US disaster bill should pass this week, says CNMI's Sablan

3:03 pm on 5 June 2019

Democrats in the US House of Representatives are expected to pass a $US19 billion aid package for communities, like the Northern Marianas, hit by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019.

US Congress Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan has introduced a bipartisan bill to ban the shark fin trade across the United States.

Gregorio Kilili Sablan Photo: USDA/Lance Cheung.

The CNMI delegate, Gregorio Kilili Sablan, said the disaster bill, which has been stalled on several occasions, would provide $US36 million for Marianas Medicaid, $US25 million for the food stamp program and access to $US50 million to rebuild infrastructure and revitalise the economy.

The Marianas would also get $US56 million for solid waste management.

Last week, Republicans in the House blocked passage of the bill for the third time.

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