Saipan — A Senate standing committee held a public hearing on Nov. 13 to consider the nomination of Anthony C. Torres to the board of the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority (CEIA). Torres, who serves as commissioner of the Department of Corrections, outlined three priorities if confirmed: simplify and speed licensing for Economic Incentive District applicants, tie incentive packages to measurable economic outcomes, and partner with local and federal stakeholders while protecting labor standards and the environment.

Torres summarized his background and vision for the CEIA, describing more than 27 years in law enforcement and roles including his work at the Department of Corrections and as a director at Marianas Rail Corporation. "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times," Torres said, stressing urgency to diversify the economy. He proposed a first-100-days plan to establish an interim operating plan and staffing model, contract for marketing and business-attraction services, and launch a streamlined online application for Economic Incentive District licenses.

Torres also pledged to ensure incentives produce revenue and jobs. "Incentives will be tied to measurable outcomes to include jobs for our people, fair wages, local hiring, capital investment, and sustained tax receipts," he said. He named target sectors including technology, intellectual property, financial services and database hosting, and referenced plans to use vacant commercial buildings in Garapan and a 20-hectare site near the airport.

Public testimony included support from Josh Cook of the Trade Council of the Marianas, who praised Torres' leadership at the Department of Corrections and called him "a person of integrity and capability" who could help the authority become self-sufficient. The chair closed public comment and the clerk reported there were no written testimonies submitted in support or opposition.

Committee members pressed Torres on specifics. The floor leader asked how CEIA incentives would differ from CETA and whether the CNMI workforce (including NMC and NMTI) is prepared for technology-sector jobs. Torres said the board should avoid 0% tax rates, favoring performance-based incentives that could start at reduced rates and be adjusted if companies meet hiring and investment milestones. He recommended partnerships with local colleges and outreach to diaspora experts to build capacity.

The hearing record shows some inconsistent descriptions in who Torres would represent on the CEIA: the committee opening referred to the appointee as representing the public sector, while the governor's representative described him as representing the private sector. The nomination was not decided at the hearing; the chair said oral testimonies will be included in the committee's recommendation report to the full Senate for confirmation consideration.

The committee adopted the hearing agenda by voice vote at the start of the session and concluded with a closing motion and voice vote; the record does not include roll-call tallies for either voice vote. The committee did not hold a final confirmation vote during the session and will forward its recommendation to the full Senate for action.