Gov. David M. Apatang has formally requested a $3.9 million emergency appropriation from the Commonwealth’s fiscal year 2026 revised general fund budget to sustain Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) benefits for November 2025.
The request comes in response to the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, which has temporarily suspended federal funding for the program. The disruption threatens to leave thousands of CNMI families—including seniors and low-income residents—without access to essential food assistance.
Apatang submitted the request to Senate President Karl King-Nabors and House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, proposing that local funds be used to bridge the gap until federal funding resumes.
He emphasized that the $3.9 million is expected to be fully reimbursed once Congress passes a federal budget. Upon reimbursement, the funds could be redirected to other legislative priorities.
The CNMI’s NAP office confirmed the funding suspension on Oct. 22, prompting immediate action from the administration.
