A busy week, but grateful for every opportunity to keep working for our Commonwealth. There’s more work ahead, and we’re ready for it. https://t.co/2WDhejXNLS

The Honolulu Passport Office’s annual visit to the CNMI helps bring important federal services closer to our community. Our office appreciated the opportunity to discuss ways to improve passport services for residents across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, while the team also provided direct assistance to those who lost passports during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Thank you to the Honolulu Passport Office team for continuing to serve the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Investing in the next generation of leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of public service. We are excited to welcome Jean Choi to our Saipan District Office as a summer intern and look forward to the fresh perspective, curiosity, and dedication she brings to our team. We are proud to support her professional journey and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes throughout the summer. Welcome to the team, Jean!

Small businesses are the backbone of the CNMI, and they deserve access to the same opportunities and resources available across the country. I appreciated the opportunity to question SBA Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development Paul Fitzpatrick about expanding SBA programs in the Marianas, strengthening support for our CNMI Small Business Development Center and Innovation Incubator, and improving the STEP grant program. Our office remains committed to creating more opportunities for local entrepreneurs and ensuring our small businesses have the tools they need to grow and succeed.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate, create jobs, and compete. During the House Small Business Committee hearing, I questioned witnesses on how Congress can better prepare our workforce and ensure small businesses in the Northern Mariana Islands have the tools they need to embrace emerging technologies. Innovation should create opportunities for every community, including ours. Our office remains committed to advancing policies that help CNMI small businesses adapt, grow, and compete while preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Together, we can ensure the Marianas are ready for the future.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how businesses compete, innovate, and grow. During the House Small Business Committee hearing, AI on Main Street: How AI is Shaping the Future of Small Business, I questioned witnesses on how Congress can help ensure small businesses and workers in the Northern Mariana Islands are prepared for this evolving landscape. Our office remains committed to advancing policies that expand opportunities for CNMI entrepreneurs, strengthen our workforce, and ensure our islands are not left behind as new technologies shape the future of the American economy.

Our veterans answered the call to serve our nation, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the care and support they have earned. I was proud to speak in support of H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, a bipartisan package that strengthens services for veterans nationwide. I am especially proud that the legislation includes two of my bills: H.R. 3400, the Territorial Response and Access to Veterans’ Essential Lifecare (TRAVEL) Act, and H.R. 6652, the U.S. Veterans of the Freely Associated States (U.S. Vets of the FAS) Act. Together, these measures expand access to specialized care, telehealth services, medications, and travel assistance for veterans in the U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States. Our veterans deserve nothing less than quality care, no matter where they live. I will continue working to ensure those who served our country receive the support, respect, and resources they have earned.

Introducing… A new legislative proposal. A stronger future. STAY TUNED 🇲🇵 https://t.co/oXx8EBL4Fo

My bill to support Micronesian veterans, H.R. 6652, the U.S. Vets of the FAS Act, passed out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. This legislation is about honoring the service and sacrifice of our COFA veterans by ensuring they receive access to the care and benefits they have earned, including telehealth, beneficiary travel, and medications as the bill now advances to the House Floor.

Our office visited the Commonwealth Health Center to meet with Samaritan’s Purse volunteers and healthcare professionals providing medical assistance to the community following the storm. Alongside CHCC leadership and staff, we toured the hospital to better understand the strain being placed on services, operations, and resources during recovery efforts. The dedication and compassion shown by those on the frontlines continue to make a meaningful difference for families across our islands.