of concern, we let each other know and work together to solve it.”

In addition to the funding issue, the letter also requests that a representative from the Territories be a board member of the proposed Corporation.

“Tourism is the foundation of our economies, especially international travelers, and we need to ensure the Territories have a voice in promoting international tourism to the United States,” said Kilili.

“This could be a good bill – if it helps us build our tourism trade.”

A copy of the letter is available on Kilili’s website at www.sablan.house.gov or click here.

]]> Sablan bill continues CNMI VWP for 180 days tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.548 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has introduced a bill that would continue the existing CNMI VWP program for 180 days beyond the November 28 start-up date for federal border control in the Northern Marianas. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security would administer the existing CNMI visa waiver program, allowing Russian and Chinese tourists to enter the Commonwealth without obtaining a visa in advance of arrival.

“I believe that it is necessary to have a number of options on the table,” said Sablan. “A complete delay of U.S. Public Law 110-229 is certainly called for if the Department of Homeland Security is not adequately prepared to assume its responsibilities at the border November 28.

“If the Department is ready, however, or ready enough that it is not possible to win the argument for a complete delay, then we have to have some other alternative legislation that will allow the Commonwealth economy to continue to benefit from Russian and Chinese tourists.

“And that’s what my bill, H.R. 3658, will do: keep Russians and Chinese coming to vacation here just as they have for years without any serious problem or security risk.

“I am open to compromise and negotiation on this issue; and I think my new bill will facilitate discussion.”

On Monday, Sablan met with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who told him her Department would be ready to take responsibility for the borders as scheduled. She also told the Congressman that she understood the economic importance of tourists from Russia and China.

“I get it,” Napolitano told Sablan.

But the head of Homeland Security said she could do nothing to change the Interim Final Rule published in January that excludes Russians and Chinese. Rather she spoke of a “creative pathway,” which she suggested could keep the Russians and Chinese coming even after November 28.

“On Friday I again met with Homeland Security officials,” Sablan reports, “including Dr. Richard Barth, who has been one of the lead people on Northern Mariana Islands immigration. But these officials were unable to say exactly when we could see, or describe in any way this ‘creative pathway’ the Secretary promised.

“This uncertainty about what DHS could do or was willing to do, prompted me to introduce a bill that would accomplish exactly what Secretary Napolitano seemed to want: to keep the Russians and Chinese coming to the NMI.”

Humanitarian concerns addressed

H.R. 3658 also addresses Sablan’s concerns about two groups of Northern Mariana Islands residents, who were not considered by the drafters of U.S. Public Law 110-229.

Sablan’s bill gives immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (persons married to U.S. citizens or parents of children who are U.S. citizens because they were born here) the right to reside in the Northern Mariana Islands for a full 5 years. Persons who are CNMI Permanent Residents would have the same right to stay until 2014. Both groups could work and come and go from the Commonwealth without the need for any further permission or visa from the United States.

“These people are our neighbors, our friends, our relatives in many cases,” said Sablan. “We have to make sure that they can continue to live and work in the Northern Mariana Islands, just as they always have. This is their home.”

CNMI Permanent Residents are persons who have lived in the Commonwealth since at least 1981.
At the end of the five-year period parents of U.S. citizen children would be eligible for U.S. Permanent Resident status even if their children were still too young to petition for their parents. Normally children must be 21-years-old to make this petition.

Persons with CNMI Permanent Resident status could, at the end of the five years, obtain U.S. Permanent Resident status.

The bill also takes note of the lower incomes in the Northern Mariana Islands as compared to the rest of the United States. Fees for applications for U.S. citizenship by immediate relatives would be lowered and the minimum income requirements for these families would be waived.

]]> Sablan introduces bill to delay immigration tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.547 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan today introduced legislation that delays the start of federal immigration control in the Northern Mariana Islands until December 1, 2010.

“I have made the decision to seek this delay only after much deliberation,” said Sablan. “I firmly believe that federal control of the borders will reduce the scams and abuses that have been a hallmark of local immigration control.

“And I believe that just as political union with the United States was a wise decision and one that benefits the Northern Mariana Islands every single day, so too will it benefit us to be part of the U.S. immigration system.

“But the simple truth is that the Department of Homeland Security, which has had almost a year and a half to prepare, is not ready to implement U.S. Public Law 110-229 on November 28.

“I know that for many people in Washington and in the Commonwealth, who have been pushing for U.S. control of immigration, my bill will seem like backsliding. And I certainly would have preferred not to have to take this action. But I also have to acknowledge the reality of the situation.

“Homeland Security has not finalized arrangements for space at the ports of entry that it must control. No construction of facilities at the ports has begun. None of the sophisticated communications and data entry equipment and supporting infrastructure needed have been installed. Not a single Customs and Border Patrol employee is in place in the Marianas to manage the start-up, which is scheduled to occur in just 65 days.

“Even the Department of Homeland Security itself has now admitted in written reply to Congress that the Department will not be fully operational in the Marianas until 2011.

“That’s not good enough. The people of the Northern Mariana Islands – and the people of all the United States – deserve and expect all U.S. borders to be fully operational all the time.”

Sablan’s bill does not just delay the start of federal control for a year. The bill also responds to agency foot-dragging by requiring reports to Congress every 30 days on actions being taken to be fully prepared to man the borders on December 1, 2010.

“I want to make clear that my bill is not delay for the sake of delay. And I certainly don’t want to find us back in this same predicament a year from now with an impending start up date and an agency that isn’t prepared.

“My bill requires DHS to provide Congress with detailed budgets for the next two years to show how the transition will be paid for. The Department will be required to explain what equipment, software, and personnel needs it has and how it plans to get that infrastructure in place.”

