The Northern Marianas Governor Eloy Inos has lifted a freeze on the hiring of public servants.
Mr Inos implemented the freeze two months ago, soon after he assumed the governorship, to try to ease some of the financial stress on his government.
Some lawmakers are proposing that the vacant fulltime positions not be filled unless they are deemed critical.
Our correspondent says the lawmakers think this will allow more money to be funnelled to the troubled Retirement Fund, and other agencies.
Mr Inos has indicated that while the hiring freeze has been lifted, he expects only the most qualified individuals to be employed.
