DeLay Resignation Points To Humane Labor Laws in Mariana Islands

For more than ten years, I have sought to change the laws that govern the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. I have sought these changes in an effort to stop the well documented and widespread abuse of poor women in the garment and tourism industry there, and to better secure America’s borders.

But for more than ten years, my efforts, and the efforts of so many others, have been thwarted. Our efforts have been thwarted by the corrupt partnership of two of Washington’s most powerful players – Rep. Tom DeLay and lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and by their allies in Congress.

But now, a window of opportunity is opening. Rep. DeLay is resigning from Congress this Friday, and Jack Abramoff will be in prison beginning on June 29th. I believe that finally there just might be an opening for Congress to properly consider this issue that has been callously pushed aside for so long.

Today, my colleagues and I are re-introducing legislation to apply U.S. immigration and labor laws in the Mariana Islands. I also delivered letters to Speaker Hastert, Majority Leader Boehner, and Resources Committee Chairman Pombo asking for quick consideration of this issue right away.