In this issue:
First Veterans Resource Fairs held
Veteran online store coming in November
Do we want a Rota National Park?
CODEL Bishop visits the Marianas
CUC gets $5M for fuel storage repair
Opportunities - Federal grants, jobs for/in the Marianas
Highlights in the Legislative Program
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Hundreds turn out for Veterans Resource Fairs.
More than 150 veterans, service men and women, and their family members, along with representatives from over 30 service providers, took part in our first-ever Northern Marianas Veterans Resource Fairs this week on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. I understand how difficult it can be for those who have served our country to access the benefits they have earned. My goal in hosting these fairs was to make it easier by bringing as many federal and local resources that serve vets together in one place. And there will be more such efforts in the coming months. Now that I am a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I look forward to new opportunities to improve services for all our military heroes and their families. They have earned these services, and they deserve better.
Veterans online store coming in November.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced that beginning November 11, 2017, they will be able to serve honorably discharged Veterans online through a lifelong exchange benefit. More information will be posted on ShopMyExchange.com/veterans, as it becomes available.
Do we want a Rota National Park?
Following up on the request of the Rota Legislative Delegation to consider the possibility of a Rota National Park to preserve ancient Chamorro sites, the National Park Service held listening sessions on Rota and Saipan this week. About 70 people came to the meetings. A report, authorized by legislation I had enacted in 2015, will make a recommendation on whether a Park is possible by 2020. Congress would then consider further public input from the Marianas. The National Park Service already manages American Memorial Park on Saipan, where the photo above was taken during a listening session on Rota and Rota this week. The people of the Marianas leased the American Memorial Park land to the federal government for 50 years in the Covenant. A $2 million lease payment is held in trust and investment earnings from the fund help pay for Park operations. Thanks to all who participated. Written comments may also be sent to study team leader, jean_boscacci@nps.gov.
CODEL Bishop visits the Marianas.
A delegation, led by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah), included the Marianas as part of our Pacific tour during the congressional recess this week. We have been planning this trip since Mr. Bishop became Chairman two years ago. My thanks to him for accepting the invitation. And my thanks to all the Members, who took time away from their own districts to learn about our area of the world. Below are some photo highlights of the visit.
CUC gets $5M for fuel storage repair.
An award of $5 million in federal funding this week will help the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation repair fuel storage tanks at the Saipan power plant and meet health and safety requirements related to oil spill prevention, preparedness and response. The grant is part of the annual capital improvement funds that Congress appropriates every year for the Marianas. This is the third of an expected four consecutive $5 million annual grants to CUC. The Office of Insular Affairs at the Interior Department is responsible for making sure all terms and conditions of the funding are followed.
Federal Opportunities for/in the Marianas
Jobs:
Congressional staff assistant – Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan is seeking a Staff Assistant in the Washington, D.C. congressional office. Responsibilities include answering phones, maintaining the front office, greeting visitors and giving Capitol tours, answering constituent requests for general information, assisting the office manager with scheduling and bookkeeping, and assisting staff with other various administrative and legislative duties in a supportive role. Excellent writing, verbal and organizational skills are essential. High degree of professionalism required, as well as an ability to work a flexible schedule. Ties to the Northern Mariana Islands preferred. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to MP00.Job@mail.house.gov. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
Chief Medical Officer – The Veterans Health Administration has an opening for a physician (chief medical officer) on Guam. The chief medical officer exercises overall leadership responsibility for the day-to-day operations at the community-based outpatient clinic on Guam and is responsible for coordinating care consistent with patient-centered medical home or patient aligned care teams. Position is open until March 2, 2017. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/464475500/.
Aircraft Mechanic – The Guam Army National Guard has an opening for an aircraft mechanic. The aircraft mechanic (crew chief) will manage the operational readiness of one or more aircraft, and train aviation unit personnel. Guard membership is required. Position is open until March 16, 2017. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/464492600/
Management Assistant – The Air Force Reserve Command has an opening for a management assistant on Guam. The primary purpose of this Air Reserve technician-enlisted position is to accomplish a variety of work involved with the medical phases concerning the technical aspects of aeromedical functions, and to provide training to reservists. Position is open until February 28, 2017. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/464580700/.
Supply Technician – The Guam Army National Guard has an opening for a supply technician. The purpose of this position is to function as the assistant logistics non-commissioned officer for the command. Position is open until March 21, 2017. For more information, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/464640000/.
Highlights in the Legislative Program
THIS WEEK
The House is in recess for the District Work Period.
NEXT WEEK
On the Floor
S. 442 – National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017
H.R. 1009 – OIRA Insight, Reform and Accountability Act
H.R. 998 – SCRUB Act
H.J. Res. 83 – Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Clarification of Employer's Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain an Accurate Record of Each Recordable Injury and Illness"
H.R. 1004 – Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017
Committee Hearings
Monday, February 27
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations - Assessing VA’s Risks for Drug Diversion
Tuesday, February 28
Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs Joint Hearing - Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans
Wednesday, March 1
Committee on Education and the Workforce - Legislative Proposals to Improve Health Care Coverage and Provide Lower Costs for Families
Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans Modernizing Western Water and Power Infrastructure in the 21st Century
Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs Joint Hearing - Legislative Presentation of The American Legion
Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs Joint Hearing - Legislative Presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States