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Congress casts final vote on President's resubmitted nominees

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): November 25, 2011 - On November 22, the 17^th FSM Congress, with all fourteen Members present, took a third and final round of vote on President Mori's nominations of Mr. Asterio Takesy, Mr. Tiser Reynold, Mr. Ismael Dobich, and Mr. Maketo Robert. Of the four, only Mr. Takesy, whose nomination is for the FSM's Ambassador to the United States, was accepted by Congress with a 10-4 vote.

Mr. Reynold, nominee for Secretary of Finance and Administration, and Mr. Dobich, nominated for Consul General in Honolulu, both received 6-8 vote. Mr. Robert, nominated for the Secretary of the Department of Justice, got a 7-7 vote. A nomination requires a minimum of ten affirmative votes to be confirmed.

The Congressional action on this day brings closure to consideration of these nominees whose nominations were resubmitted to Congress following Congressional resolutions from the last regular session, allowing the President to resubmit their nominations after having been denied twice during that session.

The Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Justice, and the FSM Consulate Office in Honolulu shall remain in "acting leadership" situation until such time that any nominated Secretary or Consul General for the said departments and office would attain approval of Congress following set process.