The measure also addresses the issue of the visa waiver program that currently allows Russians and Chinese tourists to easily enter the Commonwealth.

“Although the CNMI visa waiver program would continue as is for another year under my bill, I also want Homeland Security to report to Congress on what will happen after the new start date of December 2010. If there are additional security measures needed to allow Russians and Chinese to enter, what are those measures? DHS has never told us. And, if Russian and Chinese are still excluded from a visa waiver program after December 2010, then I want DHS to explain how these countries can be included at a later date.

“I also want DHS to explain why the system we have now, which requires a bond from tourist agencies sending Russians and Chinese here and which has operated almost completely trouble free, can’t be the system that DHS uses to handle these tourists.”

]]> Kilili announces another $1.4 million for NMI tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.546 Washington, D.C. – The Northern Mariana Islands has been awarded another $1,374,719 of Recovery Act funding. U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan made the announcement of the money today.

 “Today’s award is for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This is an annual formula-funded grant. But Congress put an additional $1 billion into the program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Effectively, the Commonwealth is getting an extra year’s worth of CDBG funding.”

The Community Development Block Grant may be used for a wide variety of specific purposes, but is primarily intended to expand economic opportunities for low to moderate income persons.
Many communities use CDBG money to fund local organizations that provide public services, to renovate schools, or to help homeowners rehabilitate their property.

Because Recovery Act monies are ultimately supposed to spur economic activity and create or protect jobs, today’s grant comes with a requirement not found in normal CDBG awards. The Northern Mariana Islands will be required to give priority to prudent and responsible projects for which contracts can be let through a bidding process within 120 days of the grant agreement.

In a letter to CDBG recipients of Recovery Act funds, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan wrote, “In accepting these funds, it is imperative that you be good stewards of these precious taxpayer dollars by focusing your efforts on the Recovery Act goals of investing in infrastructure that will create or sustain jobs in the near-term and generate maximum economic benefits in the long-term.”

]]> Sablan slams immigration scams: “Embarrassment to the people of the NMI” tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.545 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has exposed another immigration scam that promises U.S. green cards to aliens who invest in the NMI before the November 28 start of Federal immigration control.

“Much as the prospectus that came into my hands earlier this year, offering Korean investors the promise of U.S. visa status in return for putting money into a project in the CNMI,” said Sablan, “this most recent proposition promises investors in mainland China that ‘the U.S. will issue green cards to all foreign personnel on the islands, i.e., an amnesty.’

“This is just not true,” Sablan said.

“In addition, the apparently growing problem of these investment/immigration scams is an embarrassment to the people of the Commonwealth.”

Sablan says that this kind of incident also compounds the difficulties he faces in Congress trying to open minds to the idea of a delay of Federal control of the borders in the Northern Mariana Islands.

“How can I convince those who have worked so long to end the scams and abuses in the Northern Marianas to allow another year of local control, when the scams continue?”

Sablan said he is urging the local government to show that action is being taken to thwart the scams.

“I was very glad when the Governor announced that he would contact the responsible parties and stop publication of the Korean prospectus that promised U.S. visa status in return for a small investment. That publication had a welcoming letter from the Governor and his picture, so it seemed like a direct endorsement by the Commonwealth.

“The Chinese prospectus that has more recently come into my hands does not have any message from the Governor.

“The CNMI government must to be aware of these scams and should put measures in place to block them. Because the first step in the scam is to obtain a CNMI investor visa, and that is something that the local government controls.”

The invitation to invest and promise of a green card, which Sablan obtained in Mandarin and had translated by the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress, asks for investors to put $100,000 plus another $20,000 “government tax” into a hotel project on Saipan.

In return investors will achieve “quick returns, …no risk of being unable to recover capital…,” and qualification to apply for a U.S. green card.

The CNMI does have investor visas that require a $100,000 investment. It is not clear who would be the recipient of the $20,000 “government tax.”

Investors are also promised “U.S. nationality for children born overseas.”

Sablan has provided a copy of the Chinese prospectus to the U.S. Attorney’s office for investigation. The U.S. Attorney has already written to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in the ongoing investigation of the Korean investment proposal.

Federalization does offer legitimate opportunities for investors in the Commonwealth. U.S. investor visas will be available to investors in the Northern Mariana Islands, and some U.S. investment visas may lead to permanent residency – but generally, only investors with investments of $1,000,000 or more may be eligible for green cards.

The E-2 visa, a Commonwealth only investor visa that is the subject of recent Department of Homeland Security regulations, does not, however, lead to green card eligibility.

]]> Newsletter 9/20 tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.544 Newsletter 9/20

 

Exploring new opportunities for students interested in military service— Friday I traveled to Missouri at the invitation of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton. The Chairman and I are visiting Wentworth Academy, a military high school and two-year college, located in Mr. Skelton’s district. Students who graduate from the college earn an associates degree and may enter the US Army as officers. With as many as 30% of high school graduates in the Northern Mariana Islands enlisting in military service upon graduation I am actively looking for opportunities for those students to move into the higher ranks. Wentworth seems to offer that opportunity; and the school is actively interested in recruiting students in the Pacific region. My goal is to help establish a partnership that will bring a significant number of Northern Mariana Islands students to Wentworth to earn a college degree and a commission in the US Army.
 
