Tenorio Touts Rota and Tinian to Congress

(Washington, DC) August 18, 2008.  In a letter to Chairwoman Donna Christensen and Ranking Member Luis Fortuño of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, CNMI Resident Representative Pedro A. Tenorio pointed out the fragile status of Rota and Tinian’s economies and how they have been skipped over by visits from Congressional Delegations.

“CNMI’s economic problems began prior to the 110th Congress taking up legislation to normalize our immigration, and our economy simply cannot withstand additional negative impacts caused by that normalization process.  Saipan should not be the only barometer of economic impact for the implementation of Public Law 110-229.  Rather, Rota and Tinian with their unique challenges, including the economic potential of their gaming industries, should be at the forefront when it comes to impact and economic diversification consideration,” pointed out Tenorio in his letter.

“I have repeatedly stressed to Congress and the Department of Homeland Security how crucial the Chinese tourist market is to Tinian, and how the insufficiency of essential air service has affected Rota's economy.  While there is hope that the military build-up on Guam will bring economic benefit to Tinian and Rota, that whisper of economic promise is years into the future,” continued Tenorio.

Tenorio expressed his gratitude to the Chairwoman for sending the staff delegation to visit Saipan to follow up on last month’s meetings with Homeland Security personnel.  “However, the trip was just too short, they weren’t able to meet everyone they needed to, and again, they did not visit Rota or Tinian,” explained Tenorio.  “I have consistently stressed the importance of keeping the House Resources Committee and the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee involved in the implementation process of Public Law 110-229.  I will also be writing to Chairman Bingaman and Ranking Member Domenici on the Senate side, as I have learned that they may also be sending a staff delegation to the CNMI later this year.”

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Last modified: 10/28/08