Kimberlyn King-Hinds

U.S. Vets of the FAS Act

in committee

VA SUBCON Act

in committee

TASA Act of 2025

in committee

“Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. For two decades, the NMIFA has been a source of pride, opportunity, and unity for our islands. Since its founding in 2005, it has transformed football from a small community of enthusiasts into a thriving Commonwealth-wide movement that brings together players, coaches, referees, and families across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Under the theme ``20 Years of Passion, Purpose, and Promise,'' the Association has built a legacy of perseverance and inclusion. Through programs that nurture youth athletes, develop women's football, and expand access to quality facilities, the NMIFA has created a pathway for the next generation to dream bigger and reach farther. This year alone, the Northern Mariana Islands national teams competed in five major international tournaments, including the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, where our women's team secured the NMI's first- ever AFC victory, which represented a milestone that captured the spirit of determination and resiliency that defines our islands. I commend the NMIFA's leadership, member clubs, and countless volunteers and families who have made these achievements possible. Their dedication has built not only better players, but stronger communities. On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, I congratulate the NMIFA on its 20th anniversary and thank them for their continued commitment to building a future for our youth grounded in teamwork, discipline, and pride. ____________________”

2025-11-04 · Education

“Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Diego Tenorio Benavente, the fisherman, entrepreneur, Speaker, and Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, whose steady leadership helped shape the Commonwealth across more than two decades of public service. A son of Saipan and a graduate of Mount Carmel School, Mr. Benavente pursued higher education in Idaho and returned home to build Diego's Mart, Inc., a well-known small business, before entering public life. Prior to becoming Lieutenant Governor, he served in the Northern Mariana Islands Legislature for six consecutive House terms (6th-12th), rising to vice speaker and then speaker across three legislatures (9th- 12th). In 2002, he answered a broader call as the sixth lieutenant governor of the CNMI, serving through January 2006; he later returned to the people's House for two more terms (16th-17th) and was chosen minority leader in 2011. Lieutenant Governor Benavente's record of service paired principle with practical results. In the 10th Northern Mariana Islands Legislature, he championed education by cosponsoring the Educational Tax Credit, enacted as CNMI Public Law 10-73, which encouraged private- sector support for our educational institutions, such as the public/ private schools, public library, and the humanities council. As lieutenant governor, he helped advance sound stewardship of our lagoon and reefs and modernize waste management. During policy debates over net fishing in 2004, the House considered HB 14-274, which addressed gillnet use by setting noncommercial mesh-size limits as part of a broader effort to protect nearshore stocks while respecting tradition. And as the Babauta Benavente Administration prioritized closing the long-used Puerto Rico dumpsite and establishing the Marpi landfill, the Legislature created financing tools such as the Solid Waste Management Revolving Account (PL 13-42) to support closure, reclamation, and landfill operations. After serving as Lt. Governor, and returning to the CNMI House of Representatives, he further pursued fuller Northern Mariana Islands representation in the federal government. Through co-authoring Public Law 16-13 he established the process by which the people of the Marianas could elect their representative in the U.S. House. [[Page E916]] On behalf of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, I extend our deepest thanks to Lieutenant Governor Benavente, his wife Vicky Benavente, their children, and family for a lifetime of service to our Commonwealth. ____________________”

2025-09-30 · Government Reform

“Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable athletes of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for their outstanding performance at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Competing on a regional stage with more than 1,000 athletes from across Oceania, Team CNMI brought home 31 medals--10 gold, 8 silver, and 13 bronze--a proud achievement for a small but determined community. These results speak to more than athletic talent; they reflect the resilience, discipline, and unbreakable spirit that define the people of the Marianas. Our athletes trained through distance, limited resources, and the everyday challenges of island life--and still excelled. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the coaches, trainers, families, and volunteers who stood behind these competitors every step of the way. Their sacrifice, encouragement, and quiet hours of service are the foundation on which these victories were built. Today we celebrate the medals, but we also celebrate the example these athletes set for every young person back home; dream big, work hard, and represent our islands with pride. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Team CNMI for lifting the Marianas [[Page E717]] onto the international stage and inspiring us all. ____________________”

2025-07-23 · Government Reform