PALIKIR, Pohnpei — November 11, 2025 — President Wesley W. Simina and Vice President Aren B. Palik received the Committee to Wait on the President following the opening of the Second Special Session of the 24th FSM Congress. The meeting, held at the President’s Office in Palikir, included key members of Congress and Cabinet officials.
The Committee was chaired by T.H. Senator Yoslyn G. Sigrah, with members T.H. Senator Merlynn Abello-Alfonso, T.H. Senator Perpetua S. Konman, and T.H. Senator Andy Choor.
President Simina expressed his appreciation to Congress for responding to his call for a Special Session, noting that cooperation between the Executive and Legislative branches is essential for addressing urgent national priorities and ensuring continuity of government services.
Discussions focused on priority legislative and budgetary matters, including the allocation of $7 million in unspent Compact funds, pending nominations and grants, and pressing national budget issues. The importance of strengthening connectivity under the Pacific Connect Project was also discussed, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand and secure national communication infrastructure.
The administration also provided updates on the ongoing oil spill emergency and national cybersecurity initiatives. The Government is currently looking into deploying marine experts to assess the spill and provide guidance on appropriate response measures. Congress acknowledged the President’s emergency declaration regarding the oil spill and expressed awareness of related concerns, including recent water inundation issues circulating on social media.
Vice President Palik reiterated the importance of the cybersecurity bills currently pending before Congress, emphasizing their role in strengthening national security and empowering government agencies to respond effectively to emerging digital threats.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to cooperation, open communication, and the advancement of national priorities, including coordinated responses to emergencies and continued efforts to safeguard the well-being of communities across the Federated States of Micronesia.
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