House of Representatives Approves Emergency Declaration for 2026 Fiscal Year Budget
September 27, 2025 | House, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands
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The fourth regular session of the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature convened on September 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with a quorum established as 18 members were present. The session began with a moment of silence, followed by the roll call conducted by the House Clerk, confirming the attendance of the majority of representatives.
The Speaker appointed Representative Ralph Enumo as floor leader pro tem for the session. The first significant item on the agenda was a motion for an emergency declaration concerning the urgent need to address the 2026 fiscal year budget. The floor leader emphasized the importance of this declaration to prevent a government shutdown. The motion was seconded and subsequently passed unanimously, with all 18 members voting in favor.
Following the emergency declaration, the session opened the floor for public comments. Virginia Villegomez, representing the Office of Management and Budget, commended the House for their collaborative efforts to ensure government continuity and expressed confidence in the leadership's commitment to reconvene within ten days to address the governor's resource adjustments.
The meeting proceeded with no items under the adoption of journals, introduction of bills, or resolutions. Under Senate communications, the House accepted Senate Communication 24-454, which returned House Bill 24-46 HD1 SS1, allowing it to be placed on the bill calendar for action.
The floor leader then moved to suspend certain rules to facilitate the passage of House Bill 24-46 HD1 SS1, which aims to define and approve revenues and resources for the Commonwealth for the fiscal year 2026. This motion was also seconded and passed without opposition.
The session concluded with a motion for the passage of House Bill 24-46 HD1 SS1 on first and final reading, which was met with readiness for discussion. The roll call for the vote was initiated, confirming the legislative body's commitment to advancing the fiscal agenda for the upcoming year.
Overall, the session was marked by a focus on fiscal responsibility and the urgency of budgetary matters, reflecting the legislature's proactive approach to governance in the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Speaker appointed Representative Ralph Enumo as floor leader pro tem for the session. The first significant item on the agenda was a motion for an emergency declaration concerning the urgent need to address the 2026 fiscal year budget. The floor leader emphasized the importance of this declaration to prevent a government shutdown. The motion was seconded and subsequently passed unanimously, with all 18 members voting in favor.
Following the emergency declaration, the session opened the floor for public comments. Virginia Villegomez, representing the Office of Management and Budget, commended the House for their collaborative efforts to ensure government continuity and expressed confidence in the leadership's commitment to reconvene within ten days to address the governor's resource adjustments.
The meeting proceeded with no items under the adoption of journals, introduction of bills, or resolutions. Under Senate communications, the House accepted Senate Communication 24-454, which returned House Bill 24-46 HD1 SS1, allowing it to be placed on the bill calendar for action.
The floor leader then moved to suspend certain rules to facilitate the passage of House Bill 24-46 HD1 SS1, which aims to define and approve revenues and resources for the Commonwealth for the fiscal year 2026. This motion was also seconded and passed without opposition.
The session concluded with a motion for the passage of House Bill 24-46 HD1 SS1 on first and final reading, which was met with readiness for discussion. The roll call for the vote was initiated, confirming the legislative body's commitment to advancing the fiscal agenda for the upcoming year.
Overall, the session was marked by a focus on fiscal responsibility and the urgency of budgetary matters, reflecting the legislature's proactive approach to governance in the Northern Mariana Islands.
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