PALIKIR, Pohnpei — July 2, 2026 — The 3rd Special Session of the 24th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia convened on July 1, 2026, pursuant to the call by His Excellency President Wesley W. Simina to consider key matters requiring congressional attention.
Following the opening of the Special Session, President Wesley W. Simina and Vice President Aren B. Palik, together with members of the Executive Branch, met with the Committee to Wait to present the Administration’s priorities for the Special Session and discuss the key matters before Congress.
Among the key matters discussed was a supplementary budget request of approximately $2.8 million to support priority government needs, including additional funding for the Pacific Connect project, the second installment of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan, and other urgent government funding needs.
“The proposals submitted for this Special Session are the result of careful assessment by our departments and agencies to address identified national needs. I appreciate the Speaker and Members of Congress for their consideration as we continue working together to address those needs,” President Simina said.
The discussions also covered key legislative and governance matters, including the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Bill, the Cybersecurity Bill, pending nominations to the College of Micronesia Board of Regents and the FSM Social Security Board, the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) treaty, preparations for the upcoming Micronesian Island Forum to be hosted by Pohnpei State, the establishment of a revolving fund for the National Convention Center, and a proposed $50,000 contribution to support recovery efforts in Ebeye, Republic of the Marshall Islands, following the recent fire.
The President and the Committee also reviewed the Government’s response to Typhoon Sinlaku, including the need for the emergency declaration to remain in force to sustain ongoing response and recovery efforts in Chuuk State. President Simina emphasized that maintaining the declaration remains necessary to address the continuing needs of affected communities, noting that the deteriorating condition of Chuuk State Hospital and the need to ensure continued access to essential healthcare services require national attention.
The meeting also included updates on El Niño preparedness, noting that public awareness activities are underway in all four FSM states and that progress reports will help guide continued coordination and preparedness efforts.
The Committee also raised concerns regarding reports of an oil spill affecting Woleai Atoll in Yap State. President Simina acknowledged the matter and directed the Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure (TC&I) to look into the reports and coordinate the appropriate government response.
The Simina-Palik Administration thanks the Speaker, Members of Congress, and the Committee to Wait for the constructive discussions and reaffirms its commitment to continued collaboration with Congress throughout the Special Session.
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