Democracy In Albany

Plea to Congress to End Sexual Bondage in U.S. Islands

But Ogumoro [a social worker in Saipan] says she saw 30 cases last year of women trafficked into the CNMI [Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands] from the Philippines, China and elsewhere in Asia, who were then sold into virtual bondage as housekeepers, working 21 hours a day, physically and mentally abused or, like Entena, forced into prostitution. "Those women are the ones who made it to the shelter; there are countless others," she testified.

[...]

Lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his Republican allies, including now former Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, trampled efforts to improve conditions and wages for workers in the CNMI, according to Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., who fought for more that 10 years for the cause.

Let's not forget Sweeney's part in this.  Along with Tony Rudy, who at different times worked for DeLay and Abramoff, Sweeney took a little trip to the Marianas in 2001, had a look around, and did his best Sgt. Schultz impression.  He saw nothink.

Back to the present:

Now with Democrats in charge of Congress, the House recently voted to increase the minimum wage for all American workers, including those in Saipan.

Stayman [staff member on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources] says the purpose of the hearing today is to update Congress on the socio-economic impacts facing the CNMI due to the continued import of alien guest workers since the committee's last hearing in 1999 and to determine how legislation should proceed. Population growth, development of a two-tiered economy, border control issues and worker abuse will be addressed.