“Largest education bill ever passed” – The landmark Student Aid and Financial Responsibility Act of 2009 passed the House on Thursday. Only 6 Republicans voted for increasing Pell Grants for college students from the current maximum of $5,350 per student to $5,550 next year and $6,900 by 2019, but H.R. 3221 still carried the House by a vote of 253-171. The bill takes federal money that has been guaranteeing profits on student loans for banks and provides the money to students and their families instead. This will also result in lower interest rates for tuition loans, making college more affordable for NMI students. In addition there is $10 billion for community colleges. I sponsored an amendment to the bill in the Education and Labor Committee ensuring that the Northern Marianas College would have access to some of that money. The Northern Marianas will also benefit from the $8 billion in early-learning funds, $4 billion for public school renovations, $3 billion to encourage college access and graduation, and $2 billion for colleges serving minorities. At a time when students are starting the school year and when economic conditions make education more difficult to afford, it was a great pleasure to be one of the original 22 co-sponsors of H.R. 3221. I always say we have to invest in education for the successful development of the Commonwealth 30 to 50 years into the future.
 
After threat of delay Homeland Security begins to respond to transition uncertainties – With talk of a delay in the start date for federal border control in the Northern Marianas, the Department of Homeland Security has at last issued two important documents – the E-2 CNMI Investor regulations, and answers to questions submitted by the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife after the May 19 hearing on implementation of US Public Law 110-229.
 
The investor regulations appear to be a step in the right direction. USPL 110-229 sets the policy goal “to maximize the Commonwealth’s potential for future economic and business growth….” The proposed regulations create an E-2 CNMI Investor status for those who now hold three kinds of CNMI investor permits - Long-Term Business Investor, Foreign Investor, and Retiree Investor. The regs also create a “derivative” status for spouses and children and provide a special fee structure. Given the troubling occurrence of scams promising US green cards to holders of CNMI investment visas, I am glad the regulations are now available; and I hope that federal agents will be diligent in checking the background and legitimacy of future “investors” in the Commonwealth.
 
Answers to the Subcommittee’s questions were less helpful. The questions were on a range of critical topics – China and Russia’s inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, the availability of funding, the ways families will be protected from separation. The answers, unfortunately, provided little of substance, and did not lift my concerns about the November 28 start date. The federal government should not assume control of the borders until it is ready to do so. So far, in my view, the federal government is not ready.
 
 
Supertyphoon Choi-Wan brushed past the Northern Mariana Islands this week, forcing the evacuation of families in the northern islands, but sparing Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. I am very grateful to the men and women of the National Weather Service, who kept in constant contact with the congressional office, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which immediately sent a response cell to the Marianas as the storm developed, and to the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, who assisted in recovery efforts on Alamagan and Agrihan after Choi-Wan had passed.
 
First step taken for Kagman Community Health Center – I offer my congratulations to the Commonwealth’s Department of Public Health, which was recently awarded an $80,000 competitive grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will help DPH develop the Kagman Community Health Center, a proposed model health facility to provide primary and preventative care services to the Kagman community. I commend DPH on its successful application.
 
Emergency Seniors Citizens Relief Act would provide another one-time $250 benefits for Social Security recipients - This week, I signed on as an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3597, the “Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act.” This legislation aims to offset the possible lack of cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security payments in 2010 by providing another one-time $250 payment to Social Security recipients, railroad retirees, SSI beneficiaries and adults receiving benefits – just like the one-time $250 stimulus payments made to these groups in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act this year. This bill will be fully paid for by applying the Social Security payroll tax to household incomes $250,000-$359,000 in 2010. No one earning less than $250,000 would see their taxes increase with this legislation. Our senior citizens need our help more than ever in this economic climate, and I hope this bill can provide them some assistance in 2010.
 
A proud day for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands: your Delegate Takes the Gavel in U.S. House of Representatives — The people of the Northern Mariana Islands reached another milestone in representation in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday. For the first time ever a representative of the Northern Marianas presided over the Committee of the Whole House as Speaker Pro Tempore during debate and voting. I am very grateful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi for giving me this opportunity and for allowing the people of the Northern Mariana Islands through their elected representative to conduct legislative business. Video of this historic event can be seen at http://sablan.house.gov.
 

]]> Babauta and Sablan consult on Northern Mariana Islands issues prior to Assistant Secretary’s visit tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.542  

Babauta and Sablan consult on Northern Mariana Islands issues prior to Assistant Secretary’s visit

Washington, D.C. — Newly sworn-in Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs, Anthony Babauta, and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan have discussed the numerous issues confronting the Northern Mariana Islands. The consultations preceded Babauta’s first trip to the Northern Marianas in his new position with the Obama Administration.

“I invited Mr. Babauta to go to the Northern Mariana Islands as soon as he was sworn in,” said Sablan. “And I appreciate that he will be visiting my district the week after next.”

Among the topics that the two leaders discussed was the increasing difficulty the CNMI Department of Public Health is having meeting patient needs and paying for health care costs.

“I don’t believe we should expect the federal government to bail us out of every difficulty,” said Sablan. “But people’s lives are at stake here. So I am asking Assistant Secretary Babauta to ask Governor Fitial, the Legislature, and CNMI Public Health officials what kind of short-term federal assistance could keep patients safe until the larger issues the Commonwealth Health Center faces are addressed.”
Sablan said that the status of capital improvement grants from the Office of Insular Affairs is another concern.

“I wrote to the Governor this week about some $9.3 million in CIP grant funds that are due to expire on September 30. And I encouraged the Governor to talk honestly with the Assistant Secretary about how the Commonwealth can use CIP grants faster and more effectively.

“I don’t want the people of the Northern Mariana Islands lose millions in infrastructure grants for Rota’s Health Center and Tinian’s landfill and CUC rehabilitation on Saipan.”

Federal immigration will also be under review when Babauta gets to the Northern Marianas. Although Interior is not directly responsible for controlling the borders, Babauta’s office will be in charge of estimating the future workforce needs in the NMI and recommending what federal policy should be regarding the long-term status of guest workers there under U.S. immigration law.

