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Twentieth CNMI Youth Congress sworn in; members elect officers and adopt rules by voice vote
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Summary
Eight senators were sworn in for the twentieth Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Youth Congress. The body adopted a credentials report and its standing rules, elected officers by acclamation and appointed committee chairs before adjourning.
Saipan — The twentieth Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Youth Congress convened for an organizational session in the House chamber and swore in eight senators elect, adopted its standing rules and elected officers by acclamation, the body announced during the session.
Chief Justice Alexandra C. Castro administered the oath of office as the senators elect repeated the pledge, including the opening words: “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.” After the roll call established a quorum of eight members, the newly organized body moved through committee appointments, the adoption of a credentials committee report and its official rules, and the selection of speaker and other officers.
The youth congress’ credentials committee reported that each senator elect met the qualifications required under Title 1, Section 1605 of the Commonwealth Code as specified by Public Law 17-22 and recommended that all eight be seated. Floor leader pro tem Aiden Sean Yumo moved to adopt the credentials committee report (Special Committee Report No. 20-1); the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote.
With the report adopted, Chief Justice Castro administered the oath and the senators signed their oaths of office. The body next considered Youth Congress Resolution 20-1, the standing rules for the twentieth Youth Congress. The floor leader pro tem moved to adopt the resolution; it was seconded and adopted by voice vote.
Following adoption of the rules, the floor opened for nominations for leadership positions. Senator Vinnie Juan Kitagua Sablan of Kagman High School was nominated and, after a motion to close nominations, was elected speaker by acclamation. Monique Luisa Pangilinan Mendiola of Marianas High School was nominated and elected vice speaker by acclamation. Aiden Sean Yumo of Grace Christian Academy was elected floor leader by acclamation; Victor Nash Maniago Santos of Saipan International School was elected legislative secretary by acclamation.
Speaker Vinny Sablan used his prerogative to appoint committee chairpersons: Christopher Dela Cruz as chair of Ways and Means; Senator Solis as chair of Resources, Economic Development and Tourism; Edward Maratita III as chair of Health and Welfare; Aiden Yumo as chair of Education; Victor Nash Santos as chair of Sports and Recreation; Senator Cruz as chair of Judiciary and Governmental Operations; and Monique Mendiola as chair of Youth Summit and Activities. The speaker also appointed two senators to deliver formal notification to the governor and presiding officers of the 20th Legislature that the youth congress was organized and ready to conduct business.
In remarks during the session, senators and several invited officials emphasized themes the youth members had raised in their opening statements — mental health, cultural preservation, education and youth leadership. Congresswoman Kimberly King Hines and other members of the adult Legislature and the Judiciary offered congratulations and pledged mentorship and collaboration. Several public commenters, including municipal and education officials, encouraged the youth senators to begin work at the school level and to use their positions to welcome and include peers.
The session closed after a motion by the floor leader to adjourn subject to the call of the chair, which was seconded and approved by voice vote. Pastoral invocations and benedictions were given before and after the formal business.
