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FSM Congress' 2^nd Regular Session Convened Oct. 13, 1997

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): October 14, 1997 - The Second Regular Session of the Tenth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia was convened at 10 o'clock a.m. on October 13, 1997 by Speaker Fritz following the FSM National Anthem was sung by the youth choir of the Assembly of God Church from Madolenihmw. The Invocation was offered by Pastor Stephen Malakai.

Following the ceremonial opening, Speaker Fritz called for a roll call which showed 11 members present and three members excused including Senator Peter Christian from Pohnpei, Senator Yosiwo George from Kosrae and Senator John Petewon from Chuuk.

A Special Committee to wait on the President was appointed by Speaker Fritz chaired by Vice Speaker Claude Phillip included Senator Wagner Lawrence from Pohnpei, Senator Isaac Figir from Yap and Senator Roosevelt Kansou from Chuuk were tasked to extend greetings from Congress to the President and to inform him that Congress is ready to transact business.

During Miscellaneous Business, Floor Leader Joseph Ursemal introduced for recognition Vice President Leo A. Falcam, Secretary of Education Dr. Catalino Cantero, Secretary of Health Dr. Elinel K. Pretrick, Secretary of Transportation Lukner Weilbacher, National Planner Bermin Weilbacher, Director of Budget Patrick Mackenzie; FSM Ambassador to the United States of America Jesse Marehalau, FSM Ambassador to Fiji Alik Alik, COM-FSM President Sue Moses, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Negotiations Petrus Tun from Yap State, Kosrae State Lt. Governor Gerson Jackson, newly appointed President of the FSM Development Bank Augustine Carae and a host of other national government and local officials were also introduced by other senators for recognition.

Following the adjournment of the day's session, Speaker Fritz invited members and observers to a light lunch in the Central Facility Building hosted by Congress. More than 50 people were in the gallery observing the proceedings.

The Congress recessed and was scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 14^th. Speaker Fritz then extended a standing invitation to all FSM citizens to come and observe the daily sessions to see their National Congress in action.