Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Congress News, March 18, 2003

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): March 18, 2003 - Members expressed thanks and appreciation to Speaker Jack Fritz for the many years he served as a public servant to the people of the nation as a member of Congress and as Speaker.

Speaker Jack Fritz was first elected to the 2nd FSM Congress in 1981 and held chairmanship position for the Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee. He became speaker during the 5th Congress, a position he held until this current 12th Congress. Fritz bid his farewell to all members and staff for the 22 years of working together serving the people of the nation. He offered a phrase form the Holy Book as guidance to the person who will be the next speaker: "To live is to love," 1st Corinthians 13. He also extended his gratitude to all candidates who ran for seats in the 13th Congress, for their efforts and desire to become public servants. The speaker also encouraged future election workers to be selected on fair, impartial, and objective criteria. He hopes they will be people who perform their duties and responsibilities in a fair and honest manner. After approving three more bills and a resolution on final reading Speaker Fritz declared the session adjourned sine die at 11:15 a.m. on March 15, for the last time as Speaker, unless there is another urgent special session to be called before May 11, 2003.

The three bills included Congressional Bill No. 12-177, which changes the use of certain funds previously appropriated for school needs in the State of Yap; C.B. No. 12-178, which reallocates funds appropriated for certain grants in the Southern Namoneas in the State of Chuuk and C.B. No. 12-179, which amends the labor law to require that the FSM National Government Employment Service Office regulate the recruitment of FSM citizens by foreign recruiters for employment overseas.

The resolution, C.R. No. 12-70, expresses thanks and deep appreciation to the Government and people of the United State, the United States Department of Defense, the United State Navy and others for their work in the recovery of oil from the USS Mississinewa, which sank in the Ulithi Lagoon of the State of Yap for almost sixty years.