WENO, CHUUK. February 1, 2022– The Third Regular Session of the 22nd Congress adjourned sine-die today with passage of various congressional measures among which included a supplemental budget to address ongoing programs and operations of the National Government of the Federated States of Micronesia
Congressional Act (CA) 22-77amended the FSM National Government budget for fiscal year 2022 to appropriate an additional $4,390,502 to fund the operations of all three branches of the FSM Government and its agencies; to fund the Nation’s grants subsidies and contributions; and towards the Nation’s capital and human resources development.
Following a diligent review and oversight by the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee recommended passage of the Supplemental Budget as follows:
I. An amount of $1,796,978 was appropriated to address various administrative and operational needs for both the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch in the areas ranging from personnel, contractual services to OCE.
II. Amendments were also made to Section 8 [Grants, Subsidies and Contributions] of the national budget to earmark $1,223,524 for grants and subsidies and contributions for certain operations and programs for both national and state governments. Programs and activities that included:
· $ 13,307 for the increased lease on the United Nation’s multi-country interim office;
· $ 13,000 for dues under the Inter-Parliamentary Union
· $ 1,220 for unpaid sea-allowance under the Department of TC&I;
· $ 24,435 to address prior years obligations of the Department of Justice;
· $ 75,000 towards boat purchase by the Department of Justice;
· $ 300,000 for the FSMTCC [Telecommunications Cable Company] – OAE;
· $ 500,000 towards the Disaster Relief Fund; and
· $ 296,562 for COVID-19 temporary emergency police officers.
III. Finally, amendments were made to Section 9 [Capital and Human Resources Development] of the national budget to appropriate $ 1,370,000 to address certain areas under the banner of Capital and Human Resources Development, and they included:
· $ 50,000 towards Strengthening Financial Management for municipal governments;
· $ 300,000 for Capital road improvements;
· $ 500,000 towards the FSM quarantine facilities in Guam;
· $ 85,000 for the 4th FSM Constitutional Convention;
· $ 100,000 is for litigation expenses for major crime prosecution in Yap; and
· $ 120,000 for a telecommunications tower on the island of Sapwuahfik
The Supplemental Budget has been transmitted as CA 22-77 to the President for his action whether or not to sign into law. The Supplemental Budget has been signed It has been signed into Public Law 22-80.
Along with the supplemental budget, various Acts along with Congressional Resolutions were transmitted to the President prior to adjourning Sine-Die today.
Unless a special session is called earlier by Speaker Wesley W. Simina, the next Regular Session of the Congress is scheduled for May 11, 2022.
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