Torres congratulates Biden, thanks Trump

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, a Republican issued Sunday the following statement:

“On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Lt. Gov. [Arnold I.] Palacios and I congratulate President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. It is our collective hope that we can work for the betterment of the people of our entire nation and our Commonwealth here in the Pacific. We recognize this historic milestone of women leadership in our country with the election of Vice President-elect Harris, and we join the nation in creating an environment for diversity and inclusion throughout all parts of our American government from federal to local. We look forward to working with them and their Democratic administration, just as we did with President Obama and his administration to great success.

“We want to sincerely thank President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for their service and dedication to our country. Since his election in 2016, President Trump has pledged his commitment and support for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, and he has delivered time and time again for our people. The Trump Administration has helped us pass meaningful federal legislation such as the NMI U.S. Workforce Act of 2018, which protects U.S. workers in their jobs, develops our local workforce, ensures the viability of our CW-1 visa program, and safeguards families of long-term residents. President Trump made sure the CNMI was heard in federal discussions regarding military training and projects in the Marianas, as well as worked closely with me during our 902 Consultations in protecting our national security interests and our access to economic resources and opportunities.

 “Most importantly, President Trump supported the CNMI during a time of great need in 2018 when Super Typhoon Yutu devastated our islands—the strongest storm to hit U.S. soil in over 80 years. Through his administration, federal first responders from FEMA and DoD were on the ground to help our island residents get back on their feet. That support continues to this day as we continue to receive federal funding through the CDBG-DR program to rebuild homes, schools, and public facilities, while hardening our infrastructure.

“As we seek to bring our country together after an election and move forward, we believe in the value of relationships with our federal partners and that we will continue to work for the best interests of the people that call the U.S. and the CNMI home.” (PR)