Washington D.C., May 27, 2019 – On Thursday May 23rd, 2019, His Excellency President David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), met with the Honorable Raúl Grijalva, Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, and the Honorable Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan, Vice Chairman for Insular Affairs in the House Committee on Natural Resources. The purpose of the meeting was to reaffirm strong relations between the U.S. Congress and the FSM Government on issues relating to the FSM as a designated insular area, as the House Committee on Natural Resources has jurisdiction over insular affairs.
President Panuelo primarily sought the U.S. Congress’ support on any potential forthcoming package regarding the anticipated renewal, or extension, of the expiring provisions under the Compact of Free Association, as Amended.
President Panuelo, Chairman Grijalva, and Vice Chairman Sablan also discussed the REAL ID Act Modification for the Freely Associated States Act, and the recent issues citizens of the FSM have been facing with regards to acquiring full-term driver’s licenses.
The situation is “urgent and in need of an immediate fix by the U.S. Federal Government Agencies that have jurisdiction over the REAL ID Act,” said President Panuelo, who emphasized the day-to-day impact on citizens of the FSM residing in the United States.
Both Chairman Grijalva and Vice Chairman Sablan pledged their support to help.
The meeting ended on an optimistic note, with President Panuelo, Chairman Grijalva, and Vice Chairman Sablan looking forward to future discussions on the next cooperation package between the FSM and the United States under the framework on the Compact of Free Association, as Amended, or similar arrangements.
For more information on this meeting, please contact the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia at (202)223-4383 or visit the website at: http://www.fsmembassydc.org/