Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Congress News, May 12, 2005

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): May 12, 2005 - The Fourteen Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia met for the first time yesterday, welcomed two new Members, and made a few changes in its officials and Committee chairs.

Peter Sitan and Simiram Sipenuk, both from Chuuk, took the oath of office for the first time as Members of the Fourteenth Congress. Also Roosevelt D. Kansou, Tiwiter Aritos, and Moses A. Nelson. From Kosrae: Claude H. Phillip; from Pohnpei Peter M. Christian, Dohsis Halbert and Dion Neth and from Yap: Isaac V. Figir. They join the atlarge Members returning for the Fourteenth Congress, Resio Moses from Pohnpei, Ramon Peyal of Yap Alik L. Alik of Kosrae and Manny Mori of Chuuk.

After the Credential Committee reported favorably on the qualifications of the new Members, the senators met in caucus chose the leadership for the new Congress. Senator Peter M. Christian was selected as Speaker and Senator Claude H. Phillip as Vice Speaker, both held the same offices during the Thirteenth Congress. Senator Simiram Sipenuk was selected as the first-time Floor Leader.

Speaker Christian then appointed the Committee chairs. Several chairs are new for the Fourteenth Congress. Senator Isaac Figir was appointed as the new chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Alik L. Alik as chairman of the Committee on External Affairs and Senator Manny Mori as chairman of the Committee on Resources and Development. During the Thirteenth Congress, Senator Figir served as chairman of the External Affairs Committee and Senator Alik as chairman of the Committee on Resources and Development.

The other chairs remain the same as during the Thirteenth Congress Dohsis Halbert for the Judiciary and Governmental Operations, Senator Resio S. Moses as chairman of the Committee on Health, Education and Social Affairs and Senator Moses A. Nelson as chairman of the Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure Committee.

After a brief statement by Speaker Christian outlining the work ahead for the new Congress, Floor Leader Sipenuk moved that Congress stand in recess until 10:00 A.M. the next day, May 12.