Statement from Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds on EVS-TAP Suspension

Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds issued the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security's announcement suspending the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP):

"Following today's announcement, I spoke directly with the White House, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and House leadership regarding the suspension of the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP) and its potential consequences for the Commonwealth.

"Secretary Mullin personally assured me that he will work directly with the CNMI to better understand and address the underlying issues that led to this temporary suspension. I want to emphasize that EVS-TAP has been suspended, not terminated. We have experienced interruptions to travel programs serving the Commonwealth before, and we will work through this together with our federal partners to address the concerns that have been raised and find a path forward, just as we have done before.

"The safety and security of our Commonwealth, our residents, and our visitors must always be a serious consideration. EVS-TAP was established with safeguards that allow the Department of Homeland Security to suspend the program when security or law enforcement concerns arise. These safeguards are an important part of protecting our community and maintaining the integrity of the program. As we work to better understand the circumstances behind this suspension, we will work with our federal partners to address the concerns identified and support the program's resumption as quickly as possible.

"I have made clear to our federal partners the urgency of this matter. Our tourism industry is already facing tremendous challenges, and a prolonged disruption would have serious consequences for our businesses, workers, and families. We must also consider the immediate effects on airlines, travel arrangements, and the businesses that depend on visitor arrivals.

"My immediate priority is securing the resumption of EVS-TAP as quickly as the outstanding concerns can be resolved."