Federal takeover threats still alive

Local lawmakers visiting Congress in Washington D.C. expressed optimism yesterday over continued CNMI control over its immigration and minimum wage, but said there are still efforts by some members that threaten such power granted to the islands.

Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, who led the 10-member delegation, vowed to woo support by U.S. lawmakers from both the House of Representatives and the Senate on local programs aimed at improving the island’s labor conditions and ensuring economic growth here.

Since arriving in the nation’s capital late last week, the group has met with some members of Congress and several key officials of their staff to discuss legislative issues affecting the Commonwealth.

The discussion has focused on three pending bills — S. 1052 seeking to extend federal immigration laws to the island, a proposal to raise minimum wage in the mainland that will include the CNMI, and a measure restricting exports of apparel products manufactured here.

According to Mr. Fitial, support for the first two legislation has weakened and thus, assuring the Commonwealth of continued control over its own immigration and minimum wage standards — powers local leaders maintain are necessary to develop the economy.

But he said they are still concerned that critics of the CNMI in Congress could insert provisions in other legislation, such as appropriation bills, to squeeze the Commonwealth.

In fact, the third bill amending the Headnote 3(a) provision — the trade privilege and duty-free, quota-free granted the CNMI under the Covenant, is still “very much alive,” said Mr. Fitial.

Rep. Bob Franks (R-New Jersey) is the main sponsor of that measure and proponents are campaigning to draw more support from other congressional members.

“We will be talking with our friends to stave off that particular legislation that is threatening the Headnote 3(a) provision,” the speaker told in a telephone interview from Washington.

Threats

House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta described such legislation, including appropriation measures affecting the CNMI, as “threats” as some may be making rider provisions to cave in to pressure from those pushing for federal takeover of the island’s labor, immigration and customs standards.

“Members who are critical may do anything possible to the appropriation bills or the U.S. budget act or any of the amendment that will affect the Commonwealth,” he explained during the same interview.

“These are things that we should seriously be worried about because some members, as we were told by key staff, continue to pursue these legislation,” added Mr. Babauta.

The two lawmakers noted that Rep. George Miller (D-California) has intensified his campaign against the CNMI, citing a “Dear Colleague” letter he issued upon their arrival to the U.S. capital criticizing Mr. Fitial’s House leadership.

But Mr. Babauta dismissed the criticisms as “an economic battle” orchestrated by mainland labor unions and backed by some members of Congress. He said CNMI supporters have pledged to block such legislation, particularly S. 1052.

“We should not forget that sooner or later people like Congressman George Miller will eventually begin [a new attack] that hopefully can be detected by our friends,” he added.

Mr. Fitial believed CNMI supporters in Washington can help the island fight off any attempt to amend the Covenant as he said they understand the issue.

“This is a political issue that we in the Commonwealth cannot afford to fight with our own resources. We are very small. We must rely on the support of our friends,” he said.

Noting that the NMI surrendered its sovereignty rights in 1978 when the Covenant took effect, the speaker emphasized the island gave up its “body and soul” in return for the rights to control its immigration, labor and minimum wage.

“If our enemies in Congress say that these rights are temporary,” he said, “then similarly they should also consider the sovereignty rights that we gave away to be temporary.”

The delegation is expecting a “tight schedule” this week when they meet with other lawmakers and attend briefings. On Tuesday (Saipan time), they are set to appear in seminars with the Heritage Foundation, Institute for Justice and the Business Software Alliance. Their visit ends on Thursday.