“I have encouraged the new Assistant Secretary to move up the timetable on Interior’s responsibilities in U.S. Public Law 110-229, the federal immigration law for the Northern Mariana Islands. And I think he understands the importance of giving the business community and individual workers more certainty about their future under U.S. immigration.

“Mr. Babauta was one of the key staff people helping to draft 110-229 last year,” Sablan said. “He knows how all the pieces are supposed to fit together.

“And he knows that I am relying on him to help make the transition to federal immigration control go smoothly, without damaging the economy or damaging the many families and individuals who will be affected by the law.”
]]> Northern Mariana Islands Delegate Takes the Gavel in U.S. House of Representatives tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.537 Video of Congressman Sablan Presiding in the House. Click here.

Washington, D.C. — The people of the Northern Mariana Islands reached another milestone in representation in the U.S. House of Representatives today. For the first time ever a representative of the Northern Mariana Islands presided over the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union as Speaker Pro Tempore during debate and voting.

U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan took up the Speaker’s gavel at approximately 2:15 in the afternoon and controlled the flow of legislative action for over an hour and a half, while the H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act, was under consideration.

“I am very grateful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi for giving me this opportunity and for allowing the people of the Northern Mariana Islands through their elected representative to stand here today and conduct the business of the House,” Sablan said after leaving the Speaker’s chair and returning to sit, along with the other 439 Members, in the benches that arc around the dais.

Sablan said that he was nervous, but excited, when contacted by the Speaker’s office to take on this responsibility. “As with all my work here in Washington, I want to do well for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. But this is the first time I’ve had to do well in front of all my House colleagues and in front of a national television audience.”

All proceedings of the House of Representatives are carried on the C-Span cable network.

The Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union is just that: a committee composed of all members of the House of Representatives. The business of perfecting bills by offering, debating, and voting on amendments to bills is often conducted in the Committee of the Whole House under less stringent parliamentary rules than apply to the House of Representatives itself.

A measure involving taxes or spending is required to be first debated in the Committee of the Whole.

Under Rule XVIII of the House, whenever the House resolves into the Committee of the Whole, the Speaker leaves the chair after appointing a Member, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico as the Speaker Pro Tempore, or Speaker for a time.

Video of Congressman Sablan presiding over the Committee of the Whole can be seen at sablan.house.gov.

Rep. Sablan Still Shot

Northern Mariana Islands Delegate to Congress Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan presided over the Committee of the Whole House today. The first time a Northern Mariana Islands Delegate has been selected by the Speaker of the House for this responsibility. “It was the first time,” said Sablan, “but I hope not the last.”

]]> Sablan supports student aid bill in floor debate tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.536 Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today began debate on a bill that puts $4 million into student aid in the Northern Mariana Islands, increasing Pell Grant awards for individual students to as much as $5,500 next year, increasing the number of students eligible for Pell Grants, and helping lower interest rates on student tuition loans. In addition, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, H.R. 3221, sends more money to community colleges, such as the Northern Marianas College. $750,000 per year for 5 years will go to the NMI for the College Access Grant Program, encouraging more students to attend and complete college. And NMC will receive funds to help finance college facilities. Early childhood education is also a focus of the bill. $1 billion will be awarded annually nationwide on a competitive basis to build an effective early childhood workforce.

Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, an original co-sponsor of the bill, made the following statement during today’s debate:

M. Speaker,
 
I rise today in support of H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.  I wish to thank Chairman Miller for his leadership on this bill, and express my thanks to the staff as well.
 
M. Speaker, the financial resources of local governments and college and university scholarship funds are quickly dwindling.  I am encouraged that this congress is working to ensure access to student grants and loans at a time when many families, including those in my district in the Northern Mariana Islands, are struggling to make ends meet.  The changes made by H.R. 3221 will mean that even more students will get the opportunity to pursue higher education.
 
This legislation will raise the annual maximum Pell grant to unprecedented levels and ensure that these grants will continue to increase with the cost of tuition.  It will open up an addition $4 million for Pell grants in the Northern Marianas alone.  It will make investments in financial aid that will benefit students from every district, no matter where they go to college.  Increased funding to minority-serving institutions, including those with large populations of Pacific Islanders, will ensure that our students from the Northern Marianas are cared for and supported, both socially and academically, when they are so far away from their home. 
 
Three quarters of a million dollars will be available in the Northern Marianas for programs that encourage students to stay in school and make sure they succeed.  And money will also be dedicated to community colleges, like Northern Marianas College, to help them finance new projects and cover existing needs. 
 
Higher education is truly the investment of a lifetime – it creates opportunities and opens doors that will benefit our students and families far into the future.  I applaud this legislation and I yield back the balance of my time.

]]> NMI Receives $200,000 in Economic Recovery Funds to Improve Water Quality, Create Jobs tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.535 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency has awarded another $200,000 to the Commonwealth under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The money is a Water Quality Management Planning (WQMP) grant, designed to prevent water pollution.

“As most of the Recovery Act money, today’s grant puts more dollars into our local economy and puts people to work,” said Sablan. “And the money also addresses a larger community need, in this case the need to protect human health and the environment.”

The WQMP grant awarded to the Northern Mariana Islands can be used to  support a broad range of activities, such as setting standards, monitoring the quality of the water, developing plans to restore polluted waters, and identifying ways to protect healthy waters from becoming polluted.

EPA also encourages the use of the grants for more innovative planning activities like developing plans to adapt to climate change, analyzing trends in water availability and use, and creating low-impact development programs.

Congress enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in February. To date the Northern Mariana Islands has received notice of the availability of more than $113 million, largely through automatic formula distributions built into the law.

