The Twenty-Fourth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia confirmed the nomination of Mr. Lucas M. Cupps as the nation’s first Independent Prosecutor, following Congressional Resolution No. 24-37 adopted during the Second Regular Session on September 19, 2025
This historic action fulfills the constitutional mandate to establish an Office of the Independent Prosecutor—a reform championed by the people through the 4th Constitutional Convention to reinforce public trust and ensure accountable governance. The supporting committee findings are detailed in Standing Committee Report No. 24-03.
“Today’s confirmation is more than the appointment of a qualified attorney; it is a decisive step toward strengthening the people’s trust and confidence in our government for years to come. This office—created by the people—will help ensure that transparency and accountability continue to guide our nation’s growth and governance,” said Senator Andy P. Choor, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary & Governmental Operations (J&GO) and a delegate to the 4th Constitutional Convention.
Mr. Cupps is an accomplished legal professional with deep ties to Micronesia. He is a Yale Law School graduate who brings extensive and diverse legal experience. He has served as a public defender, legal writing professor, international enforcement advisor, and staff attorney for the FSM Congress. For the past decade he has practiced law in the FSM, representing clients across all four states.
During his confirmation hearing, Mr. Cupps emphasized humility and partnership with Micronesian communities. He pledged to build “a culture of fiscal transparency and accountability” through investigations and prosecutions, education-first strategies, restorative justice, and reforms that prioritize restitution to “make the general fund whole”.
The creation of the Office of the Independent Prosecutor reflects the FSM people’s call—voiced repeatedly in constitutional conventions—to ensure that fairness, openness, and accountability remain central to national development. By confirming Mr. Cupps, the FSM Congress has given life to that mandate and reinforced its commitment to strong, forward-looking governance.
For more information this and other congressional news, please visit www.cfsm.gov.fm.