PALIKIR, POHNPEI. July 02, 2020 – The 21st Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia convened on July 01, 2020 at 11am Pohnpei and Kosrae time, and 10am Chuuk and Yap time for its virtual Sixth Special Session
In his Call letter, Speaker Wesley W. Simina noted that the current COVID-19 crisis compels decision by the Congress, so despite having just completed the longest budget session on record, much remains to be addressed. The Speaker called for a 10-day Special Session from July 1 – 10, 2020, to consider a supplemental funding for the government, an amendment to the National Emergency Declaration, among other matters.
Customary to convening of each session, a committee meets with the President for priority issues of the Executive Branch that require Congress consideration. For the Sixth Special Session, the Executive Branch provided the Committee to Wait with an agenda of the following:
- Nominations for the Honolulu Consul General, Insurance Board, Caroline Island Air Board, Associate Justice for the FSM Supreme Court, among others;
- Supplemental Budget for the National Government; and
- Extension of the National Emergency Declaration.
Along with the issues needing Congress action, the Committee was updated on the coronavirus, its status in the Nation, the medical readiness of the Nation and individual states and the issue of FSM citizens and students stranded abroad because of coronavirus restrictions.
Finally, the implementation of Public Law No. 21-76 (import ban of one-time use styrofoam and plastic) was brought up to inform the Committee that a 4-month regulation accompany the launch of the new law in order to gauge public feedback. After the initial 4-months, the Committee could expect additional amendments to the law to ensure its efficient and effective protection of the Nation’s environment and to ensure its enforcement.
With respect to the current advisories from the Pohnpei State Government and the FSM National Government discouraging public gathering and encouraging social distancing, the Sixth Special Session of the 21st Congress is closed to the general public.
The public is however invited to follow the daily sessions which are streamed live and available for viewing at the Congress website: www.cfsm.gov.fm.
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THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
TWC: 21-23