PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSMIS) – The Committee to Wait (CTW) met with President Wesley W. Simina and Vice President Aren B. Palik, along with their cabinet members, following the opening of the 23rd Congress Regular Session on May 14, 2024, . Led by Senator Johnson Asher, the CTW included Senators Joseph J. Urusemal, Merlynn Abello Alfonso, and Julio Marar.

This customary meeting aimed to outline session expectations. President Simina opened with a prayer and thanked the committee for their time, congratulating them on seating the new members of Congress. Key topics discussed included:

Pending Bills and Reconsiderations:

– Repurposing $1.5 million from the FSM Consulate Office in Honolulu to purchase property for the FSM Embassy in Washington D.C.

– Repurposing $2 million in short-term loans available to FSM states to support the FSM’s participation at the upcoming Micro Games and Festival of Pacific Arts, the Chuuk Expo and establishment of an FSM Consulate Office in the central United States.

– Providing guidelines for the 2023 Amended Compact resiliency and special needs distribution bill. President Simina will submit proposed changes.

– Reducing the national government’s 2023 Amended Compact share from 10% to 8%, per the Arngel Formula.

– FY24 Supplemental budget, including the national government share of $11 million based on the 8%.

Nominations:

President Simina requested support for pending nominations, essential for the cabinet and national government to function. He also mentioned plans to recall and resubmit two state nominations.

Resolutions:

– Extending the Declaration of Emergency due to the prolonged drought in Yap.

– Extending the COM-FSM Land Grant Treaty, which expired in September 2023.

The meeting concluded positively with best wishes exchanged and a welcome for new committee member Senator Marar.

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