President urged to keep Assistant Secretary of Insular Areas position

In light of the recent resignation of Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Anthony Babauta, I have requested President Obama to retain this position, ensuring a strong focus on the President’s policy goals for American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands – the four U.S. insular areas Interior is responsible for.  21 other Members of Congress co-signed my letter.  The President’s original decision to have an Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas for the first time since 1994 has proven beneficial to the islands.  In the Northern Marianas the Assistant Secretary has been instrumental in bringing federal resources to assist the Commonwealth Health Center, has prioritized investments in renewable energy, and has worked closely with the congressional office to support a variety of community organizations and local government agencies.  Retaining this position assures continued attention from the highest levels of the federal government.