Feds downplay probe

Two federal officials yesterday said the U.S. House Resources Committee’s probe into the alleged on-the-job political campaign by some officials of the Office of Insular Affairs has not influenced White House’s policy towards the Northern Marianas.

John Fraser, deputy director of the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor, said that although he is not familiar with the allegations, these have no bearing on their efforts to push for labor and immigration reforms on the island.

“I personally don’t believe that any allegations… in any way influence the administration’s careful consideration of the merits of the policy, the assessment of the situation, the nature of problems in the Commonwealth and any appropriate solution,” he said.

Fraser was responding to questions by reporters during a teleconference with the local media after appearing at the hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in Washington D.C. Tuesday (Wednesday local time).

At the same conference, OIA Director Ferdinand Aranza downplayed the investigation being conducted by Resources Committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska) on some of his former colleagues.

“As unfortunate as the allegations may be, they are separate issues,” he told reporters, echoing Fraser’s remark.

According to the OIA chief, the office, which has jurisdiction over the CNMI and other insular areas, remains committed to implement Clinton’s policy to federalize immigration and minimum wage standards in the Commonwealth.

“Our thinking about the soundness of the administration’s position… has not changed,” Aranza said. “However, what we have changed is the sense that we should probably work more closely, more affront with the CNMI leaders and open the line of communication.”

Commonwealth leaders have hailed the probe, saying this has bolstered attempts by the island government to stave off federal takeover proposals in Congress.

The investigation, which began in July, has pointed to possible violations of the Hatch Act by some Interior and OIA officials over their conduct related to the island’s labor situation.

It has charged that these officials, including former OIA Director Allen Stayman, have used government time and resources to provide damaging information against Republican leaders of Congress to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Among included in their campaign were elected officials, particularly House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas), Majority Whip Tom Delay (R-Texas), Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-California) and Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska).

The data offered to DCCC might have had connection with the controversy involving the working conditions on the island. These lawmakers are strong allies of the local government and its economic policy.