Advancing CNMI Recovery Efforts with T&I Chairman Graves

April 24, 2026 Newsletters Image On Wednesday, I had a productive meeting with my colleague Sam Graves (R-MO), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to discuss recovery efforts in the CNMI following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.  I shared updates on the extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including our airports and seaports, which are only beginning to reopen.  Saipan International Airport remains limited to daytime operations due to damage to navigational aids, and international flights remain suspended, placing additional strain on our economy and supply chains. T&I oversees key federal agencies central to our recovery, including the Department of Transportation, FAA, Federal Highways, the U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers. I also raised concerns about Department of Transportation discretionary funding for airports and the outdated territorial highway program formula, which no longer reflects the CNMI’s needs.  Chairman Graves expressed strong support and committed to working with me and relevant federal agencies to help advance our recovery.