CNMI House lawmaker John Paul P. Sablan introduced a House Joint Resolution calling for resuming the Mariana Islands Legislature Association between the CNMI and Guam.

The resolution noted that the last MILA meeting in November 2013 had a theme of “Marianas First! Mo’na Marianas,” Rep. Sablan said he wants to formalize the alliance again. 

Guam and CNMI lawmakers met in February to discuss the possible resumption of MILA. A general assembly could be held this summer, according to the resolution. 

Sablan said of the many issues the islands face, they hope to discuss cabotage exemptions, Jones Act exemptions, commercial activities at the ports, public safety issues concerning drug use, immigration, the workforce, and the environment.

“It is in the mutual best interest of both Guam and the CNMI that their respective legislatures reconvene MILA in order to address their mutual interests and concerns with the United States and its regional neighbors,” Sablan wrote in the resolution.