CNMI Governor David M. Apatang

The CNMI government has completed its fiscal year 2022 audit, revealing $257 million in questioned costs that could jeopardize federal funding.

As the Commonwealth government faces ongoing fiscal challenges, Gov. David Apatang made clear during the signing of the revised fiscal year 2026 budget that no government agency will be granted exemptions from austerity measures.

After facing public backlash, Gov. David M. Apatang canceled his request for legislative approval of an $80,000 annual salary for Special Assistant Henry Hofschneider—$20,000 above the government’s salary cap.

Gov. David M. Apatang is facing public backlash after requesting legislative approval for a $80,000 annual salary for Special Assistant Henry Hofschneider—$20,000 above the government’s salary cap—just one day before issuing sweeping austerity measures.