The House of Representatives in the Northern Marianas has approved the fiscal year 2018 budget in record time.
The $US145 million budget bill includes an 80 percent salary hike for elected officials, which was criticised by a minority of lawmakers - three of whom voted against the bill's passage.
The salary hike for elected officials is also challenged by the Office of Attorney General, which argues that increase is unconstitutional.
The appropriations bill also provides for a pay hike for public servants of five percent.
The bill will now go to the Senate for review before being sent to the Governor Ralph Torres for his final approval.
If he fails to do so by the end of the month, non-essential government services will shut down.
