Super Typhoon Sinlaku

Floor Speech

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Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as my home, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is taking a direct hit from supertyphoon Sinlaku, one of the most powerful storms on Earth this year.

Right now, families on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are sheltering from catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surge, and severe flooding. Homes are being damaged. Power is going out, and communications are being disrupted.

For many of us here in Washington, there is a particular kind of pain that comes with this moment. That is because while we are here doing our jobs, our hearts are back home with our families and praying that they are alive and safe.

Mr. Speaker, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands are strong. We prepare, we endure, and we rebuild. But let me be clear: Resilience should never be mistaken for self-sufficiency. We are a small, remote island community. When disasters strike, the margin for error is thin, and the need for a fast, coordinated Federal response is critical.

I want to thank President Trump for approving the emergency declaration and FEMA for mobilizing resources. Now we must act with urgency and precision. First, I call on FEMA to ensure rapid deployment of personnel and pre-positioned supplies, with a focus on restoring access to food, clean water, and emergency medical care.

Second, I urge the administration to expedite individual assistance and public assistance under the Stafford Act so families can begin recovery immediately, not weeks from now.

Third, we must prioritize the rapid restoration of power and water systems. I ask for full Federal cooperation, including support from the Department of War, to stabilize critical infrastructure as quickly as possible.

Fourth, I ask this body to be prepared to support supplemental disaster funding, if needed, because for island communities like ours, recovery costs are disproportionately high, and resources are limited.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask that we not lose sight of the bigger picture. Events like this highlight the vulnerability of remote U.S. communities to increasingly severe weather and the need for sustained Federal investment in resilient infrastructure, energy security, and emergency preparedness in the territories.

Mr. Speaker, right now this is about life and safety. In the coming days, it will be about recovery. In the months ahead, it must be about resilience.

But today I ask for something simple and human. I ask this body and the American people to keep the Northern Mariana Islands in your prayers. Pray for the families riding out this storm as we speak. Pray for our first responders and pray for strength as our community begins to pick up the pieces.

We are proud to be a part of this Nation. We serve this Nation, and in this moment, we are asking this Nation to stand with us.

May God bless the Northern Mariana Islands.

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