There is good reason to be skeptical of the willingness or ability of the Commonwealth to correct these abuses on its own. Despite clear warnings from the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations, conditions in the CNMI have grown steadily worse. While the Commonwealth has repeatedly promised steps to correct abuses, its resolve soon disappears and reforms are abandoned. The elections last November in the territory sent a signal that the people are concerned. Now is the time for Congress, Governor Pedro Tenorio, and the CNMI government to work together to implement meaningful reforms.
Reforms are unavoidable given the testimony heard today.
In addition to the changes proposed by S. 1100, S. 1275 imposes tariffs on CNMI garments unless companies employ a sufficient number of U.S. employees and establishes a comprehensive regime for CNMI immigration and naturalization.