PALIKIR, Pohnpei — January 14, 2026 — President Wesley W. Simina and Vice President Aren B. Palik on January 13, 2026, received the Committee to Wait on the President following the opening of the Third Regular Session of the 24th FSM Congress, to discuss national priorities and outline next steps on several key matters, including emergency response, budget considerations, infrastructure initiatives, and cybersecurity among others.
The Committee was chaired by T.H. Fabian S. Nimea, with members T.H. Senator Yoslyn G. Sigrah, T.H. Senator Merlynn Abello-Alfonso, and T.H. Senator Andrew R. Yatilman.
President Simina welcomed members and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue. He conveyed greetings from the Office of the President to the Speaker Esmond B. Moses and members of the 24th FSM Congress and outlined several priority areas for consideration.
Among the issues discussed was the proposed extension of the Declaration of Emergency related to the oil spill in Chuuk, with the President highlighting the importance of continued access to resources and coordinated efforts to address its environmental impacts. The President also raised the need for Congressional support for a supplemental budget to meet the shortfalls that were not considered in the passed FY26 budget.
The meeting included an update on the subsea cable infrastructure project, with the Administration noting that it is revising the project’s financing structure in line with Congressional guidance and remains prepared to brief relevant committees.
Additional discussions covered pending bills, resolutions, and nominations, all of which are scheduled for review during the current session.
In response, Congressional leadership indicated that relevant committees will conduct hearings and further reviews to determine appropriate courses of action on the matters raised. Discussions also underscored the importance of advancing cybersecurity initiatives as part of national resilience efforts.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that committees will continue their work through hearings and deliberations to guide any decision-making.
The Simina-Palik Administration reaffirms its commitment to continued collaboration with the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia in advancing national priorities and serving the best interests of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia.
