 FSM Congress News, January 14, 2004PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): January 14, 2004 - The opening of the 3rd Special Session of the 13th FSM Congress was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2004 by Speaker Peter M. Christian. Invocation was delivered by Pastor Berdol Edmond from the Assembly of God Church. Speaker Christian appointed a Special Committee to wait on the President consisting of Senator Isaac Figir of Yap, Senator Dohsis Halbert of Pohnpei, Senator Tiwiter Aritos of Chuuk and Vice Speaker Claude Phillip of Kosrae as Chairman. President Joseph J. Urusemal and Vice President Redley Killion were in attendance during the opening, along with members of the President's Cabinet. Iso Nankin of Nett, Salvador Irriarte and his wife, (Nahnkiniei) Ruth Irriarte were given special recognition. Speaker Christian reminded members that the 3rd Special Session was called by President Urusemal to deliberate over several urgent agenda items that Congress needs to act upon. Speaker Christian asked that members concentrate their efforts, during this 10-day session on the eight major issues that prompted the President to call for this special session. The eight issues include a resolution approving the agreement of acceptance of financial assistance from the government of the U.S. for the period of November 2003 to September 2004, a proposed restructuring of the executive branch, pending nominations, the FY 2004 budget, ratification of the new Compact, and a bill to establish new fiscal procedures in accordance with the amended Compact with the United States. Other non-Compact related matters include a bill to accept the draw- down of the first tranch of Private Sector development loan from the Asian Development Bank, funding for slippage for F.S.M Micronesia, and supplemental funding for the College of Micronesia-FSM. Congress recessed at approximately 10:30 a.m. and will reconvene Thursday morning at 10:00 am. |