House agenda

While expected to run smooth, the appropriation bill on the Capital Improvement Projects did not attract debate during the session Friday of the House of Representatives despite the critical issue involved.

Instead, members of the lower house argued on another appropriation bill funneling fund balances from a CIP law passed nearly four years ago for a water line project in Oleai.

House Bill 11-406, sponsored by Vice Speaker Jesus T. Attao and Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, generated heat on the floor, with some legislators taking the occasion to advance their own pet projects.

Lobbied hard by Attao who asked the House to put off a recess called by the majority leader, the measure seeks to re-appropriate some $91,240 for drainage construction and road pavement in Precinct III.

In supporting the bill, Rep. Oscar M. Babauta attempted to insert proposed renovation of what he called “dilapidated” cafeteria of William S. Reyes School in Chalan Kanoa, his district.

But the move was rejected due to absence of funds, prompting him to urge the Ways and Means Committee to inquire into the actual balance of the $23 million CIP allocation.

House members said there are more serious needs in the community that should be prioritized by the Legislature in terms of funding, noting that other districts are in dire need of infrastructure projects such as water and sewage.

Despite passionate calls for funding for other projects which, according to observers, are “normal” because they are up for reelection in the midterm polls this November, the bill narrowly passed

Attao and Hofschneider walked off the session and did not vote on the next bill.

Other measures and resolution passed in the three-hour session which was specifically called to vote on the new CIP appropriation under HB 11-408 were:

– HB 11-337, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act which will revamp existing laws and raise license fees to retailers and wholesalers of beer and other alcohol. It now heads to the Senate for action;

– HB 11-409, amending the garment labor cap under Public Law 11-76 to clarify some provisions regarding employment quota on the merging of two garment manufacturing firms (for Senate action);

– HR 11-146, a resolution urging the Board of Regents and the President of the Northern Marianas College to extend the Trades and Apprenticeship program to Tinian campus and the community;

– HR 11-149, recognizing contribution of Coral Ocean Point to Koblerville and San Antonio communities;

– HR 11-150, asking the Department of Public Safety to ensure safety in all existing crosswalks;

– HJR 11-52, a joint resolution with the Senate conferring a “honorary citizenship” to Japanese astronaut Chiaki Mukai who is visiting the CNMI next month (for Senate action);

– and two commemorative resolutions commending Luis H. Manglona for his government service and Mau Pialug, the master navigator who led the 72-journey across the Pacific beginning from Hawaii and ending on Saipan. (B. Saladores)