Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Congress News, March 18, 2003

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): March 18, 2003 –
Members expressed thanks and appreciation to Speaker Jack
Fritz for the many years he served as a public servant to the people of the
nation as a member of Congress and as Speaker.

Speaker Jack Fritz was first elected to the 2nd FSM Congress in 1981 and
held chairmanship position for the Judiciary and Governmental Operations
Committee. He became speaker during the 5th Congress, a position he held
until this current 12th Congress. Fritz bid his farewell to all members and
staff for the 22 years of working together serving the people of the nation.
He offered a phrase form the Holy Book as guidance to the person who will be
the next speaker: “To live is to love,” 1st Corinthians 13. He also
extended his gratitude to all candidates who ran for seats in the 13th
Congress, for their efforts and desire to become public servants. The
speaker also encouraged future election workers to be selected on fair,
impartial, and objective criteria. He hopes they will be people who perform
their duties and responsibilities in a fair and honest manner.
After approving three more bills and a resolution on final reading Speaker
Fritz declared the session adjourned sine die at 11:15 a.m. on March 15, for
the last time as Speaker, unless there is another urgent special session to
be called before May 11, 2003.

The three bills included Congressional Bill No. 12-177, which changes the
use of certain funds previously appropriated for school needs in the State
of Yap; C.B. No. 12-178, which reallocates funds appropriated for certain
grants in the Southern Namoneas in the State of Chuuk and C.B. No. 12-179,
which amends the labor law to require that the FSM National Government
Employment Service Office regulate the recruitment of FSM citizens by
foreign recruiters for employment overseas.

The resolution, C.R. No. 12-70, expresses thanks and deep appreciation to
the Government and people of the United State, the United States Department
of Defense, the United State Navy and others for their work in the recovery
of oil from the USS Mississinewa, which sank in the Ulithi Lagoon of the
State of Yap for almost sixty years.