The Office of the President is pleased to announce two significant legislative developments following the passage of the current Continuing Resolution (CR) by the U.S. Congress and its signing into law by President Donald Trump. These actions officially ended the 43-day U.S. government shutdown and secured critical provisions benefiting FSM.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
HEADSTART FUNDING SECURED:
The CR includes a provision guaranteeing a base grant of $8 million for FSM and RMI under the Head Start program for FY 2026. This funding ensures continued support for early childhood education programs across the nation.
Sec. 155 of the CR states: “Notwithstanding section 101, the matter under the heading ‘Department of Health and Human Services—Administration for Children and Families—Children and Families Services Programs’ in title II of division D of Public Law 118–47 shall be applied by adding the following after the second proviso: ‘Provided further, That for purposes of section 640(a)(2)(B)(v) of such Act, the base grant for each of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands shall be $8,000,000, and shall be considered equal to the amount provided for base grants for such jurisdictions under such Act for the prior fiscal year:” (p. 27)
SUPPORT FOR COFA VETERANS:
The final FY 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which was passed as part of a spending package with the CR, directs the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide briefings to Congress on the implementation of provisions in Public Law 118-42 relating to veterans in a way that is consistent with Congressional intent. This includes engagement with FAS governments, a projected timeline for veterans in the FAS to receive hospital care and medical services, and implementation cost estimates. The accompanying Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations explanatory statement directs the Secretary of VA to implement these services (telehealth, mail order pharmaceuticals, travel reimbursement, and direct care from VA providers) before the end of Fiscal Year 2026.
NEXT STEPS:
The FSM will work closely with U.S. partners to ensure timely implementation of these provisions. The Government of FSM extends its gratitude to congressional offices and advocates who supported these measures, reinforcing the strong partnership between FSM and the United States.
“These successes reflect the unwavering commitment of our dedicated team at the FSM Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the tireless advocacy of our partners at A&P. Their hard work and steadfast partnership were essential in securing these outcomes for our Nation—simply put, it would not have been possible without them.” President Simina stated.
The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia conveys its sincere appreciation to the U.S. Congress for its bipartisan support in advancing these important measures.
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