PALIKIR, POHNPEI – On September 29, 2026, the newly appointed Congressional Committee to Wait on the President met with the Executive Branch to discuss critical legislative priorities for the current special session. The Committee, appointed on the same day, consists of Member Johnson A. Asher (Chair), Member Jermy W. Mudong, Member Fabian S. Nimea, and Member Andy P. Choor.
The meeting commenced at 1:00 p.m. with the President, key Executive cabinet officials, and senior staff. Following an opening prayer, the President welcomed the Committee and thanked the Members for convening the special session, emphasizing that the decision to call a special session was not taken lightly.
Compact Funding and Proposed Legislation The primary focus of the special session is the proposed legislation for subrecipient monitoring of Compact funds (C.B. No. 24-197). The President highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting that he had received correspondence from Congress and that the Attorney General had sent a letter to the Chair of the Ways & Means Committee regarding the bill. While the President concluded that the letters do not conflict, he acknowledged a difference of opinion on how to resolve the issue. He expressed a strong preference to err on the side of caution and enact the proposed monitoring framework.
Chairman Asher reported that Congress is formally in session, ready to transact business, and looks forward to working collaboratively with the Executive Branch. While the Committee had not yet received the Attorney General’s letter, Chairman Asher anticipated reviewing it ahead of a scheduled afternoon hearing.
In response to Chairman Asher’s inquiry regarding the consequences if the legislation is not passed during this session, particularly given that short notice prevented some Members from returning to Pohnpei, officials underscored the severe timeline.The Department of Finance informed the Committee that failing to implement a monitoring framework by October 1 will disrupt the flow of Compact funds. The Office of Compact Management noted it had recently received an update from the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), with further details expected during the committee hearing.
Fuel Crisis and Pending Nominations While C.B. No. 24-197 remains the sole item on the session’s formal call, the President raised two additional pressing issues:
• Fuel Cost Increases: Petrocorp has informed the Executive Branch to anticipate an imminent increase in the cost of fuel.
• Pending Nominations: Acknowledging that pending nominations will likely not be acted upon during this brief session, the President requested the opportunity to resubmit them at a later date.
The meeting concluded with expressions of mutual goodwill and a shared hope that a definitive agreement and resolution would be reached during the scheduled hearing. The President asked the Committee to extend his personal appreciation to the Speaker for convening the session.