Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

President signs new laws

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): January 7, 2004 - President Joseph J. Urusemal has signed into law 11 Congressional Acts adopted by the Thirteenth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia during its Second Regular Session in October.

While most of the signed Laws involve appropriation details and amendments, of note are the following:

  • Public Law (PL.)12-24: is an amendment to Title 55 of the FSM Code, it allowed funds that were originally designated as capital projects funds, under section 211 of the Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the US, and which remain available, to be transferred to the current accounts of the National and State Governments for unrestricted use;

  • PL.13-27: extends the Moratorium on the Immigration of certain alien workers.

  • PL.13-29: changes the use of certain funds appropriated for use in Chuuk State along with changes of allotees on certain funds. The President however, item-vetoed certain lines that sought funding re-allocation.

  • PL.13-30: appropriates an additional sum of $6,477,445 from the General Fund of Fiscal Year 2004 to fund the 2nd Quarter operations of all branches of the National Government, its agencies, programs, grants, subsidies and contributions. It also provides funding for the capital and human resource development budget. In addition, the law adds a new section 13 to authorize the use of grant funds from the United States Government to reimburse certain expenses paid from local revenues. The President had signed the law and indicated a few reservations.

During the same Session, the Thirteenth Congress of the FSM also passed 22 Resolutions. The Resolutions included the confirmation of nominations for Midion G. Neth, as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health, Education and Social Affairs; and Kasio E. Mida to serve as FSM Ambassador to Japan.

Other confirmations included the Deputy Chief of Missions (DCM) for FSM's oversees Missions: Gabriel Ayin for FSM Embassy in Fiji, John Fritz for FSM Embassy in Japan and Tadao P. Sigrah as the Deputy Permanent Representative to FSM's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

The Resolutions also included re-submitting and confirmations for members of FSM Banking Board - Matthew Chigiyal and Alexander R. Narruhn.

The remaining resolutions ratified and acceded to various international Conventions and approved several international and regional Agreements.