Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

Third Regular Session of Congress set for February 4

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): January 17, 2008 - Speaker Isaac V. Figir has indicated that the Third Regular Session of the 15th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia will convene on February 4 2008, as previously scheduled.

This is in response to President Manny Mori's letter of January 9, requesting a reschedule of the Third Regular Session from February 4, to February 12 instead. According to the President's letter, he would like to be present for the session, the earlier date would however, prevent his attendance due to unforeseen pressing commitments the FSM Government has overseas.

The postponement request was shared with members of the 15th FSM Congress through a poll. Results of the poll fell short of the required support for a postponement.

Speaker Figir's letter to the President therefore noted that the Third Regular Session of the 15th FSM Congress will proceed with its scheduled date to convene on February 4 2008.

The February 4 date for the Third Regular Session is actually a postponement from January 10 as established by law for convening of the Third Regular Session of FSM Congress.

Public Law 13-59 had in 2004, amended Title 3 of the FSM Code to increase the number of regular sessions of a Congress and revise its convening schedule. Accordingly since 2005, the schedule for the FSM Congress has been: three Regular Sessions -January 10, May 11, and September 12 "unless the Presiding Officer shall set a different date or dates."

The length of the regular sessions would be for 20 calendar days, unless shortened or extended by Congress.