Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Congress News, January 23, 2004

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): January 23, 2004 –
The bill to limit ambassadorial term in office to that of
the president’s did not pass when it came up for vote by the four states.

The States of Yap and Kosrae voted no. It takes three votes of the states
to pass a bill on 2nd and Final Reading. The amnesty bill came up also. The
bill was not on today’s bill calendar, but Floor Leader Henry C. Asugar
moved to withdraw it from the assigned committee in order to offer Members
the opportunity to discuss it to satisfy the concerns of many citizens and
foreign officials alike. The bill has drawn the attention of the public and
officials of the State of Yap and other states have written letters in
opposition to it. The bill, as introduced, would grant amnesty to certain
classes of people who are being accused, or yet to be accused, and
prosecuted of certain types of crimes against the nation, but not yet
convicted Action on the bill was deferred until Congress again meets on
Monday, January 26, at 10:00 a.m.

By resolution, the 10-day session has been extended for seven additional
days today. Congress also adopted the resolutions that express profound
gratitude and sincere appreciation of the Thirteenth Congress of the FSM to
the Honorable Members of the United States Congress, their spouses and
staff, who were members of the U.S. Congressional Delegation visiting the
FSM and for blessing our nation by their visit.

Congress disapproved the bill, which proposed to limit the ambassadorial
term in office to that of the president’s. It deferred action to Monday’s
session the bills to appropriate an additional $16,341,272 to fund the
remaining 3rd and 4th quarters of the fiscal year
2004, and a portion of the proceeds from the loan from the Asian Development Bank.

Congress recessed today from plenary session until Monday, January 26,
allowing its standing committees and Members time to review pending measures
before it adjourns on Friday, January 30.