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Leaner delegation to D.C. federal takeover hearing
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Posted on Jul 28 1999
At least six administration officials, led by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, are scheduled to depart Saipan this week to attend the scheduled hearing by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on August 3.
This is a smaller delegation compared to the last congressional hearing held in March 1998, in what Tenorio claimed was a decision to help his government save dwindling public funds.
The governor expressed hope that the August 3 hearing would be the last appearance under his administration, noting the huge travel expenses it entails for the cash-strapped Commonwealth government.
Since he has implemented austerity measures after assuming office in January last year, Tenorio disclosed that he has set aside limited funds for official travel expenses to boost savings of the government.
But the series of hearings being conducted by the Congress in the next few months would force the governor to replenish the account. Another oversight is scheduled by the House Resources Committee on September 16.
“This is an urgent matter,” he told reporters yesterday. “If there is nothing left on the account, we reprogram some (funds) to cover the expenses from traveling.”
A total of a dozen Northern Marianas officials, excluding representatives from the private sector, are expected to travel to the U.S. capital for next week’s hearing.
Aside from Tenorio, Labor and Immigration Sec. Mark Zachares, Special Finance and Budget Advisor Mike Sablan, Special Assistant for Policy and Research Mike Malone and Julia Sandvold, legal counsel for Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan from the administration will be part of the delegation.
Senate President Paul A. Manglona, House Speaker Diego T. Benavente, Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez, House Majority Floor Leader Ana S. Teregeyo and possibly Sen. Juan P. Tenorio will represent the Legislature in the hearing.
A “unified position” will be presented by the CNMI delegation before the panel — which deals with island issues — to bolster their fight against any federal takeover legislation awaiting action in the Congress.
Island leaders have declined to provide copy of the position paper until after the hearing is held
