TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH BUSH GOV’T Lawmakers plan trip to D.C.

Senators are planning a trip to Washington D.C. in time for the inauguration of President-elect George W. Bush next month in an effort to fortify relations with the new White House occupants as well as with the U.S. Congress.

The group met yesterday with Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan to inform him of the plan and to invite as well as they are proposing to tap funds set aside for the Covenant 902 consultation talks to finance the trip, according to Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano.

“There’s nothing definite yet at this time but we are trying to arrange the trip this early so that we will be there before the inauguration,” he told in an interview.

Mr. Bush, a Republican, beat out Democratic candidate Vice President Al Gore in the tight presidential race — a victory that CNMI leaders said would greatly help their efforts to fight off federal takeover attempts.

According to Mr. Adriano, the senators are hoping to establish stronger ties with the former Texas governor as well as with the new leaders of Congress who will be the Commonwealth’s supporters in advancing local interests in the nation’s capital.

“This is very important because we will be able to meet personally with the leaders of the new administration,” the Tinian senator said.

He disclosed five senators have expressed interest in joining the trip, which followed a similar visit to Washington D.C. last July aimed at drumming up support from Congress for the island government.

Mr. Sablan, who is the acting governor in the absence of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, had backed the proposed trip, Mr. Adriano pointed out.

“He is very supportive and I think he’s going along with us in the trip,” the senator explained. “The governor may also be interested to go to Washington to attend the inaugural ceremony.”

But Mr. Sablan informed the group that he would have to discuss the issue of tapping 902 funds with the Department of Finance for the trip, added Mr. Adriano.

During the trip last July, a delegation of five senators went on a week-long official visit to Washington as part of the efforts to block legislation seeking to extend federal immigration and minimum wage laws to the CNMI as well as to deprive the islands of its trade privileges under the Covenant.

They also met with several federal officials to ask for their assistance in boosting the islands’ economy as well as in providing more U.S. funding to finance various construction and community projects here.