Americans can track the flow of ARRA money at the official website, Recovery. gov.

]]> Kilili Working with DHS/FEMA to Ensure Northern Islands Residents Receive Disaster Support tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.534 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan remains in continuous contact with the FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to ensure that residents of the Northern Mariana Islands receive support to recover from Super Typhoon Choi-Wan.

“The U.S. Navy is currently providing a ship and helicopters to support a plan to check on people living in the northern islands,” reports Sablan. “Food, water, blankets, tarps, and other survival gear will be provided to Alamagan and Agrihan.”

14 people are reported to be living on Alamagan, 4 people on Agrihan. The USNS Alan Shepard and two naval helicopters are working with the U.S. Coast Guard to provide Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Recovery packages to those residents.

Choi-Wan is the first typhoon to hit since Sablan became the Northern Mariana Islands Congressman. In response to the threat he immediately established contact with the National Weather Service and with FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

“I know residents of the CNMI know how to prepare for and respond to typhoons,” said Kilili. “I want everyone to know that their congressional office is also prepared and ready to respond.”

The latest forecast and disaster information is available at Sablan’s website, http://www.sablan.house.gov . NMI residents may also sign up for the e-kilili newsletter and emergency alerts by e-mailing e-kilili@mail.house.gov.

]]> Kilili: $318,082 in weatherization funds awarded today tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.533  

News Release
September 14, 2009

Kilili: $318,082 in weatherization funds awarded today

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan announced today that the Northern Mariana Islands has been awarded $318,082 for weatherization assistance to low-income families. The program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Congress enacted in February. The funding is expected to weatherize 175 homes in the NMI over the next three years, which should lower energy costs for residents.

“We know that many families are spending more and more for utilities,” said Sablan. “And this means less and less for food and health care and other critical expenses.

“These weatherization grants will help reduce what is spent to pay for energy, leaving more for other things.

“The money will also go into the local economy helping to stimulate business activity and create jobs.”

The Commonwealth is expected to spend as much as $6,500 to weatherize each home.

The weatherization program will be available to families making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level – or about $44,000 a year for a family of four.

The Commonwealth’s funds will be administered by the Department of Public Works, Energy Division, and since this is the first time that the Northern Mariana Islands have been included in the weatherization program, the territory will emphasize training and technical assistance.  Weatherization workers and administrators will be trained to maximize energy savings in homes, minimize production costs, protect the health and safety of the clients and workers, and ensure transparency and accountability in the program.

20% of the program funds can be used to hire and train workers.

The Energy Division will also perform inspections on 100% of all weatherized homes to ensure the effectiveness of the program.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the Commonwealth will receive almost $400,000 in additional funding, for a total of more than $795,000.

Weatherization projects allow low-income families to save money by making their homes more energy efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates this means an average saving of 32 percent for air-conditioning and savings of hundreds of dollars per year on overall energy bills.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu said today, “These awards demonstrate the Obama Administration’s strong commitment to moving quickly as part of the country’s economic recovery. Today’s investments will save money for hard working families, reduce pollution, strengthen local economies, and help move America toward a clean energy future.”
 
]]> Congressional office on the alert as Choi-Wan approaches tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.531  

News Release
September 12, 2009

Congressional office on the alert as Choi-Wan approaches

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has had his office on alert over the weekend as Tropical Storm Choi-Wan continues to build intensity east of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“We certainly hope that this storm will pass by without becoming a typhoon and without injury to any person or damage to property,” said Sablan.

“But in the event that a typhoon does strike my office is prepared to help bring federal resources to the aid of the Northern Mariana Islands.”

Sablan has been tracking the storm using the services of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison Office for Region IX in Oakland, California.

A spokesman there reports that FEMA has been in constant contact with the CNMI Emergency Management Office, tracking Choi-Wan, and that the FEMA Regional Watch Center is open and will be operating 24 hours a day, monitoring the storm.

FEMA is also sending a planning and response management cell to Guam to be prepared for any potential needs.

“I appreciate the seriousness with which FEMA is taking this situation,” Sablan said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
]]> Kilili Praises Violence Against Women Act on its 15th Anniversary tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.530  

News Release
September 12, 2009

Kilili Praises Violence Against Women Act on its 15th Anniversary

Washington, D.C. – On its 15th anniversary U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan is hailing the importance of the Violence Against Women Act and what it has meant for America's women.

"On September 13, 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act into law, as part of the Omnibus Crime Bill," said Sablan.  

"Over these last 15 years, this Act has made major strides in making America's women more safe and secure and better ensuring the victims of violence receive the services they need."

Last week in Washington Ms. Maisie Bermudes Tenorio represented the Northern Mariana Islands Coalition against domestic and sexual violence at a national conference against domestic violence. Ms. Tenorio was also a guest of Sablan’s at President Obama’s address on health care to a joint session of Congress.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was groundbreaking legislation that strengthened the nation's response to the crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  This law has not only strengthened criminal laws and provided  funding to improve the criminal justice system's response to these serious crimes, it has also laid the groundwork for local coordinated community responses to end violence against women by bringing together victim advocates, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the judiciary.  In addition, the enactment of VAWA has  led to a broader understanding that prevention of domestic violence is also a public health issue and health care professionals have also been brought in.

“The problem of violence against women has received increasing attention in the Northern Mariana Islands. I salute the work of the Northern Mariana Islands Coalition, Guma Esparanza, and everyone in the NMI who is working to protect women and families from this scourge.

“In Congress I will look for further ways to protect women against domestic and other forms of violence and to ensure sufficient funding continues to be available for this important work,” Sablan said.

