H.R. 3079 would amend the Joint Resolution Approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Detailed Summary
<b>Title I: Northern Mariana Islands Immigration, Security, and Labor Act</b> - Northern Mariana Islands Immigration, Security, and Labor Act - (Sec. 103) Extends U.S. immigration laws, as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act, to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), subject to a transition period through December 31, 2013.
Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) numerical limitations for nonimmigrant workers (parallel provisions for Guam and the CNMI); (2) nonimmigrant investors and nonimmigrant workers; and (3) removal.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress respecting nonresident guestworkers in the CNMI.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for CNMI nonimmigrant visitor visa waivers (as currently provided for Guam) for stays of up to 45 days (current law provides for 15-day stays) in Guam or the CNMI. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to monitor such admissions and suspend the entry of nationals from a country whose nationals have created an unacceptable number of program violations or pose security or law enforcement risks.
Provides that a person: (1) seeking U.S. entry from the CNMI shall be processed under existing immigration authority regarding entry from Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; and (2) denied admission shall be immediately removed.
Authorizes: (1) additional countries to be added to such visa waiver program; (2) creation of additional Guam or CNMI-only nonimmigrant visas; and (3) the Attorney General, the Secretary, and the Secretary of Labor to establish CNMI immigration operations offices.
Directs the President and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress respecting the transition program. Authorizes the Governor of CNMI to report to the President respecting the program.
States that the CNMI government shall: (1) not permit an increase in the number of alien workers in the CNMI as of the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) administer its non-refoulement protection program in accordance with its September 2003 agreement with the Department of the Interior.
Exempts hospitals in Guam, the CNMI, and the U.S. Virgin Islands from certain nurse admissions requirements.
(Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations.
<b>Title II: Northern Mariana Islands Delegate Act - </b>Northern Mariana Islands Delegate Act - (Sec. 202) States that: (1) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall be represented in the U.S. Congress by the Resident Representative to the United States (authorized by the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union With the United States of America); and (2) the Resident Representative shall be a nonvoting Delegate to the House of Representatives and elected as provided for by this Act.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/11/2008: Senate floor actions. Status: Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
orlee
December 30, 2007, 4:33am (report abuse)well it's about time to give Uncle Sam a try to protect the people of CNMI, locals or aliems alike, the governor is not doing good in his job, his promised better times ended up as BITTER TIMES. Good luck people of the CNMI.
M. Sablan
December 30, 2007, 4:42am (report abuse)I voted for Fitial, if there's a way to revert my vote i will do it. He is scared of federal gov't due to him getting investigated for his participation with his friend now in jain Abramof. He is a dictator, using garment factory owners money.
LaPutha
December 30, 2007, 4:50am (report abuse)hey my fellow chamorros why don't we all agree to what Feds are planning which i think is best for our island. What can you do to stop it anyway? Just follow the river where it goes. I think everybody will benefit, Those who left to get greener pastures are going to come back. BIBA FEDERAL, BIBA SAIPAN.
Sweatshop Watch
December 31, 2007, 3:46pm (report abuse)Wendy Doromal has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in a letter written by outspoken labor reform advocate Ron Hodges of Saipan, titled "Real Heroes" in the Marianas Variety at mvariety.com 12-27-07. Congrats Wendy.
D. Quitugua-DLCruz
December 31, 2007, 5:42pm (report abuse)Tina sablan is the person of the year in cnmi, i must say she should also be called Hero not only for non resident workers which she fought for having a better status, but also for local people alike and businessmen. Tina we salute you and support you on your fight for transparent government advocacy. Biba Tina Biba Wendy, BibaWoodruff, Biba Non Resident workers, Biba People of CNMI. Biba 2008
Para i seta mol
December 31, 2007, 6:13pm (report abuse)Basta! Stop blosking feds from interfering and taking over CNMI immigration. Don't be paranoid of politicians being proved du to their numerous violations of Law and mis use of public funding. You know who you are guys. Start packing your bags ang leave Saipan where you can hide your bad ass. Esta loco na taotao.
M. Tomakani
January 4, 2008, 3:02pm (report abuse)I would agree that our current leadership is shamefull and our guest workers have contributed much to our island and I would call them "real heroes".
what is this world is the US Senate waiting for, this case is closed.
