Frank Cushing, a great friend of the CNMI, dies at 59

A U.S. congressional staffer who became instrumental in the development of the Northern Marianas during the initial stage of its covenant with the federal government passed away last Monday after battling brain cancer.

Frank Martin Cushing had over three decades of knowledge and experience in congressional appropriations and federal budget processes when he died at his home in Falls Church, Virginia. He was 59.

Cushing earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Idaho and completed graduate-level work in public policy administration at the University of Idaho and Boise State University before going to Washington D.C. in 1977 to work as a legislative assistant for Sen. James McClure (R-Idaho).

He later served as clerk of the Senate Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee from 1981 to 1984, then as staff director for the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee from 1984 to 1991—both under McClure.

Cushing subsequently served as corporate vice president for an energy firm for three years before returning in 1995 to Capitol Hill where he worked as clerk and staff director of the House Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee for then chair Jerry Lewis (R-California) until 2003.

Pete A. Tenorio, former lieutenant governor and resident representative to the U.S., said he had known Cushing for 30 years and describes him as kind, compassionate, a man with integrity and responsibility, and a great friend of the CNMI.

“He helped tremendously in getting the CNMI in the early days millions of dollars to prepare our infrastructure and our needs to be economically self-sufficient,” Tenorio told Saipan Tribune. “He recognized many of our problems, and he committed his comprehensive resources as a budget person to make things happen for the CNMI.”

According to Tenorio, Cushing was instrumental in getting appropriations for the construction of the island’s lone public hospital, the Commonwealth Health Center—the first major funding from Congress that made a huge difference for the CNMI in its quest to make the Covenant work for the new Commonwealth.

“I know I have lost a truly great friend…He helped the CNMI and expected nothing in return, and was just happy with your friendship,” Tenorio said about Cushing, adding that he would let Cushing win a game of golf “so that I can enjoy seeing his joy and bragging rights.”

James P. Beirne, a former congressional staffer who worked with Cushing, said that Cushing became the first congressional appropriations staffer to visit the Pacific “and he did it in grand style.”

“Frank understood how important it was to have someone who could focus on the islands to the exclusion of everything else,” Beirne said via e-mail.

Senate staffer Allen P. Stayman, for his part, said it has been a privilege to work with Cushing whom he described as a great mentor.

“Frank demonstrated his commitment to the islands through his willingness to take the time, among all the issues vying for his attention, to meet with island leaders and develop a full understanding of their concerns,” he said.

Cushing, Stayman said, was “a sympathetic advocate for their communities during the formative years of political and economic development” and “played a crucial role in many funding and policy initiatives considered by Congress during those years.”

“The benefits of his commitment to the islands continues today,” he added.

Cushing became the twelfth clerk and staff director of the House Appropriations committee under then chair Lewis before he retired in 2008 to become a partner at the lobbying firm Oldaker Law group where he dedicated his efforts toward policies in science and education.

He is survived by his wife Amy Hammer, mother Elizabeth Cushing, brother William P. Cushing, Jr., four children, and 12 grandchildren.

Cushing’s life and memory will be celebrated in a memorial service on Feb. 13 at 3pm at Columbia Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.