Since the passage of VAWA, there is increased awareness and understanding about the specialized needs of victims and recognition that education and training are required to effectively handle domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking cases.  The number of domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers and comprehensive service programs has increased significantly since the bill was enacted.  With domestic violence shelters, VAWA funds have strengthened women and their families by providing the resources they need to courageously leave their batterers.
VAWA funds have become particularly critical over the last couple of years to ensure that vital services for domestic violence victims are funded at a time when state and local governments are experiencing budget crises. The Department of Justice is launching a year-long celebration of the 15th anniversary of VAWA.  It is using this occasion to raise public awareness of the many forms of violence against women and to support community efforts to assume responsibility for ending violence against women.

“The Violence Against Women Act ushered in a new era in response to violence against women,” Sablan pointed out.  “Much has been accomplished in the last 15 years, but the number of incidents of violence against women remains much too high.  On this anniversary, we must all rededicate ourselves to better protecting America's women from violence and to supporting survivors.”
]]> Newsletter 09/11/09 tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.532  

Newsletter 09/11/09
 
This Week in Congress
 
President Tells Congress to Act on Health Care– President Obama addressed a joint session of the House and Senate this week, calling for action on health care legislation. I was happy to have Ms. Maise Bermudes Tenorio as my guest in the House gallery for the occasion. A joint session is not called very often and it signaled just how serious President Obama is about health care reform. The President made clear his position on a number of issues. He wants insurance reform, so people will not be denied help when they most need it. He is committed to bringing down healthcare costs, which everyone agrees are far too high. He believes we need to protect Medicare, which will help us care for our seniors. And once again he said that we need to ensure quality, affordable health care for all Americans. While I would have loved to hear him address the U.S. territories specifically, I think there are many ways that health care reform will benefit us. There is still a great deal of work to be done before a health care bill can be finalized, but I am optimistic that positive change is on the way.
 
Pacific Islander Tony Babauta confirmed as Assistant Secretary of Interior – It is a great week when it ends with great news. Yesterday, the U.S. Senate confirmed by unanimous consent Mr. Anthony (Tony) Marion Babauta as the new Assistant Secretary of the Department of Interior for Insular Areas. Mr. Babauta is the very first islander to become the Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs. So his achievement is both his own and that of all people from the US insular areas. I am confident that Tony Babauta will not only serve President Obama and Interior Secretary Salazar with distinction, but that Tony will do his utmost to work for the best interests of the people of his home in Guam and of American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well. Tony was staff director of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and now I look forward to working with Tony in his new capacity as Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas. Congratulations, Tony.
 
Homeland Security issues investor regs – The Department of Homeland Security at long last made public proposed regulations governing foreign investors in the Northern Mariana Islands after the federal government takes control of the borders in November. The regulations will appear in the Federal Register on Monday, September 14; and written comments must be submitted within 30 days of that date. I will be reviewing these regulations carefully and listening to your feedback. Information about these regulations is available at http://www.sablan.house.gov.
 
House to vote on student aid bill – H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, should be on the House floor this week. I am one of the twenty-two original co-sponsors of the bill, which will make landmark investments in education. College students from the NMI will see their Pell grants rise over the next ten years with maximum awards going from $5,500 in 2010 to $6,900 in 2019, and more students will become eligible. According to the House Committee on Education and Labor, where I am a member, 773 NMI students now qualify for Pell, and 192 students will be added over the next 10 years. The bill also makes it easier and cheaper to borrow money for tuition by lowering interest rates. And the Northern Mariana Islands will receive an annual $750,000 to fund the College Access Challenge Grant program. All of this is revenue neutral. The bill cuts out the banks and other middlemen in the tuition lending business, saving the federal government $87 billion over ten years. Education, as I always say, is the most important way to ensure a sound economy in our islands 30, 40, 50 years down the road.
 
Keeping our children safe and well fed – I’m proud to announce that I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 3321, the Afterschool Flexibility to Expand Reimbursement for School Meals Act. This bill will allow schools to serve food after classes are finished for the day to ensure that all children have continuous access to nutritious meals. Programs like this not only improve the eating habits of children, which will boost school achievement, but also keep children in school and safe during evening hours. Legislation authorizing other nutrition programs, like the National School Lunch Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (better known as WIC), the Child and Adult Care Food program need to be renewed this year. As a member of the Committee on Education and Labor, which has jurisdiction over these programs, I will work hard to be an advocate of the NMI in these discussions, and will keep you updated as we progress.
 
More education bills in the pipeline – H.R. 3321 is only one of the many education bills I am sponsoring:
H.R. 13, the Teacher Education Assistance Creating Hope for Our Future Act, extends loan forgiveness to public school teachers, especially those at schools that serve a high proportion of disadvantaged students.
H.R 2329, the Extension of Deduction for Certain Expense of Elementary and Secondary School Teachers, reauthorizes the tax deduction for out-of-pocket expenses by teachers and school administrators. Especially at this time of the year dedicated teachers buy supplies with their own money when schools can’t afford to fully stock classrooms. I want the current $250 tax deduction continued.
H.R. 3238, the Adult Education and Economic Growth Act, increases adult education and literacy so more people can complete their education and find new jobs to support themselves and their families.
H.R. 3545, the Full-Service Community Schools Act, provides grants to help schools serve their communities through after school care, literacy programs, career counseling, and nutrition education as well as medical and dental services. Creating a one-stop center for all these activities can help busy parent meet their children’s’ needs in a place they already know and trust.
 
Highlights in Legislative Program, House of Representatives
 
THIS WEEK
H.R.445, To establish a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program to promote research of appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in hybrid vehicles, and for other purposes (agreed to by voice vote).
 
NEXT WEEK
H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.
H.R.3246, To provide for a program of research, development, demonstration and commercial application in vehicle technologies at the Department of Energy.
 