Slacker
January 4, 2008, 3:08pm (report abuse)I hope they put Fitial, about 1/2 our Congress, and there hoale employees, in jail. They should be sure to include Ben Fitial, Froilan and Pedro Tenorio, Juan Babauta, Lynn Knight, Willie Tan, James Lyn, Dick Pierce, Matt gregory, Harry Blalock, and many more.
delivery tax returns
January 4, 2008, 3:13pm (report abuse)ben fitial traveled to hong kong for the holidays and hand delivered willie tan a 9.4 million dollar tax rebate from the cnmi government. This is another tipicle abuse of power case for saipan that reminds filipina here of living at home. Plenty thieves.
taotao mona
January 4, 2008, 3:21pm (report abuse)they don't like aliens here but they don't like them to leave... what the **** i am not crazy but they are starting to make me crazy. If you don't like them, then why in a hell did you hire them? Simply because nobody will do their job. Not in a 100 years will they (local) supply labor pool in the CNMI accept it.
son of saispam
January 4, 2008, 3:30pm (report abuse)when they put fitial away, i hope they send all his hoale yes men and ass kissers with him. that would be lynn knight, dick pierce, harry blalock, matt gregory, steve pixley, ivan q, ms berry, and everyone that was ever involved is the saipan chamber of commerce or HANMI
new resident
January 4, 2008, 3:35pm (report abuse)i am trying to catch up on this labor and immigration story. so the governor is taking 8 digit check to hong kong. a guy has been documenting the historical accounting here and was cencored by the local Congress here....and they are trying to deport an American....is that correct? In the mean time the US House voted unanamously with the banished school teacher????
TAOTAOMONA
January 4, 2008, 3:39pm (report abuse)iT'S A SHAME HAVING A LEADER LIKE fITIAL, lanya i wasted my precious vote for him to win. I really regret chossing him on his governatorial seat. Better times, ewwww...BITTER TIMES maybe.
Pooth Angh Inha
January 4, 2008, 3:53pm (report abuse)Basta lalalo!!! Saipan is not only an island of thieves, it is also an island of racists, George Cruz is one example of them, I am glad he didn't make it to congress. imagine a RACIST in congressman. He's a big shame to his fellow chamorros. George just sit back and eat pugua until the end of your life.
Guest Who
January 4, 2008, 5:27pm (report abuse)I am all for Federalization of the CNMI immigration and labor. However, personal attacks and unsavory language should not be part of this forum. Let us all be civil.
Local Pride
January 5, 2008, 4:27pm (report abuse)I had Ron Hodges for 3 classes. I asked him what he thought about the attacks of Greg Cruz on him and others. He said in many places, vocal citizens like Greg would be the defender of poor factory workers and they would be glad to have him on their side. He thinks TT intentions are for helping Saipan but the racist stuff is uncalled for. Mr H thinks organized crime here is the real bad guy and this needs to be addressed before it worsens. Mr. H and other MHS teachers would be the absolute 1st to defend "our" local culture and people.
saipanorama
January 7, 2008, 6:50am (report abuse)I guess mr. george cruz is only protecting this island and its people. Let us all respect his view. But i believe granting non-resident worker status will help our ailing ecnomy. They've been cooperative before they'll be a big wall to lean on in years to come. Maila yan i aksepta i taotao na fafacho'cho. Biba Saipan, Biba People of Saipan, Biba Non-Resident Workers.
WHY NOT?
January 7, 2008, 7:16am (report abuse)Let us just wait for what the Feds are planning, whatever it is that they are going to do i'm sure it's for everybody's good. Instead of complaining, expecting too much, and saying bad & good stuff let's all help each other by working together. If aliens are not welcome anymore, let the Feds decide and leave Saipan to its indigenous if that's what they want. I think anybody will survive anywhere as long as he work hard and never cheat on anybody. God is always on our side to give us what we need, and don't expect too much.
No worry
January 10, 2008, 3:56pm (report abuse)I love saipan very much, this is where i met my wife and was given a son. It is really difficult to leave a place where I spent half of my life, but if forced to go home, what can I do? Now Is it a loss for me of Saipan? I can say that I am very competent worker who follows all rules & regulations of the company, and the law as well. I am not worried going anywhere for i know i can adjust again. If you are a talented, versatile and hardworking, NO NEED TO WORRY, live life to fullest...
