Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Congress’ 2nd 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 14th. 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.