PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSMIS) – Following the opening Special Session of the 23rd Congress on April 2nd, the Committee to Wait convened with H.E. President Wesley W. Simina and T.H. Vice President Aren B. Palik, along with their cabinet members, at Palikir, Pohnpei. Led by T.H. Senator Merlynn Abello-Alfonso, the CTW included T.H. Senator Isaac Figir, T.H. Senator Robson Romolow, and T.H. Senator Yoslyn Sigrah.
This meeting, as customary for the Executive and Legislative Branches, aimed to outline expectations for the session ahead. The meeting began with a prayer, followed by opening remarks by President Simina where he thanked the committee members for their time and also congratulated them on seating new members of Congress. The meeting moved forward in discussing a variety of topics including:
● Emergency Declaration and Decreed Funds:
President Simina commended Congress for allocating funds for emergency declarations in Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap due to the El Nino crisis and noted that the funds have been expended towards relief efforts. He sought an extension of the declaration to access additional funding from donor partners.
● FY 25 Budget:
Vice President Palik apologized for the delayed submission of the FY 25 budget, assuring its completion by midnight on April 2nd. Revenue projections of approximately $85 million, encompassing of the 50% reduction from fishing fees as well as the 8% of government sector grants were discussed, along with adjustments anticipated due to annual fluctuations. The Vice President executive also put forward their policy decision that personnel is to keep all approved positions, even those that are still vacant, but no new positions would be added to the FY25 budget and that there will be no salary increases. The Vice President also shared that travel was cut by 50% by the executive branch and returned to FY 19 levels. He noted that only essential travel necessary to department goals were approved and encouraged that the administration is encouraging virtual participation where practical. As for fixed assets, no new vehicles were approved unless deemed crucial for the department or program. Finally, athough not a part of the FY25 budget, Vice President Palik also floated the idea of a pension plan for FSM National Employees and hopes this issue can be further discussed.
● FY24 Supplemental Budget:
Vice President Palik spoke to this and stated that it will be submitted at a later date and that there are certain priorities and needs that require urgent attention. He shared that the request for supplemental funding would be dependent on the availability of Compact Sector Grant funding.
● Additional Agenda Items:
President Simina continued with some additions to the agenda, such as pending nominations. He noted that there are at least 20 pending nominated positions still vacant such as Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General positions in the FSM’s overseas missions as well as pending nominations for various boards and commissions needed for critical work to be executed, citing NORMA as an example. .
President Simina noted that there are many citizens living in the U.S. who have limited access to consular services due to their limited proximity to the nearest FSM Consulate Office or Embassy, as was evident during his recent outreach with FSM citizens in Kansas City. As such, President Simina is considering establishing a new centralized Consulate Office, potentially in Kansas City or the midwest area of the U.S.
In regards to JEMCO, President Simina stated that proposed legislation will be transmitted regarding necessary changes. The President also requested continued support for Blue Prosperity Micronesia and the pending Marine Spatial Planning bill, which will go a long way in creating a healthy environment and protecting our oceans.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with the exchange of best wishes and also reiterating congratulatory words of welcome to the newly seated members of Congress and newest member of the Committee to Wait.