Saipan worker
January 14, 2008, 10:25pm (report abuse)to us senators,
please add improved status for us and at least make us allowed to stay with our children and not be forced to take them to pi and china.
thank you so much
Please
January 16, 2008, 4:58am (report abuse)Our children will reach the age where they can petition us and if that happen wether we like it or not we are going back to Saipan or any US Territory, so why not give us improved status anyway. Please don't make non-resident family suffer where at the end it is they who will be back and will stay in U.S. or rather Saipan for good. Thanks.
Lookalike
January 17, 2008, 7:06pm (report abuse)Mr. Greg Cruz you are inviting lokal people to rally against federalization I hope they will not join just because you offered free barbecue????Just request also uncle Ben to send some more bento from nino Willy to make it sure many will join the party!!! VIVA MARIANAS LETS JOIN BBQUE AGAINST FEDERALIZATION.
Mr. Justice
January 18, 2008, 7:05am (report abuse)Greg Cruz Who ever behind your will go to jail.they are next...
Tae tae tanod
January 19, 2008, 2:26pm (report abuse)Local people woke up the next morning as US Citizens, now they enjoy the benefits, they can go anywhere holding US passport. Why not share a little cut of cake to qualified non-resident workers who helped a lot in the community. It was the Feds who gave it locals, it is the Feds who will give it to them (non-resident) no one else. I think insecurities in may ways are the main factor why they are trying to block it, fear of losing jobs because aliens will work on jobs that locals don't want.
Jorge Cruise
January 20, 2008, 1:50pm (report abuse)150 attended the march against federalization, it only means no a lot of locals are against it. Not even 5% of local populations are against Feds it shows that Saipan is ready to embrace the Feds which i think is the best solution. Let's all join hands to face this special event on February when US Senate pass the law federalizing the CNMI. Watch out crooked politicians you are bound to jail.
M Tenorio
January 20, 2008, 5:42pm (report abuse)The Senate vote will be 100-0 for federalization as no US Senator will align themselves will Fitial, Tan, Abramoff, HANMI, or TTT.
Washington Rep
January 20, 2008, 5:47pm (report abuse)The only question left is who will be our Washington Representative. It should be Tina Sablan or Pete A. Tenorio, although I would also support a haole because if you want to deal with'em ya may as well use'em. Steve Woodruff or Mark Hanson, or Joe hill would also be good and effective choices.
Never ends
January 20, 2008, 7:58pm (report abuse)Former representative here, Cinta Kaipat attacked Ron Hodges today in the newspapers with a pack of lies. See unheardnomore for real facts in this case from federal ombudsperson Jim Benedetto or Wendy Doromal
Lokalike
January 20, 2008, 9:20pm (report abuse)Marianas Variety misleading the public by reporting thousands attended the rally aginst federalization while the photo appear at the front page is a picture of two person holding the banner. There is no picture of thousand people to support their story, the other newspaper report for only 150.
Lookalike
January 20, 2008, 9:36pm (report abuse)Mr. Jeorge Kross I hope you now realized how many people supporting you (150). My question to you Mr. Grengo is how many years been the local administration running the labor & immigration is there any progress? why don't you try federal govt to see if there is progress difference.
Lokalike
January 20, 2008, 9:50pm (report abuse)Mr. Grengo the fed money is fixing your CUC generators and as they come in they will bring more green bucks for food stamp, WIC program medicaid and so on...etc. If the federal will not take over, more alien is coming in to make the CNMI as breading ground for US citizen children.
Dyorj Cruise
January 21, 2008, 4:24am (report abuse)Not that much went to support the trying hard Unity Rally, i guess mr. cruz is not a good leader after all cause he talk too much but work not much. I think his mouth is bigger that his heart, his mind is darker like a blind. Those who attended that rally are just blinded by Greg's false leadership, i feel sorry for them, WAKE UP GUYS! WAKE UP!
