The House adopted House Resolution 24‑4, which objects to the acquittal of Shane Blanco Villanueva on charges of legislative contempt, urges the Commonwealth Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney to investigate and prosecute any CNMI or federal crimes tied to the BOOST program, and calls for review of in‑court comments by Superior Court Judge Kenneth L. Gavendo. The clerk announced the resolution was adopted by a 14‑3 vote after extended floor debate.

Floor debate divided members over separation of powers, prosecutorial discretion and the legislature’s authority to conduct oversight. Supporters of the resolution said the measure defends the Legislature’s investigative authority and seeks accountability for perceived misuse of taxpayer funds. Opponents argued that the matter had already been adjudicated by the courts, that prosecutorial decisions are within the executive branch’s discretion, and that the resolution risks encroaching on judicial independence.

Representative Roy Ada, who announced he would vote against the resolution, said the legislative body had already investigated and the court had rendered a decision; he urged respect for the judicial branch’s ruling. Representative Aquino likewise said the case had been adjudicated, cited concerns about the expense and duration of continued action, and warned about infringing on prosecutorial discretion.

Supporters included Representative Raufey, Representative Hummel and other members who described the resolution as necessary to preserve the Legislature’s oversight powers. The floor leader arranged to play audio from the court proceedings for the House record; the audio included the judge’s explanation that Mr. Villanueva had been advised by counsel to invoke the Fifth Amendment and the court’s finding that Villanueva was not guilty of contempt. The audio also contains the judge’s critical remarks about Commonwealth prosecutors, which the resolution cites as undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

The resolution text condemns the acquittal on contempt charges, urges the CNMI Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney to investigate alleged crimes connected to the BOOST program, urges review of the judge’s in‑court comments by the judiciary and the CNMI Bar Association, and expresses concern about perceived bias toward a CNMI assistant attorney general.

On procedural matters, the floor leader moved to end debate and call the roll; the clerk reported 14 yes and 3 no, and the resolution was adopted. Members who opposed the resolution repeatedly cited separation of powers and prosecutorial discretion; members who supported it framed their vote as defending the Legislature’s constitutional oversight responsibilities.

The House also played an audio excerpt of the Superior Court proceeding in Criminal Case 240028 (Commonwealth v. Shane Blanco Villanueva), during which the judge cited the U.S. Supreme Court decision Hoffman v. United States in explaining why the defendant’s Fifth Amendment claim was reasonable, and stated that the defendant should bring counsel when answering questions and that the defendant was found not guilty of contempt. The audio segment, played on the House floor, is part of the record for members who debated the resolution.