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Conference of lawmakers precedes the 16^th Congress Fifth Regular session

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): September 8, 2010 - The Sixteenth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia begins its full September calendar today with the opening of the 2010 Micronesian Legislative Conference (MLC) and precedes Monday's convening of the Fifth Regular Session.

The MLC was established to strengthen the cooperation and working relationship between and amongst the legislative branches of the five governments. It provides the forum for which the nation's legislative bodies gather to discuss and define solutions for issues of mutual concerns.

Under the banner, "Sharing Information Strengthens National Unity" the nation's lawmakers are scheduled to discuss a wide range of national issues, but the main focus of the 2010 MLC conference as agreed to by a majority of the states will be on the topics of Tax Reform and Social Security.

Today's opening meeting selected Senate President Mark Mailo of the Chuuk State Legislature as Chairperson for the 2010 MLC. The 2010 MLC as scheduled will be from September 8 - 10, 2010. The 2010 MLC precedes the busiest session of the FSM Congress, the national budget session.

Speaker Isaac V. Figir has called for the Fifth Regular Session of Sixteenth FSM Congress to convene on September 13^th, instead of the 12^th which falls on a Sunday. The session is expected to adjourn on October 02 2010, but may be shortened or extended by Congress.

The September session is normally the busiest of all sessions as Congress deliberates on the national government budget for the upcoming fiscal year which begins on October 2010.

Monday's session will convene at 10am in the Congress Chambers and as usual, the public is invited and encouraged to attend.