House adopts interim rules and elects leaders at organizational session
January 13, 2025 | House, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands
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SAIPAN, Jan. 13, 2025 — The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday adopted interim operating rules and completed its organizational business for the 24th Legislature, electing chamber officers and naming committee chairs.
House members voted to adopt House Resolution No. 24-1, a measure "to adopt the rules for the House of Representatives and to appoint an ad hoc committee to review the rules," after Representative Malcolm J. Omar introduced the resolution and "moved it for its adoption." The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
The adoption of interim rules sets the procedural framework for the House's work in the coming term and instructs staff to form an ad hoc committee to review the rules, although the resolution text circulated at the session did not list the ad hoc committee's members.
Representative Marissa R. Flores nominated Representative Edmund S. Villagomez for the speakership; the nomination was seconded and, after a motion for acclamation by Representative Roman C. Beneventi, Villagomez was declared speaker by voice vote. "It is with great privilege and honor that you have bestowed onto me once again the confidence and the trust in being your speaker of the 24th House of Representatives," Villagomez said after his election.
Joel C. Camacho nominated Diego Vincent F. Camacho for vice speaker; the nomination was seconded and the House approved Camacho by acclamation following a motion by Representative Vincent S. Aldan. Marissa R. Flores was nominated and approved by acclamation as floor leader.
Speaker Villagomez announced chair assignments for the House standing committees. Among those named: John Paul Sablan as chair of Ways and Means; Joel C. Camacho as chair of Judiciary and Governmental Operations; Vincent S. Aldan as chair of Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications; Roman C. Beneventi as chair of Education; Angelo A. Camacho as chair of Natural Resources; Denita K. Yanktamay as chair of Cannabis; Malcolm J. Omar as chair of Health and Welfare; Thomas J. Dela Cruz Manglona as chair of Commerce; Julie M. Ogo as chair of Tourism; Blas Jonathan (BJT) Atta as chair of Federal and Foreign Affairs; and Ralph Naraha Yumo as chair of Gaming.
The speaker also appointed members to notify the governor, the Senate and the judiciary that the House was duly organized; the appointed representatives later reported back to the chamber that the notifications had been delivered.
The session concluded after the House approved a motion to adjourn "subject to the call of the chair." No roll-call vote tallies were recorded in the session transcript; leadership elections and the resolution adoption were carried by voice vote or acclamation.
Why it matters: The interim rules and newly elected leadership determine how bills, committee work and floor debate will be scheduled and conducted in the 24th Legislature. Committee chairs named Monday will oversee the initial review and referral of legislation when the House convenes for regular business.
What stayed the same and what's next: The House used acclamation and voice votes for its organizational business; members said they will submit written statements for the official journal and committees can begin scheduling work under the interim rules.
Votes at a glance
- House Resolution No. 24-1 (adoption of interim rules): motion to adopt moved by Representative Malcolm J. Omar; second not specified; outcome: adopted (voice vote).
- Election of Speaker (Edmund S. Villagomez): nominated by Representative Marissa R. Flores; seconded; approved by acclamation.
- Election of Vice Speaker (Diego Vincent F. Camacho): nominated by Representative Joel C. Camacho; seconded; approved by acclamation.
- Election of Floor Leader (Marissa R. Flores): nominated by Representative Julie M. Ogo; seconded; approved by acclamation.
- Motion to adjourn (subject to call of chair): moved by Floor Leader Marissa R. Flores; second not specified; outcome: approved (voice vote).
The House did not take substantive policy votes during the organizational session; members gave brief statements and the chamber recessed to complete notification procedures before resuming and adjournment.
House members voted to adopt House Resolution No. 24-1, a measure "to adopt the rules for the House of Representatives and to appoint an ad hoc committee to review the rules," after Representative Malcolm J. Omar introduced the resolution and "moved it for its adoption." The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
The adoption of interim rules sets the procedural framework for the House's work in the coming term and instructs staff to form an ad hoc committee to review the rules, although the resolution text circulated at the session did not list the ad hoc committee's members.
Representative Marissa R. Flores nominated Representative Edmund S. Villagomez for the speakership; the nomination was seconded and, after a motion for acclamation by Representative Roman C. Beneventi, Villagomez was declared speaker by voice vote. "It is with great privilege and honor that you have bestowed onto me once again the confidence and the trust in being your speaker of the 24th House of Representatives," Villagomez said after his election.
Joel C. Camacho nominated Diego Vincent F. Camacho for vice speaker; the nomination was seconded and the House approved Camacho by acclamation following a motion by Representative Vincent S. Aldan. Marissa R. Flores was nominated and approved by acclamation as floor leader.
Speaker Villagomez announced chair assignments for the House standing committees. Among those named: John Paul Sablan as chair of Ways and Means; Joel C. Camacho as chair of Judiciary and Governmental Operations; Vincent S. Aldan as chair of Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications; Roman C. Beneventi as chair of Education; Angelo A. Camacho as chair of Natural Resources; Denita K. Yanktamay as chair of Cannabis; Malcolm J. Omar as chair of Health and Welfare; Thomas J. Dela Cruz Manglona as chair of Commerce; Julie M. Ogo as chair of Tourism; Blas Jonathan (BJT) Atta as chair of Federal and Foreign Affairs; and Ralph Naraha Yumo as chair of Gaming.
The speaker also appointed members to notify the governor, the Senate and the judiciary that the House was duly organized; the appointed representatives later reported back to the chamber that the notifications had been delivered.
The session concluded after the House approved a motion to adjourn "subject to the call of the chair." No roll-call vote tallies were recorded in the session transcript; leadership elections and the resolution adoption were carried by voice vote or acclamation.
Why it matters: The interim rules and newly elected leadership determine how bills, committee work and floor debate will be scheduled and conducted in the 24th Legislature. Committee chairs named Monday will oversee the initial review and referral of legislation when the House convenes for regular business.
What stayed the same and what's next: The House used acclamation and voice votes for its organizational business; members said they will submit written statements for the official journal and committees can begin scheduling work under the interim rules.
Votes at a glance
- House Resolution No. 24-1 (adoption of interim rules): motion to adopt moved by Representative Malcolm J. Omar; second not specified; outcome: adopted (voice vote).
- Election of Speaker (Edmund S. Villagomez): nominated by Representative Marissa R. Flores; seconded; approved by acclamation.
- Election of Vice Speaker (Diego Vincent F. Camacho): nominated by Representative Joel C. Camacho; seconded; approved by acclamation.
- Election of Floor Leader (Marissa R. Flores): nominated by Representative Julie M. Ogo; seconded; approved by acclamation.
- Motion to adjourn (subject to call of chair): moved by Floor Leader Marissa R. Flores; second not specified; outcome: approved (voice vote).
The House did not take substantive policy votes during the organizational session; members gave brief statements and the chamber recessed to complete notification procedures before resuming and adjournment.
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