King-Hinds pays tribute to Diego Tenorio Benavente
SAIPAN — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds is mourning the death of former Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benavente, calling him “an extraordinary man” whose strength, vision, and heart helped shape the Commonwealth for the better.
Former CNMI Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benavente dies at 66
SAIPAN — Former Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benavente, a fisherman-turned-entrepreneur who went on to serve as House speaker, lieutenant governor, and Republican Party chair, died early Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. He was 66.
House Small Business Committee backs King-Hinds’ NMI Small Business Access Act in 27–0 vote
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House Small Business Committee has unanimously advanced H.R. 3496, the Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act, a bill by Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds that would open the federal Small Business Administration’s microloan program to entrepreneurs in the Marianas for the first time.
King-Hinds opens 2025 service academy nominations for CNMI students
SAIPAN – Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds is encouraging Northern Marianas students who want to serve in the military to apply for nominations to the nation’s prestigious service academies ahead of a December 5, 2025 deadline.
King-Hinds: CNMI Priorities Included in Shutdown-Ending Funding Package
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced that several important provisions for the Marianas were included in the bipartisan funding package passed by Congress last week as part of the agreement to end the federal government shutdown. The package consisted of a three-bill minibus that provides full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction, and the operations of Congress. All other federal agencies were funded through a continuing resolution until January 30.
Territorial delegates move to restore de minimis exemption for U.S. territories
WASHINGTON —Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds has joined delegates from Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands to introduce H.R. 5960, a bipartisan bill to restore duty-free treatment for low-value shipments from the U.S. territories after the recent suspension of de minimis privileges under Executive Order 14324.
King-Hinds: USDA sending $150M for NAP; CNMI to get partial November benefits
SAIPAN — In a video update posted Wednesday morning, CNMI Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the U.S. Department of Agriculture will disburse $150 million to the territories for the Nutritional Assistance Program, covering roughly half of November benefits.
CNMI NAP update: King-Hinds says D.C. to unlock contingency funds; local processing expected soon
SAIPAN — A federal court ruling has directed the administration to tap contingency funds for this month’s food assistance. About 30 minutes before Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds filmed her update this morning, the White House announced it would move to release at least half of monthly SNAP benefits while it works through legal authority.
King-Hinds urges USDA to allow CNMI NAP prior-year funds to keep EBT benefits during shutdown
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds asked U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to authorize the Commonwealth’s Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) to use unspent prior-year federal funds so monthly food benefits can continue during the ongoing federal government shutdown. In an Oct. 28 letter, King-Hinds said allowing CNMI NAP to carry forward legally available balances would keep benefits flowing through the EBT system “without interruption until these funds are expended.”
King-Hinds: CNMI awarded $5.7M in first-quarter federal cash assistance
SAIPAN – In a video posted on her social media platform this morning, U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the CNMI has been awarded $5.7 million in first-quarter federal cash assistance. She said about $400,000 can be drawn down this month, with additional drawdowns in the following months as required documentation is submitted.