]]> Congressman Sablan Applauds Senate Confirmation of Tony Babauta as Interior Assistant Secretary tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.527  

News Release
September 10, 2009


Congressman Sablan Applauds Senate Confirmation of Tony Babauta as
Interior Assistant Secretary

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan issued the following statement today, congratulating Mr. Anthony M. Babauta after the U.S. Senate confirmed him to be Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs at the Department of the Interior.

I extend my sincerest congratulations today to Mr. Anthony M. Babauta, whom the U.S Senate has just confirmed to be Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs at the Department of the Interior.
 
Mr. Babauta is the very first islander to become the Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs. So his achievement is both his own and that of all people from the US insular areas.
 
I am confident that Tony Babauta will not only serve President Obama and Interior Secretary Salazar with distinction, but that Tony will do his utmost to work for the best interests of the people of his home in Guam and of American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well.
 
He is uniquely qualified for his new position as Assistant Secretary by virtue of his many years with the United States Congress working on insular issues. Of particular note, Mr. Babauta was instrumental in the passage of legislation that provided a seat in the House for Representatives for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.
 
I would like to thank the President for his selection of Mr. Babauta. I recommended Tony for this position; and I look forward to working with him in his new position as Assistant Secretary in the days and years to come.
]]> Preview: House to vote on student aid bill tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.526  

News Release
September 9, 2009

Preview: House to vote on student aid bill
A landmark investment in the NMI economic future

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan said today that he expects H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, to be acted on by the House of Representatives next week. Kilili is one of twenty-two original co-sponsors of the bill.

“In terms of increasing the educational opportunities for people from the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Sablan, “this is one of the most important pieces of legislation yet from the 111th Congress.

“And investing in education is the most important way to ensure a sound economy in our islands 30, 40, 50 years down the road.”

The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act reforms the way the federal government handles student loans. By cutting out the middle men in these transactions – banks and other private lenders – the federal government will save $87 billion over the next 10 years, according the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

The money saved will go directly to students and schools instead of to financial institutions.

“Pell grants will be going up,” Sablan said. “The maximum annual scholarship will rise from $5,500 in 2010 to $6,900 by 2019.

“And starting in 2011, Pell grants will be matched to rising costs-of-living plus 1 percent. This not only increases the dollar amount students will be eligible for, but also increases the number of students who will meet the income threshold to receive a scholarship.”

The House Committee on Education and Labor, where Kilili is a member, estimates that in the Northern Mariana Islands 773 students will be eligible for a Pell grant in the 2010-2011 academic year with an average scholarship of $3,892. An additional 192 students are predicted to become eligible for Pell awards over the following 10 years.

Students will find it easier and cheaper to borrow money for tuition, also. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be simplified. The low-cost Perkins Loan program will expand. And interest rates on federal student loans will be need-based and more affordable.

Students will also receive more support in school through the $750,000 grant the Northern Mariana Islands will receive to fund the College Access Challenge Grant program. The program offers matching challenge grants to encourage local governments and philanthropic organizations to invest in projects that help low-income students succeed in postsecondary school.

Typical projects offer student loan cancellation or repayment or interest rate reductions for borrowers who are employed in a high-need geographical area or a high-need profession, provide need-based grant aid, and conduct professional development for financial aid administrators and college admissions counselors, and for guidance counselors at middle and secondary schools.
]]> Newsletter 9/5/2009 tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.525 Newsletter 9/5/2009

An open letter on federal immigration.

 
To the people of the Northern Mariana Islands:
 
On Tuesday, speaking to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, I announced that I had decided to seek a delay in implementation of federal immigration control. This is a reversal of my view and I feel that I owe you an explanation.
 
I continue to believe that federal immigration control is in the long-term best interest of the people of our Commonwealth. Although a certain amount of readjustment could be expected with this transition, the public has a right to expect the responsible government agency to accomplish the job with the highest degree of professionalism and the minimum disruption to public services, to families and to businesses.
 
It is now my judgment that the Department of Homeland Security is not prepared to meet these standards and establish effective control of the borders on November 28.
 
A principal reason for this judgment is that DHS has budgeted no money for the transition, despite having reported to Congress that $86 million will be necessary for this job. This lack of funds may account for the lack of presence — no personnel and no equipment is in place — a scant 90 days before the date of transition.
 
Regulations, too, are lacking. DHS may publish regulations explaining how investors will be treated within 60 days of November 28, as the law requires; but DHS shows no sign of issuing regulations explaining the fate of transitional workers. And the regulations regarding the visa waiver program have not been finalized — or changed to allow Chinese and Russian tourists to continue to visit the Northern Mariana Islands as they now do. I believe the public needs an opportunity to consider how DHS intends to interpret the law and sufficient time to provide feedback to the agency. And the agency needs sufficient time to carefully consider and respond to that feedback.
 
Then there are the many problems of transition associated with immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, and with non-U.S. citizens who are long-standing residents of the Commonwealth. For many of us these people are our families, our friends and our neighbors, but the Department has refused to answer any of the questions about their fate.
 
In fact, DHS has refused to answer any of the questions I have asked, the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife has asked, and Senators Bingaman and Murkowski have asked about the essential questions of how the Department will manage the transition. I have concluded that the Department does not know.
 
So, I have decided to work for a delay in implementation of federal border control, even though I know this will be most difficult to accomplish.
 
I want to be very clear: I am not seeking delay for the sake of delay. I am not interested in simply moving back the goal posts. We have already had one six-month delay to give the Department time to prepare and the Department is still not prepared. Any new action by Congress will have to require that DHS do its job in a way that the Department cannot duck. And any new action by Congress must force the Department to act as quickly as possible, so that we can make the transition, erase the uncertainties, and get on with the work of building the Commonwealth.

