[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 137 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE CNMI NATIONAL GUARD ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation 
authorizing the establishment of a National Guard unit for the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). As my colleagues 
may know, Guam shares geographic proximity and ancestral ties with the 
Northern Marianas. Therefore, it is only proper that this bill is 
introduced for our Pacific neighbors. I have other legislation pending 
that would afford the CNMI a Delegate to this House, but until such a 
proposal becomes a reality I believe it is my obligation to help their 
cause in Washington, DC.
  This legislation is timely and needed. In the weeks following the 
tragic events and terrorist attacks of September 11, our Nation has 
been focused on strengthening our homeland security. As we continue to 
reevaluate and reassess our preparedness capability, I hope that we 
take the opportunity to pass this legislation for the benefit of our 
national security and for equal protection for all jurisdictions under 
the U.S. flag. The events of the past month have illustrated the 
detriments to communities without National Guard units. While the 
Federal Aviation Administration has established new and more stringent 
aviation security requirements, the task of providing security for the 
CNMI's three principal airports has been borne solely by civilians from 
the Northern Marianas. While other governors across the nation were 
able to activate their guard units, the CNMI was not afforded this 
option. This legislation would correct this oversight and extend to the 
CNMI the centuries old American tradition of having its citizenry 
contribute towards the defense and security of their homeland.
  In conclusion, I want to thank the Resident Representative of the 
CNMI, Juan Babauta, for bringing this issue to my attention and for his 
diligence in working on behalf of his people. He had the foresight to 
raise this issue with the National Guard Bureau long before recent 
events. He has long maintained an interest in establishing a National 
Guard unit trained and equipped to protect the life and property of 
CNMI citizens, while providing to the Nation a force ready to defend 
the United States and its interests.

                          ____________________