Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

President Mori calls a Special Session of the 17th FSM Congress

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): February 29, 2012 – President Manny Mori has called a 14-day special session of the 17th FSM Congress to begin on March 19.

In his letter to Speaker Isaac V. Figir, the President expressed appreciation for what Congress accomplished during the Third Regular Session that concluded on February 11 and made mention of his awareness that other outstanding matters are still pending at Congress.

“I cannot stress how critical it is to resolve these matters to effectively meet the challenges facing our Nation”, the President said.

Among the items that the President would like for Congress to address are the nominations of Mr. Dion Neth for the Secretary of Finance and Administration, Mr. Ignacio Stephen for Hawaii Consulate Office, and Ms. Judy Diane Lee for the Secretary of Justice. These nominations were submitted during the last session.

The President also specified some proposed legislations that merit Congress’ action this time, namely the proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act, the law governing MiCare Health Insurance, and provisions on Congressional approval in accepting grants and Supplemental Education Grants in conformity with terms and conditions of grant awards pursuant to provisions of the Compact.

A number of resolutions have also been submitted to Congress for approval including some resolutions to endorse foreign grants, such as a Technical Assistance Grant from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the amount of $426,000 and two grants from the Pacific Alliance for Sustainability in the amounts of $61,180 and $500,000; resolutions on Treaties, such as the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; and resolutions to approve national policies, such as the National Energy Policy and the FSM Agriculture Policy.

The President also said that certain activities or projects will take place within the year, which will require funding from Congress through supplemental appropriation.

This will be the Third Special Session of the 17th FSM Congress.