FSM Embassy in DC

08/13/2026

08/13/2026

President Simina Administers Oath of Office to Vincent M. Tafileluw, Completing FSM Social Security Board Membership

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PALIKIR, Pohnpei — August 9, 2026 — His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, administered the oath of office to Vincent M. Tafileluw as Yap State’s representative on the FSM Social Security Board during a ceremony held at the Office of the President on August 4, 2026.

Mr. Tafileluw’s swearing-in completes the membership of the Social Security Board, with all members now in place to carry out the Board’s responsibilities.

Mr. Tafileluw was renominated to continue serving as Yap State’s representative on the Board, reflecting continued confidence in his service and experience. He currently works as a private contractor and consultant for the Woleai Atoll Development Authority and brings experience in public service and community development.

President Simina congratulated Mr. Tafileluw on his appointment and encouraged him to carry out his responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to serving the people of Yap State and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Mr. Tafileluw expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged to do his best in carrying out his responsibilities and serving the people of Yap State and the Federated States of Micronesia.

President Simina also extended the Simina-Palik Administration’s appreciation to the FSM Congress for its continued partnership and confirmation of Mr. Tafileluw’s nomination. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Executive and Legislative branches in advancing the nation’s priorities and maintaining effective government operations.

The Simina-Palik Administration welcomes Mr. Tafileluw to the FSM Social Security Board and looks forward to the Board’s continued work in strengthening the administration of Social Security and serving the interests of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia.

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08/07/2026

President Simina Vetoes Congressional Acts No. 24-119 and No. 24-103

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PALIKIR, Pohnpei — August 6, 2026 — His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), has vetoed Congressional Act No. 24-119 and Congressional Act No. 24-103, returning both measures to the Twenty-Fourth Congress with veto messages explaining the constitutional, legal, fiscal, and policy considerations underlying each decision.

In his veto messages, President Simina emphasized that the decisions reflect his constitutional responsibility to carefully review legislation before it becomes law and to ensure that enacted measures are consistent with the Constitution and serve the long-term interests of the Federated States of Micronesia. He also reaffirmed his appreciation for the work of the Twenty-Fourth Congress and his commitment to continuing to work collaboratively with Congress in addressing the matters identified in the veto messages.

Congressional Act No. 24-119 would amend portions of Title 41 of the Code of the Federated States of Micronesia relating to emergency powers and presidential authority, including the use of emergency funding during declared states of emergency. In his veto message, President Simina expressed concern that the Act could limit the Executive Branch's ability to respond quickly during major emergencies, mobilize resources, and provide timely assistance to affected States and communities. He also noted constitutional concerns regarding the separation of powers and stated that the proposed $200,000 emergency funding limit may not provide sufficient flexibility to respond effectively to large-scale disasters requiring immediate national action.

Congressional Act No. 24-103 proposed establishing a monthly housing stipend for exempt employees of the National Government while exempting them from existing housing regulations. President Simina acknowledged the intent of the measure to support government employees but concluded that further consideration is needed to address concerns relating to its fiscal impact, implementation, and equitable application across the public service.

President Simina reaffirmed the Simina-Palik Administration's commitment to working collaboratively with Congress to develop legislation that upholds the Constitution and serves the national interest. The return of these Acts for further consideration reflects the constitutional process established by the Constitution and the President's responsibility to ensure that legislation receives careful review before becoming law. While the Constitution entrusts the President with the authority to veto legislation, the decision to return legislation to Congress for reconsideration is made only after careful review of each measure and is not undertaken lightly.

Consistent with Article IX, Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia, both Congressional Acts have been returned to the Twenty-Fourth Congress for further consideration.

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