PALIKIR, POHNPEI. September 28, 2022 (CFSM- Pohnpei Delegation Office) – The recently adjourned 5^th Regular Session of the Twenty Second Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia adopted a substantial number of resolutions that included a new Ambassador to the United Nations, and financial assistances among others.

Congressional Resolution (CR) 22-165, was for the confirmation of the appointment of Jeem S. Lippwe as the new Permanent Representative of the Federated States of Micronesia to the United Nations.

Two nominations also adopted during the 5^th Regular Session were for the MiCare Insurance Board of Directors and they are: C.R. 22-162 which confirmed the nominations of Mr. Samson E. Pretrick as the National Government representative on the Board and Dr. Marcelle Gallen as the Pohnpei State representative as confirmed through C.R. 22-153.

During the course of the 20-day session, FSM Congress adopted the resolutions to recognize and pay homage to certain individuals and leaders who contributed immensely to the development of their individual states and to the Nation, and expresses its sincerest condolences and sadness on their recent passing, and those include:

The late Vice President Yosiwo P. George, who passed on August 13^th, was paid homage through the adoption of C.R. 22-159;

Former Secretary of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, Dr. Vita Akapito Skilling who passed on August 4^th, was recognized through C.R. 22-163;

The late Chief Justice of the Chuuk State Supreme Court, Repeat S. Samuel who passed on August 16^th was paid tribute through C.R. 22-156;

Former Lieutenant Governor Anthony Tareq of the state of Yap and member of the Council of Tamol who passed on August 26^th was honored through the adoption of C.R. 22-150; and finally,

The Congress adopted C.R. 22-164 to recognize the late Moses A. Nelson as a former Member of the 13^th thru 15^th FSM Congress, representing ED5 of the Northwestern Region of the State of Chuuk (2003 – 2009), who passed on September 14, 2022.

Through CR 22-143, the Congress extended its appreciation and recognized Floyd K. Takeuchi for his long career in photography and journalism which focuses on the Pacific region and contributed to a greater positive understanding of the FSM in the world.

C.R. No. 22-144, sets $85,802,446 as the ceiling of the total funds for appropriation from the FSM General Fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, inclusive of domestic revenues, amended compact sector grants and the Supplemental Education Grant.

The adoption of CR 22-157, conveyed the sincere desire of the FSM Congress for the increased regional support and cooperation between the Pacific Island Nations. Currently, the world is experiencing continued and increasing challenges stemming from climate change, economic, financial and political events, which impact the Pacific region. The Congress of the FSM appreciates its own Nation and citizens would benefit from regional solidarity, support and cooperation in meeting the many challenges in our Pacific region and in working with the larger, developed nations.

The remaining resolutions pertain to grants passed for this session.

Congress adopted C.R. 22-166,  a grant in the amount of $433,053 from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, through the Assistant Secretaryof Preparedness and Response, to fund the FSM Public Health and Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program, including all the terms and conditions of the assistance.

C.R. No. 22-155 is an approved grant in the amount $183,061 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to fund the FSM Substance Abuse, Prevention, and Treatment Block Grant 2022, including all the terms and conditions of the assistance.

C.R. No-22-154 is an approved grant by the Congress in the amount of $478,510 from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to fund the FSM Public Health and Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program, including all the terms and conditions of the assistance.

Congress adopted C.R. No. 22-152, a grant in the amount of $220,562 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, to fund and support the Community Mental Health Services Project in the FSM, including all the terms and conditions of the assistance.

Congress adopted C.R. No. 22-151,  a grant in the amount of $1,418,517 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to support and fund the FSM Immunization and Vaccines for Children Program, including all the terms and conditions of the assistance.

Congress adopted C.R. 22-149, a grant in the amount of $372,499 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, to provide funding to the FSM Behavioral Health and Wellness Program and its related activities and services, including all terms and conditions of the assistance.

A grant in the amount of $176,686 from the United States Department of Human Service, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Centers for Substance Abuse Treatment, to provide funding support to the FSM Behavioral Health and Wellness Program and its related activities and services, including all the terms and conditions of the assistance, Congress adopted C.R. 22-147.

Through C.R. 22-146, the Congress approved a grant in the amount of $220,849 from the United States Department of Health and Human Service, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to fund the FSM Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.

Lastly, the Congress adopted C.R. 22-145, a grant of $1,157,850 from the United States Department of Education to fund the FSM Special Education Program and its services.

The 5^th Regular Session adjourned sine-die on September 23, 2022. Unless a special session is earlier called by the Speaker, the next Regular Session of the Congress is scheduled for January of next year.

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