It's all systems go for the arrival in the Marianas of House Natural Resources Committee chair Nick J. Rahall II (D-WV) and five other U.S. lawmakers, including Rep. Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP).
Rahall's group is the second to arrive on Saipan in about a month. On July 4, 2009, a congressional delegation led by Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee chair David Price (D-NC) spent a day on the island upon Sablan's invitation.
The three-day visit to the CNMI of the Committee on Natural Resources CODEL comes just 112 days before the Nov. 28, 2009, implementation date of the federal immigration system in the Marianas and the problems of implementation are sure to be the topic of discussion between the CODEL and government and business leaders here.
Joining Rahall and Kilili in the CODEL are Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS), chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment; Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans & Wildlife; Rep. Henry Brown (R-SC), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans & Wildlife; and Rep. Donna M. Christensen (D-USVI), member of the Energy & Commerce and Natural Resources committees and second vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
At 4:30pm tomorrow, a military plane carrying the Rahall-led CODEL will land at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport. Sablan's wife, Andrea, will lead the welcoming party.
From the airport they will proceed to the Hyatt Regency Saipan to meet with the officers of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands. HANMI is expected to press the delegation on the inclusion of Russian and Chinese tourists in the visa-waiver program.
“Allowing Russian and Chinese tourists to come to the CNMI without having to get a visa is vital to the Commonwealth's tourism economy,” Sablan said. “I want the CODEL to have an opportunity to hear first-hand accounts on the economic impact of losing Russian and Chinese tourists.”
After the HANMI meeting, Sablan's family will treat the group to an authentic Chamorro barbecue dinner. Sablan has also invited Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and first lady Josie Fitial to the dinner.
“We in the Marianas take pride in our food and hospitality and I want Mr. Rahall and my colleagues in Congress and the staff to experience that,” said Sablan.
On Sunday Rahall will join Sablan in listening to what is expected to be a large gathering of people whose immigration status will be affected by the transition to U.S. control. The meeting at the fishing base in Garapan will include the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the Commonwealth, and the long-term workers who are critical to the economy.
That night Fitial will host a dinner for the CODEL at his Gualo Rai residence.
On Monday the CODEL will meet formally with the governor, the CNMI mayors, and the Legislature. It will also include meetings with federal officials and with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.
“My plan was for the CODEL to have contact with as many people as possible, representing a wide range of views and concerns,” Sablan said.
Also part of the CODEL are committee staff members Brian Modeste, Jean Flemma and Bonnie Bruce and military escorts.
After the CNMI, the CODEL will proceed to Guam. The CODEL had also been to American Samoa and Palau. (PR)
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