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TWENTY-THIRD NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE
S.J.R. No. 23-09
A SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
To commemorate the distinguished career and invaluable contributions of Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, the first elected Delegate of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the United States Congress.
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, a son of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and a proud Chamorro was born on January 19, 1955, embodies the resilience and determination of the Chamorro people; and
WHEREAS, at the young age of 11, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan moved to the island of Chuuk and attended the prestigious Jesuit Xavier High School, which was the only high school during the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. During his time at Xavier High School, Mr. Sablan obtained the fundamental social skills of leadership, respect towards others, and acknowledgment of each individual’s heritage; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan graduated from Marianas High School on Saipan and pursued his education at the University of Guam before relocating his education aspirations to Berkeley, California; and
WHEREAS, being raised with the innate understanding of the significant importance of family, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan returned to his home island to tend to a family crisis before he could obtain his college degree; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan began his career in public service under the administration of the Honorable Carlos S. Camacho, the first Governor of the newly established Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan was elected in Precinct Three to be the constituents’ voice in the House of Representatives during the Third and Fourth Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan played a critical role in the negotiations with the federal government when he was appointed as a special representative to discuss the continued dialogue surrounding financial assistance for the Commonwealth, particularly Section 702 of the Covenant in Political Union between the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States; and
WHEREAS, through successful collaboration, the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan along with his colleagues secured a seven-year, full faith and credit commitment in the amount of $228 million from the United States that provided “front-end” funding necessary capital improvement projects for the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan had the rare opportunity to enhance his public service experience when he was appointed to serve as the Special Assistant in Washington, D.C., to the United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan returned to the Northern Mariana Islands and diligently served under the administrations of Commonwealth Governors Froilan C. Tenorio and Pedro P. Tenorio; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan proudly served his nation when he joined the United States Army Reserve from 1981 through 1986; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan dedicated his life to public service, serving as an educator, budget officer, and Executive Director of the Commonwealth Election Commission, before embarking on a distinguished political career in the United States House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2008, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan became the first elected Delegate of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the U.S. House of Representatives, demonstrating his commitment to his constituents with his deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Islands marking a momentous occasion for the CNMI and a significant step towards greater representation and self-determination. Mr. Sablan officially began his service on January 6, 2009, and has been reelected to office consecutively seven times; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure as Delegate, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has tirelessly advocated for the CNMI on a national stage; he has championed the interests of the CNMI people and its residents with passion and purpose, advocating for equal treatment and recognition of the unique challenges and opportunities the islands face; and
WHEREAS, throughout his service in Congress, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has tirelessly advocated and championed the needs of the CNMI, securing increased federal funding for vital programs like Medicaid, healthcare, the Nutrition Assistance Program, infrastructure, education, and economic development, while also working to ensure the Islands’ voice is heard on issues such as immigration, climate change, and environmental protection, prioritizing the welfare of his constituents; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has been a vocal advocate for self-determination and has consistently championed the rights and interests of the Marianas people and other residents of the CNMI, promoting self-determination and advocating for greater autonomy and equality with.in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan’s commitment to bipartisanship and collaboration fostered productive relationships across the political aisle, leading to significant legislative victories and a greater understanding of the CNMI’s needs; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has been a staunch defender of Chamorro culture and language, promoting cultural exchange and appreciation, and working to preserve the unique heritage of the CNMI; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan’s unwavering commitment to public service, his dedication to improving the lives of the people of the Commonwealth, and his role as a trailblazer for CNMI representation have earned him the respect and admiration of his community and the American public; and
WHEREAS, Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan’s remarkable achievements, and enduring and honorable public service, shall serve as an inspiration and motivation for future generations to serve their community with unwavering dedication and passion;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate of the Twenty-Third Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, the House concurring, that the Twenty-Third Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature hereby commemorates the distinguished career and invaluable contributions of Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, the first elected Delegate of the CNMI to the U.S. Congress; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Third Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, the House concurring, that the Twenty-Third Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature that this resolution be presented to Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan as a token of our profound appreciation for his exceptional service and representation in Washington, D.C., for the past 16 years as the first elected Delegate to the United States Congress as a testament to the lasting impact he has made on the CNMI and its people; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall certify, and the Senate Legislative Secretary and the House Clerk shall attest to the adoption of this joint resolution, and thereafter the Senate Clerk shall transmit certified copies to Honorable Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, CNMI Delegate, 118 U.S. Congress; Honorable Arnold I. Palacios, Governor, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and Honorable Edmund S. Villagomez, Speaker, House of Representatives of the Twenty-Third Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature.
Adopted by the CNMI Senate: Sept. 18, 2024
Adopted by the CNMI House of Representatives: Sept. 24, 2024