House has new Commerce, Tourism chair

Speaker Benigno R. Fitial has appointed Rep. Martin B. Ada as the new chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism. Ada will be replacing Rep. Ray N. Yumul while Yumul is away serving on active duty in the U.S. Army.

Fitial made his appointment in consultation with Yumul, other members of the House Leadership, and Ada, who agreed to accept the chairmanship in view of Yumul’s deployment.

The Speaker, who recently arrived from an off-island trip, said he appointed Ada based on the strong recommendation and specific request of Yumul, who cited Ada’s early and active involvement in the commerce and tourism committee.

Yumul had previously asked Ada to consider assuming the responsibilities of the chairman of the House Commerce and Tourism Committee in anticipation of his impending military deployment.

“Because of his status as an active member of my committee, I believe Representative Ada will be an excellent choice to replace me in my absence,” said Yumul.

Yumul added that he appreciated Ada’s willingness to assist him in view of the urgency of his situation. He also cited Ada’s many years of public service and highlighted Ada’s role as the chairman of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures’ Economic Development Committee.

Yumul said he is grateful to Fitial and his other colleagues in the House leadership for considering his recommendation to appoint Ada as commerce and tourism chair during his overseas deployment.

Fitial indicated that he respects Yumul’s preference and will honor his recommendation, saying he welcomes more bipartisan cooperation in the House.

Fitial also noted that, during his tenure as Speaker of the 12th Legislature, he appointed Ada as the acting speaker while he and other members of the CNMI House leadership were meeting with their counterparts in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I have great confidence and trust in Representative Ada’s leadership qualities,” said the Speaker. “And in making this appointment, I am again renewing my confidence in Representative Ada, who I am sure will do an excellent job in chairman Yumul’s absence.”

House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta said the entire House leadership supports the Speaker’s appointment of Ada. Babauta also added that the entire House leadership joins the Speaker in commending Yumul for his exceptional service as the chairman of the committee.

“Yumul’s performance was outstanding,” noted the Speaker. “We commend his service in the House and we also commend his service to his country, and we wish him and his fellow reservists a safe tour of duty.”

Ada, a Republican, now joins Democrat Justo Quitugua in heading up a House standing committee without becoming a member of the House’s majority party.

Separately, Yumul assures his constituents that his staff will continue to serve the public in his absence.