THE House of Representatives on Thursday unanimously passed Rep. Angel Demapan’s House Bill 22-21, which proposes to transform the Commonwealth Development Authority into the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority.
Demapan envisions CEDA to be “the primary agency tasked with the economic development of the Commonwealth, and to be empowered to undertake this mandate with the flexibility to become proactive in the pursuit of industries and investments that will strengthen the CNMI economy.”
H.B. 22-21 is supported by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers.
All the 19 House members present voted yes to the measure. Rep. Tina Sablan was excused.
Prior to the vote, Demapan proposed floor amendments to require CEDA to report the use of its funds annually, and to act in consultation with the Department of Commerce.
The floor amendments were adopted.
Demapan said the bill’s passage was “great news indeed” as he thanked all his House colleagues for “their feedback, input and, above all, vote of confidence.”
He said he now looks forward to the Senate’s “swift and favorable consideration.”
Demapan also thanked the GCEA, the CDA board, the Department of Commerce, and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce for supporting H.B. 22-21.
“My focus this term is on reinvigorating the economy, seeking new revenue, and creating more jobs for our people. Today, we joined hands in the House, and we reached across the aisle as we took a huge step forward for everyone who lives, works, and visits the Marianas,” Demapan said.
Rep. Angel Demapan discusses a floor amendment proposal with Rep. John Paul Sablan during a break from a House session.
Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
