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US resolution provides month funding for FSM

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 30, 2003 - President Joseph J. Urusemal has notified the Governors of the Federated States of Micronesia of a Continuing Resolution by the United States Congress to provide a one-month intermediate funding for the FSM.

The Continuing Resolution (CR) went into effect October 1 2003, when the economic provisions of the Agreement for Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia ended on September 30.

The intent of the funding, to be appropriated under the US Department of Interior, would be to maintain the continuity of federal activities and programs of the FSM while the Bill for the amended Compact sees its way through the procedures of US Congress.

The President's letter expressed appreciation for the initiative taken by the US side to enable the FSM to meet its financial obligations while the Amended Compact awaits House action. He said the action was "a further symbol of our special relationship with the US."

He noted that application of the grant must adhere to the requirements for the amended Compact, "spending authority pursuant to amended Compact levels and amended Compact requirements must follow only after successful completion of our internal ratification procedure." He continued that the procedures are currently under review to determine whether the special 30-day grant may need only follow approval by resolution by the Congress of the FSM.

The President's letter went on to say, "in any event, each Government must plan to operate for a period of time without a drawdown of Compact funding at present."

"The length of this funding gap period is to a significant extend within our own control," the President noted.

Action on the pending vote in either House is not known at this time.