Proposed bill in US Congress would cripple CNMI, says group

Washington – The Traditional Values Coalition today denounced a punitive tax on goods from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory, proposed by Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI) in the United States Senate and Congressman Bob Franks (R-NJ 7th) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

If Congress taxes goods from the Marianas it would cause serious economic damage, ruining the islands’ fragile economy and destroying the livelihoods of many people who live in the islands, said Reverend Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition, in a letter to Sen. Abraham and Rep. Franks released today. “I’m surprised that Republicans would advocate a tax increase, let alone one that would severely cripple the economy of a U.S. territory.”

Under the legislation, goods manufactured in the Marianas would not be allowed duty-free entry into the United States, a right that is granted to every U.S. territory to stimulate economic development.

The bill would mainly affect garments manufactured in the U.S. territory. In 1995 Marianas garment manufacturing represented about one-half of one percent of all U.S. apparel production, but it is a major industry in the islands. Apparel manufacturing in the Marianas represents nearly 24 percent of the total operational budget of the territory government. It also provides 53 percent of port revenues and 20 percent of the local utility’s revenues.

Rev. Sheldon also expressed serious concern about another consequence of the legislation in depriving foreign workers of the opportunity to experience religious freedom for the first time. Many of the temporary foreign workers are Chinese who voluntary compete for jobs in the CNMI. “This is a truly unique change to evangelize within the borders of China, because these foreign workers in the CNMI return to their homeland spreading the Word of the Lord to families and friends,” Rev. Sheldon said. “We have so few opportunities to expand Christianity in China, and this legislation will unfortunately close this Back Door to Christianity.”

“Not only would you cripple a U.S. territory, but in the process deprive foreign workers particularly Chinese workers of the opportunity to experience religious freedom, the same freedom that American takes for granted,” Rev. Sheldon said. “I strongly urge you to reconsider your proposal and instead seek ways to improve the lives and bring faith to all the people in the CNMI.”