SAIPANORAMA
January 21, 2008, 4:37am (report abuse)I was there at the rally I sneak in to see for myself and it's really a good one cause only few attended it. It's good because it only shows how bad leader Mr. Cruz is, his charisma is not so enticing, If it wasn;t for the BBQ ribs, fewer will join the picnic. I just wonder what kind of marinating sauce did they used? cause i really like the taste.
sonofsaipan
January 21, 2008, 5:04pm (report abuse)last i check the covenant negotiations were between the local chamorro/carolinians and the federal government. regardless if federalization passes or not, the agreement would always be with the local chamorro/carolinians and the federal government. seems to me that a vast majority of non-residents believe that once federalization bill passes, all will automatically become US citizens. now answer me this, out of all the unity marchers on dec. 2007, how many of you have read the federalization bills in their entirety and understood waht it really means?
Losing her marbles
January 22, 2008, 8:04am (report abuse)Cinta Kaipat has lied to the entire commonwealth.
She defends the gangsters here including uncle Ben Fitial. She has been caught in a terrible lie regarding others writing her letter to the editor bashing Ron Hodges, who commented on PL-15-208.
The author was Deanne Siemer, apparently the wife of Howard Willens, a Ben Fitial attorney. She is a silent mouthpiece for Fitial and his criminal organization. Cinta Kaipat has proven herself a puppet for an organized crime family... see unheard no more Cinta has lost all credibility.
The ideals of Martin luther King Jr. have been trampled in the CNMI.
Lanya
January 23, 2008, 3:27pm (report abuse)Mr Greg Cruz, does the "150" sounds familiar to you? i think those are only that voted you in the previous election! idiot people as you! same number ha! try that lucky number in lotto, you may win!!!
lababol
January 24, 2008, 6:50am (report abuse)I love saipan, i love its people, i love non-resident workers too, let us not throw mud with each other. Let's just respect each other's opinion for we are all be together in this situation, better or worse. Helping each other is the main key to success. Saipan will not survive without aliens, and accept it or not for how many years, aliens survived through the courtesy of Saipan and its people. Think optimistically.
NOYPI
January 24, 2008, 8:47am (report abuse)GOV.FITIAL I Thought you dont like us! why you are keep going back to Philippines Now you are asking help for my kababayan about the power and gas in saipan. if you get sick where do you go? in the US mainland or the Philippines? if you go to US mainland may be they will ARREST you and you cannot come back anymore to saipan. Now you are Kissing my kababayan "A--"
"U CAN RUN BUT U CANNOT HIDE"
Ramon
January 24, 2008, 6:31pm (report abuse)YEAH!! we should ban uncle Ben & the gang in PI.
Ramon
January 24, 2008, 6:41pm (report abuse)150!! You've got to be kidding me uncle Greg can do better than that! I was talking to one of my local friend and I ask him if he's a member of tao tao tano guess what he told me? " He's very ashame of what uncle Greg doing"
Common
January 25, 2008, 10:00pm (report abuse)So the main purpose of coming to the CNMI is to get the easy way in to the United States without going through the B.S. at the U.S. Embassy in P.I. and not to what was the main reason behind the CNMI Immigration bill. You guys came here to help us not stay and demand! You guys threw out the U.S. from your homeland in the first place. Why demand now and for what?
PINATUBO
January 26, 2008, 1:48am (report abuse)Actually right now, how can you say it's an easy way? It has been 9 maybe 10 or more years since they proposed on federalizing the CNMI. The main purpose i believe is correcting wrong doings of CNMI Politicians, it so happen that once federal took over, new laws and regulations will be implemented, why not take advantage of what alien workers could benefit. It's never our intention to become US Ctizen in the first place, it's the U.S. Government who will give it. Not all Filipinos are in favor of chasing away Americans in Subic, it's Pinatubo Volcano that forced Americans go home in 90's, you cannot fight nature calamity.
FEDSOLUTION
January 26, 2008, 1:59am (report abuse)Who is demanding from CNMI Government regarding US Citizenship? we know for a fact that CNMI will never do that dut to their insecurities to foreign workers. CNMI doesn't even have money anymore, it is expecting money from the Feds and guess what? Using that money to other unknown projects without the knowledge of Feds. By the way it was the Feds who proposes for Federalization not the workers, who are we to disagree?
