PALIKIR, Pohnpei — August 6, 2026 — His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), has vetoed Congressional Act No. 24-119 and Congressional Act No. 24-103, returning both measures to the Twenty-Fourth Congress with veto messages explaining the constitutional, legal, fiscal, and policy considerations underlying each decision.
In his veto messages, President Simina emphasized that the decisions reflect his constitutional responsibility to carefully review legislation before it becomes law and to ensure that enacted measures are consistent with the Constitution and serve the long-term interests of the Federated States of Micronesia. He also reaffirmed his appreciation for the work of the Twenty-Fourth Congress and his commitment to continuing to work collaboratively with Congress in addressing the matters identified in the veto messages.
Congressional Act No. 24-119 would amend portions of Title 41 of the Code of the Federated States of Micronesia relating to emergency powers and presidential authority, including the use of emergency funding during declared states of emergency. In his veto message, President Simina expressed concern that the Act could limit the Executive Branch’s ability to respond quickly during major emergencies, mobilize resources, and provide timely assistance to affected States and communities. He also noted constitutional concerns regarding the separation of powers and stated that the proposed $200,000 emergency funding limit may not provide sufficient flexibility to respond effectively to large-scale disasters requiring immediate national action.
Congressional Act No. 24-103 proposed establishing a monthly housing stipend for exempt employees of the National Government while exempting them from existing housing regulations. President Simina acknowledged the intent of the measure to support government employees but concluded that further consideration is needed to address concerns relating to its fiscal impact, implementation, and equitable application across the public service.
President Simina reaffirmed the Simina-Palik Administration’s commitment to working collaboratively with Congress to develop legislation that upholds the Constitution and serves the national interest. The return of these Acts for further consideration reflects the constitutional process established by the Constitution and the President’s responsibility to ensure that legislation receives careful review before becoming law. While the Constitution entrusts the President with the authority to veto legislation, the decision to return legislation to Congress for reconsideration is made only after careful review of each measure and is not undertaken lightly.
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