House adopts interim rules and elects leaders at organizational session

SAIPAN, Jan. 13, 2025 — The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday adopted interim operating rules and completed its organizational business for the 24th Legislature, electing chamber officers and naming committee chairs.

House members voted to adopt House Resolution No. 24-1, a measure "to adopt the rules for the House of Representatives and to appoint an ad hoc committee to review the rules," after Representative Malcolm J. Omar introduced the resolution and "moved it for its adoption." The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The adoption of interim rules sets the procedural framework for the House's work in the coming term and instructs staff to form an ad hoc committee to review the rules, although the resolution text circulated at the session did not list the ad hoc committee's members.

Representative Marissa R. Flores nominated Representative Edmund S. Villagomez for the speakership; the nomination was seconded and, after a motion for acclamation by Representative Roman C.…