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Adriano calls for legislative unity
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Posted on Apr 29 2002
Were it not for the worsening economy and the need for more cooperation among lawmakers, the Senate can actually compromise Sen. Pete P. Reyes’s position as chairman in the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative delegation.
However, because of the need for concerted action in the Legislature to help revive the Commonwealth economy, it would be better for everyone if Reyes try to work with the other members of the Senate, instead of complaining about being sidelined and of Saipan senators being the minority in the upper chamber.
Senate Floor Leader Joaquin G. Adriano stressed these points, in the wake of the running word war that has erupted between the two outspoken lawmakers in the media.
Reyes had accused Adriano of deliberately leaving him out of meetings held by the Senate Committee on Rules, which Adriano chairs. Reyes said that, as the Minority Leader, he is automatically a member of the committee and should have been notified whenever the committee held any meetings.
Adriano, however, questioned Reyes’ election as Minority Leader, saying he is technically not a member of the minority since he is a Republican and the Republican Party dominates the Senate.
Both have accused each other of infantile behavior.
Adriano said that, if Tinian and Rota were to take Reyes’ position of stirring up animosity between the three senatorial districts, the Senate can actually block all the bills from the House of Representatives and ask the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation to remove him from the chairmanship before entertaining any bills emanating from the lower chamber.
“We can do that. We can compromise his position right now and ask the House of Representatives or the Saipan delegation that, until such time that they remove Reyes as the Saipan delegation chairman, only then can we entertain bills from the House,” he said.
Adriano was quick to add, though, that “things are different nowadays. The economy is so bad. People are lining up for jobs and we cannot afford that. So, what Reyes should be doing is working with us together and bring back what is good for the people of the Marianas.”
