President Christian engages in first official discussion with Congress through the “Committee to Wait on the President”

FSMIS (May 12, 2015): On May 12, 2015, Federated States of Micronesia President Peter M. Christian and Vice President Yosiwo P. George sat down with the Special Congressional Committee to discuss priority agenda that the administration would recommend to Congress for action during its First Regular Session. 

The Congressional Committee consisted of Chairman Joseph J. Urusemal, Vice Speaker Berney Martin, Floor Leader Florencio Singkoro Harper, and Senator Paliknoa K. Welly.

One priority item raised was on the proposed Fiscal Year 2016 budget submitted to Congress in April. The President indicated his intention to review current need for the Executive Branch and undertake some reorganization in a timely manner, which will incur changes to the budget.

In an oral report from the Special Committee at yesterday’s meeting, there was a mention of the possibility to address half-a-year budget this session while the new administration determines its full-year budget requirements.

Other items discussed had to do with the state of typhoon relief efforts and transportation plan involving the new ship, Four Winds, which became part of the FSM transportation fleet-of-two last month.

President Christian stressed that transportation will be a priority of his administration.

The meeting took place in Kolonia as the FSM Capitol bore some disruptive effects of Tropical Storm Dolphin.

Accompanying the President and Vice President was Chief of Staff Leo Falcam Jr.

For further information, call 320-2548 or email fsmpio@mail.fm.