The Northern Marianas representative in congress Gregorio Camacho Sablan has introduced legislation that adds the CNMI to the list of locations where United States naval vessels can be repaired.
Mr Sablan says the change in the law has the potential to create a new industry in the Northern Mariana Islands and bring much-needed jobs for the people.
He added it is one of the ways it may be able to benefit from the military build-up in Guam.
Current federal law generally limits the repair of US military vessels to the 50 states and Guam.
Gregorio Camacho Sablan's legislation adds the CNMI to the places where these repairs are allowed.
Mr Sablan says it is simply a matter of opening up an existing market to a greater number of competitors.
But he says the simple change could mean a great deal if the US Navy chooses to use the Marianas as a venue for these repairs.