Joey Melberlin
January 26, 2008, 5:54am (report abuse)To Common, either we came here or you asked us to come here doesn't matter if we ask more. You are not the one who will give us this benefits, it's the US Fed, what in a hell is your problem with that! We are not asking you and your gov't for this improvement status, the US legislature is proposing it, but you will kill and die for so that we can not get this, why? come on look at youreself in the mirror. you will not lose anything men! The REAL American are not complaining and YOU are! share it!
Evil players
January 26, 2008, 5:30pm (report abuse)Please read “Who is pulling the strings” by Wendy Doromal unheardnomore.blogspot.com concerning the Cinta Kaipat article "Hodges distortions are shameful".
KUPAL
January 27, 2008, 9:02am (report abuse)GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES PEOPLE ARE SO STUPID
THEY DONT UNDERSTAND THE H.R.3079
BILL.
Common
January 28, 2008, 5:13am (report abuse)TO Joey, yes I will not be the one to give out these benifits and I careless if they gave you more. The thing here is that the CNMI was tainted over bad politicians and corrupt recuiters who will exploit contract workers. In turn these reports have made the CNMI a bad place and I don't blame the Federali if they come. In fact I welcome them to give a more tighter control on immigration here in the CNMI. But not all contract workers have the same goal when coming here to the CNMI. On the matter of killing and dying for this matter, we are not the same there man. You and I know that in the PI, you can kill and die for anything and that, I have to tell you to look twice on the mirror.
Ramon
January 28, 2008, 6:46pm (report abuse)Hey Common!! Have you been to PI???
Joey Melberlin
January 28, 2008, 9:27pm (report abuse)Common, every person has the right take or grab any chances to enhance his/her life. It's TRUE that all CW have the same goal, to come here for work that is being paid more than they earning, but when this oppurtunity comes you take it. Now if somebody who is blocking it, then that's the problem especially those blocking it are not the one who is a giver but who are already possessing it. A kid with all the candy but will not share is a bad kid.
confuse
January 29, 2008, 3:35am (report abuse)Nobody, not even the CNMI Government can exactly tell what is going to happen to CNMI, its people, contract workers, and businesses. Yes it is important to share the benefits that local people are getting being a US Citizen, but as of now what is it exactly they are to share? It is still a big question on what the Federal is planning for CNMI and for contract workers. Whatever it is, be ready for good or maybe bad. just wait and then comment, but don't try to block it.
Corex-D
January 29, 2008, 3:51am (report abuse)Joey, do you know exactly what the Federal Government is going to give? And are you sure you're going to get it? Is it an American Citiznship? What are the requirements? I have read the bill and there's no mention of giving special benefits to contract workers, and if there is... why not? Everybody deserves a better life. I sympathized with contract workers hardwork and steadfast. And I think contract workers are still willing to help the economy whether they'll be given or not an improved status, all they want is to remove the word "contract" out of workers. Thnks.
Lobong-Palos
January 29, 2008, 4:12am (report abuse)Corex, thanks for sympathizing with us, i agree there is no definite answer on federal take over, good or bad, but one thing i am sure of is that they (Feds) can handle the immigration better than the CNMI government's faulty and rusty way. Local people are moving to mainland, why? Is it to get greener pasture? Lucky them they can go there anytime and build a life there, they know exactly how and where to survive. What is the difference now? America is not their native land, CNMI is not our native land. People, nobody wants to get hungry, we are in a critical situation here so why don't share the good things.
Commonsense
January 29, 2008, 4:33am (report abuse)to Common, while it is true that killing in PI is heard in news in TV and Newspaper, the best way to comment is to visit PI first and enjoy the hospitality of Filipinos whether poor or rich, of course we Filipinos here are also not happy when we see news about killing, compare the population in PI against CNMI. Did you ever heard a news in PI that a Student shooting indiscriminately to other students, like that in Virginia Tech, Columbine High etc.? Nope no incident like that happened in PI man. I am not comparing just giving a little fact. Visit PI just don't show off your 24k gold necklace and bracelet, they hate it there. Tenchu veyi mats.