Respectfully yours,
 
GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN
Garapan, Saipan
 
PSS wins million-dollar grant— The Department of Education has informed me that it will award $1,016,277 in competitive grant funds to the CNMI Public School System. Awarded under the Territories and Freely Associated States Educational Grants Program, the money may be used for teacher training, curriculum, development, instructional materials, or general school improvement and reform.  I congratulate the Public School system on successfully competing for this substantial grant. This is a wonderful opportunity to improve the way our students learn and offer new tools for teachers.
 
USDA Congressional Affairs Director Joins DC Office– Scott. A. Carter, Director of Congressional Affairs for the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, has joined our office as a Congressional Fellow. Scott brings over 19 years of Federal Executive Branch experience in areas of economic development, grants and procurement, environment and natural resources, education, nutrition, agriculture, trade, tourism and defense. He will be a valuable asset in establishing and strengthening relationships with Federal agencies to address concerns and identifying opportunities for citizens, business and the government of the CNMI. I am very pleased to have Scott on board.
 
Highlights in Legislative Program
 
THIS WEEK
 
(Senate) Appropriations for FY2010 –The Senate will consider appropriations measures this week.
(Senate) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (H.R. 2847)
 
To remove your name from our mailing list, please email e-kilili@mail.house.gov
 
 
]]> PSS wins million dollar competitive grant tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.517  

News Release
September 2, 2009


PSS wins million dollar competitive grant

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has announced that it will award over one million dollars in competitive grant funds to the CNMI Public School System for training and development, instructional materials, and school improvement.  

In a letter to Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Assistant Secretary of Education for Legislation and Congressional Affairs Gabriella Gomez said that PSS would receive $1,016,277 over the next three years.  

“I am thrilled that the Public School system was able to obtain this competitive grant, which will help PSS to improve literacy and math skills, as well as teacher preparation and training” said Congressman Sablan.

Awarded under the Territories and Freely Associated States Educational Grants Program, the money may be used for teacher training, curriculum, development, instructional materials, or general school improvement and reform.  

“This is a wonderful opportunity to improve the way our students learn and offer new tools for teachers,” added Congressman Sablan, “and I am confident that it will have a positive effect and help students with those basic skills that are so important in pursuing a quality education.”

PSS intends to use the funds for an “Improving Literacy in Reading and Math Project” which will enhance teacher quality and student achievement to help meet the district’s goal of 90% proficiency by 2014. Resources will be focused on professional development, support for English Language Learners, math and reading technology, and extra support for parental literacy and struggling students.
]]> Newsletter 8/28/2009 tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.524 Newsletter 8/28/2009

Recovery Act money continues to flow to the Northern Mariana Islands:
 
EPA awards $350,000 for NMI sewer projects – We are happy to announce that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will give $350,000 to the Northern Mariana Islands for sewer projects in addition the $1,101,700 the Marianas received on August 13. Both grants are part of the $5 billion dollars awarded to fund water and water infrastructure projects across the country under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money will come in the form of low-interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20% of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects. The $350,000 grant for the NMI will go to rerouting and realignment of sewer collection lines to reduce energy usage and lower operation and maintenance costs.

 
Town Hall Meetings—I want to express my thanks again to everyone who attended the Town Hall Meetings at the Susupe Multi-Purpose Center, Rota Roundhouse, Tinian Elementary School and at Kagman High School. I am always happy to learn and to hear all of your concerns and interests and how we can do our job better in representing the Northern Mariana Islands. Again, if you have any additional comments, please contact your congressional District Office in Susupe at (670)-323-2647/8 or by e-mailing me at kilili@mail.house.gov.
 
CNMI receives $1.1 million in funds for bus maintenance and operation center improvements– This week, the Department of Transportation announced a grant award totaling $1.1 million for the CNMI to renovate public bus facilities. The award is one of 13 grants totaling $189.8 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to improve local transit systems while supporting the creation of jobs and providing much needed transportation options for millions. The grants can be used to purchase new vehicles, increase safety and security initiatives, construct, rehabilitate or maintain the various transit systems.The U.S. Department of Transportation has made $48.1 billion available for highway, road, transit, bridge and airport construction and repairs nationwide.  Of that, $26.5 billion already has been obligated to fund more than 7,988 approved projects in 55 U.S. States and Territories. 
 
Highlights in Legislative Program, House of Representatives
 
THIS WEEK
 
August Recess
 
NEXT WEEK
 
August Recess continues (the House of Representatives reconvenes on September 8, 2009)
 
To remove your name from our mailing list, please email e-kilili@mail.house.gov
 
 
]]> NOAA announces annual grant for CNMI Coastal Zone programs tag:sablan.house.gov,2009://4.516  

News Release
August 26, 2009


NOAA announces annual grant
for CNMI Coastal Zone programs

Saipan, MP – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce announced today a grant of $1,027,200 to fund the CNMI Coastal Zone Management programs. The annual funding is distributed by formula to U.S. states and territories.

“This is 17th year that NOAA has provided a grant to the Commonwealth for the important environmental protection programs administered by the Coastal Resources Management Office,” commented U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.

“As always, we appreciate this assistance, which is just a small part of the $130 million that comes to the Northern Mariana Islands each year from the United States government.”

The annual coastal resources grant provides support for land development permit application review and processing, development project permit compliance, monitoring, and enforcement, geospatial data coordination, geographic information services and analysis, watershed and non-point source pollution management planning, special area management planning, and public outreach and education.
This year’s award is also supporting new initiatives such as wetlands valuation and a no net loss policy for wetlands.
]]>