GOP Pacific leaders, including Congressional representatives and Governors will make their voices heard early in the Trump-Vance administration. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
M.K. Pacific members of Congress, now all Republican, and their newly-elected all GOP governors, just formed the “Joint Transition 47 Committee.”
Not wasting a minute to weigh in on Trump-Vance territorial policies and agency appointments affecting their islands, the Pacific leaders have jumped at an invitation from the incoming team.
Trump-Vance liaison James Braid asked for personnel and policy input from the island leaders.
And Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, Congressman James Moylan of Guam and CNMI Congresswoman-elect Kimberlyn King-Hinds formed the Pacific transition committee.
Their goal and hope—that recommendations for administration policies might be adopted and presidential appointees chosen.
Congresswoman Amata in a joint statement by the group says the Pacific committee will invite James Braid to meet with the group and be available to meet with other incoming administration members.
Amata in the House for 10 years now, says the new Congress will be the first time Republicans control both houses and the White House…and represent all three Pacific territories.
Governors-elect Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and the CNMI’s Arnold Palacios recently switched to the GOP.
Braid told the island lawmakers, “The Trump-Vance transition team is looking forward to working with you to advance President Trump’s priorities on Capitol Hill.”
Amata speaking for the islanders’ committee invited administration job seekers to reach out to panel members if they’re seeking endorsement.
Amata says the committee will operate by consensus and its recommendations as a body, should carry “greater weight” than if made by individual members.