Land-Row-Nest
January 29, 2008, 4:46am (report abuse)Actually right now we are not arguing about Feds taking over here, cause it's already happening, no one can stop it now, not even Gov. Fitial's gimpy lobbyist. The best we can do now is to learn how to embrace the GOOD and BAD effects of the incoming historical event that Feds are about to unleashed. Behold! the New CNMI... whoah!!!
Joey Melberlin
January 29, 2008, 7:00pm (report abuse)Corex-D, I know exactly what the law the feds proposing, I read the entire text. S1634 deleted it because of many resistance from the governor down to some people here. And now we are hoping that the upcoming HR 3079 will not delete that provision. It is very clear that long-term CW here will be giving a immigration status that is better than the present status we have. We are just asking people here to stop blocking the HR 3079 that doesn't say (or I said) to give us American Citizenship here just a privilege to travel, work and study freely anywhere in the US. You may not know exactly maybe bec. you are still "high" with your name.
Joey Melberlin
January 29, 2008, 8:37pm (report abuse)Typo...S1634 be HR3079 and vice-versa........
Joey Melberlin
January 29, 2008, 8:51pm (report abuse)We foreign workers are helping you creating an economic base where we could all enjoy a better living standard. Proposed fed law have no condition of being arranged in social strata. Unlike now with the new PL 15-108 that put the workers on the opposite side where others are enjoying a better life. With the fed, wage rate will also rise to a level that everybody find acceptable.
CNMI's Sentinel
January 29, 2008, 10:42pm (report abuse)The CNMI's Immigration and Labor laws are exploited and flawed! We need to put a stop to this exploitation and flaws so the the opportunist, the corrupt, and the would be immigrant with fake papers be stopped at the Gates of this islands... The ONLY Solution...H.R. 3079! God Bless America! God bless the CNMI! Deport all illegals, politician, And would be and thinking to be FRAUD AND CORRUPT!
Local Motion
January 29, 2008, 10:52pm (report abuse)The CNMI is not a bad island as potrayed, it is the people who is in control of it's governance and not it's constituents. However, some constituents do not realize also that their officials are still doing the same B.S. agenda, their personal interest and not what this island really needs and subsequently getting re-elected again. We need transparency with this Governmet! We need individuals who can steer this island further with endless opputunities which will flourish so that future generation will follow and make this CNMI the greatest island ever.
Jake T.
January 29, 2008, 11:39pm (report abuse)To PINATUBO, It is not the Mt. Pinatubo Volcano that chased the U.S. out from the Phillippines, It is the CORRUPT Phillippine Government that denied the renewal of contract of those bases whom filipino's also benifited from business at those area.
Pinatubo
January 30, 2008, 2:13am (report abuse)Yes Jake T. it was the Pinatubo Volcano who chased U.S. they assumed billions of dollars just the cleaning of debris and ashfall that covered the entire place. Meanwhile i also agree that some politicians are partially involved in the situation in Subic and Clark Field base. While it is true that FIlipinos benefited in the base, Filipnos also inherited tons of hazardous toxic chemicals that are dumped under the ocean and still being removed until now, and the result is unidentified skin disease and marine life damage.
Corex-D
January 30, 2008, 2:24am (report abuse)Joey, I don't think anybody in CNMI can still block the HR 3079, I believe it's a done deal. If what you're saying is true about the provision that the Fed is giving to aliens then it's good. I think they removed that provision in the US House, they should put it back in the US Senate under the HR 3079. While waiting the good news to happen, let's take about 60 milligram of my cough syrup. What a feeling...
Bisnesmon
January 30, 2008, 2:34am (report abuse)Under PL 15-108 Local Law, what is going to happen to my business if my trusted employee will be sent home for 6 months as stated in the new law? The position he will be abandoning is very complicated that needs personal touch and creativity that my customers will be missing. I think no one in the island could replace his talent and capability. I guess the law is not well thinked of.
