US House leaders’ support in the bag

House Speaker Ben Fitial yesterday enjoyed another successful day in his visit to Washington DC, having received the support of the powerful US Committees on House Resources and on Appropriations.

Mr. Fitial’s second day on Capitol Hill included a meeting with Chairman James Hansen (R-UT), the new leader of the House Committee on Resources, the legislative body with jurisdiction over US territories, including CNMI.

The speaker raised with Mr. Hansen the need for flexibility in the application of certain federal environmental laws, noting that some laws have a disproportionate impact on the economic development in areas such as the CNMI.

Mr. Fitial specifically mentioned the issue regarding the cattle ranchers in the Marpi area.

“Chairman Hansen understands that one size does not fit all when it comes to environmental policy. He was very receptive to our concerns about the impact of federal laws on the local economy. He pledged to work with us to address our immediate problem in Marpi and to review the entire spectrum of federal red tape so that we can avoid such problems in the future,” said Mr. Fitial.

The local leader also met with the new top Democrat on the House Resources panel, Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV). Mr. Rahall succeeded federal takeover proponent Rep. George Miller (D-CA) as the committee’s highest ranking Democrat.

During the meeting with Mr. Rahall, Mr. Fitial addressed the takeover issue directly, asking the US lawmaker to work with him in opposing measures that would devastate the standard of living in the CNMI.

“I believe it is important for CNMI’s leaders to work with members of both parties to educate them about the CNMI’s unique situation. Rep. Rahall is a key member of an important committee, and I thought it was important to visit with him and to commit to working with him on issues of mutual interest,” Mr. Fitial said.

The speaker’s schedule also included meetings with two members of the important House Appropriations Committee, Representatives John Doolittle (R-CA) and John Sweeney (R-NY).

In his visits, Mr. Fitial urged the House members to consider infrastructure and community development projects that are vital to the CNMI’s economic future.

Mr. Fitial said, “I am very glad that the CNMI has friends in such powerful positions. Whether the issue is construction funding or Compact impact assistance, the Appropriations Committee will make the important decisions, and I am confident we will receive a fair hearing because of our friends that serve on that committee.”

Mr. Fitial is expected to meet with key officials at the US Department of Justice to discuss the issue of CNMI’s “stateless” residents. The speaker will also visit House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) and other key House Resources Committee members.