asthmatic dude
January 30, 2008, 6:51am (report abuse)Pinatubo, i think it was the Ex-con-president Joseph Estrada involved in Subic base removal. I don't know what happened to him? He used to be a very big supporter of US Military Base in Olonggapo. The truth is when Americans cannot give him money anymore he changed his support and instead chased americans away, but I also believe Pinatubo Volcano was one big reason why Americans let it go and left Subic & Clark Field for good. They don't like ashfall maybe they can get asthma. Anyway, about federalization... yeah bring it down and let's see the outcome I am willing to take the risk. "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
corruption
January 30, 2008, 7:13am (report abuse)I think it's a shame in Gov. Fitial's leadership if the Feds will succeed in CNMI, inspite of Fitial's lobbying to block the U.S. Immigration taking over the CNMI with the use of citizens tax money seems did not work. What a shame and waste of money, telling the people that government is broke, this is just an example of how crooked politician works, protecting garment lords so that under the table giving will not put to stop. Ai Adai... Basta!!!
CNMI's Sentinel
January 30, 2008, 9:16am (report abuse)To Bisnessmon, I think the person that wrote that peice of legislation (not worth the paper it was printed on) will have their family filled up those gap for that duration. It will only hurt the business community and our failling economy. If the Government wants to limit the influx of skilled workers (Contract Workers) on the island, why not stop the hiring and instead use whatever number of skilled workers that are NOW on the island. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to think of that!
Bisnesmon
January 30, 2008, 10:43pm (report abuse)Thanks CNMI Sentinel. One of my option is to shut down my business. To new Congressmen please analyze this new law and if not found reasonable please do whatever is necessary to ammend it before other businesses close their business down and put Saipan into more worse situation.
Liberty
January 30, 2008, 11:03pm (report abuse)"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"
Guess Who
January 30, 2008, 11:03pm (report abuse)The Senate Committee just passed HR3079. It now goes to the Full Senate for formal approval. Let us stop debating on this issue. It is done. The last nail will be hammered soon.
Liberty
January 31, 2008, 12:30am (report abuse)Guess Who, speak for yourself, and until such time the last nail is hammered, considering lots of things could happen on the very last hours of deliberation, this debate is not yet over. It will never be over until it is fully implemented in the CNMI.
cooker
January 31, 2008, 3:01am (report abuse)The rice was cooked but the eater is not yet ready to devour the HOT rice, let it cool down a bit more, me i don't eat rice alone, it is nice with BBQ and Finadenne.
Joey Melberlin
January 31, 2008, 5:26am (report abuse)S1634 has been discussed/heard today @ 10:30am US time. Many lawyers believed that they will adopt the HR3079!! (therefore no long term improvements) hep! hep! hep! don't lost hope, Liberty & cooker is right, still lots of things could happen.
But the problem here is if we don't eat it we will get hungry! Just be ready for the worst. We are still alive and healthy to work, right! No problem!!!
S. 1634
January 31, 2008, 5:54pm (report abuse)You see.. most of Chamorro people is not against the federalization! their are against to the improvement status of Long Term Guest Worker.
Joey Melberlin
January 31, 2008, 9:39pm (report abuse)To S.1634, I don't believed that they are against the improvement status of long-term worker, DOI drafted that in the first place, this is due to too many resistance from the Gov and the lobbyist that are blocking this. This includes Guam/HI too. Well, no probs! I sympathize with those disappointed including me. There are still hope, isn't it! Anyway be ready for the outcome and let it be. At least we fought for it.
hello
February 2, 2008, 4:29am (report abuse)hello, hello, hello, hello, hello
BIBA
February 5, 2008, 6:16am (report abuse)Bring out the pits, tables, and drinks, the Federalees are coming... OPPS!....there here already!
Leche Ten
February 5, 2008, 6:22am (report abuse)"Whoop there it is".
informant
February 5, 2008, 6:40am (report abuse)good luck guys, may everything be in favorable result, may it be locals, aliens, business, etc. God bless us all.
jack legend
February 5, 2008, 6:51am (report abuse)ok people, it's about time to move on, face the real world, the feds world, let's wait for their plan, they say they are lenient and hope giver, quit whining start working. help each other to recover CNMI from slump that our politicians put us into. correct the mistakes by moving into right path, i'm not sure where that is but with the help of somebody we might find it. work as a team.
Turbo and Coco
February 5, 2008, 11:15pm (report abuse)Mr. Greg Cruz, you are now barking at Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, how pathetic!! Don't forget, not all locals are as narrow minded as you. Get a life!!