Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698745221822.pdf (Micronesia, Federated States of)
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 The Honorable Wesley Simina Speaker, Nineteenth Congress Federated States of Micronesia Second Regular Session, 2015 Dear Mr. Speaker: Your Committee on External Affairs to which was jointly referred Presidential Communication No.
18-466 transmitting the National Government’s proposed fiscal year 2016 Budget, begs leave to report as follows: Presidential Communication No.

18-466 was transmitted to Congress with the National Government Fiscal Year 2016 Recommended Budget (“Budget Book”).
Pursuant to Rule 7, Section 5(b), of the Official Rules of Procedure of the Nineteenth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, your Committee has limited its review to those portions of the proposed budget relating to matters under its jurisdiction.

These are: 1.

FSM Consulate Office, Hawaii 2.

FSM Consulate Office, Guam 3.

FSM Embassy, Tokyo, Japan 4.

UN Mission, New York 5.

FSM Embassy, Suva, Fiji 6.

FSM Embassy, Washington, D.C. 7.

FSM Embassy, Beijing, China 8.


Department of Foreign Affairs: a.

Office of the Secretary; b. Asia Pacific Africa & Multilateral Affairs; c. American and European Affairs.

9.

Grants, subsidies and contributions: a.

The Forum Secretariat; SCRL 19-____/FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/P.C.

18-466 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.


18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 b. Secretariat for the Pacific Community; c. United Nations Membership fees; d. United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP); e. East-West Center; f. ACP Cotonou Membership; g. SPC Office Rental; and h. Celebration of FSM and China bilateral relations.
This report and all previous and subsequent reports by your Committee should be treated as policy for this Nation as defined by Congress.

It is your Committee’s intent that any commentary found in this report should be treated as policy for the guidance of the relevant departments, agencies and offices in the obligations and expenditures of their respective budgets and implementation of their programs.
Your Committee conducted a series of public hearings following the convening of the First Regular Session of the Nineteenth Congress on May 11, 2015.

The mark up meeting of the Committee was held on September 17, 2015 during the Second Regular Session of the Nineteenth Congress.
The report and recommendations that follow are based upon the information contained in the Budget Book and the input provided by the Secretaries, Ambassadors, Consuls General, staff of SBOC and staff of the various departments during those hearings.

It is important to note that your Committee had used the hard copy of the National Government Fiscal Year 2016 Recommended Budget (“Budget Book”) during its series of public hearings on the FY 2016 proposed budgets.
At a later date, a revised National Government Fiscal Year 2016 Recommended Budget (“Budget Book”) was sent, and this is the version that is being used in this report.

During the mark up meeting, your Committee inquired why employees overseas are not eligible for the COLA, especially those that are receiving foreign service premium.

There was an understanding that Chairman of the Committee will write to the Secretary of the Department of Justice to clarify this issue.

-2- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.


19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Your Committee recommends that the Department must provide a list of lease agreements for the entire overseas employees.

Furthermore, your Committee decides to control or put a cap on the amount for lease housing.

There has to be a limit on the amount for housing so your Committee needs the Department to assess the housing payment at the overseas offices.
DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED FY 2016 BUDGET The figures shown in the charts below for the Department of Foreign Affairs include the total amount appropriated in FY 2015; the FY 2016 amount requested, and the amount recommended by the EBRC for FY 2016.

The last column is the amount recommended by your Committee for FY 2016.

I.

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS – OVERALL FY 2015 Appropr.

FY 2016 Proposed $298,681 $1,298,833 $1,324,487 Personnel Travel $290,002 Contract.Serv.
$2,487,246 $2,526,705 $333,932 OCE $98,950 Fixed Assets Total $4,417,892 $4,574,076 No.

Employees 37 $333,132 $0 37 FY16 EBRC $284,899 Committee Recommends $1,340,092 $1,340,092 $284,899 $2,487,645 $2,561,645 $318,632 $85,900 $4,473,168 $4,591,168 $318,632 $41,900 37 37 In Public Law No.

18-102, there was $25,000 appropriated as supplemental budget for the department.

An amount of $20,000 was added to the travel category and $5,000 was added to the other current expenses category.
I. FSM Embassy, Suva, Fiji FY 2015 Appro.

FY 2016 Proposed FY16 EBRC Committee Recommends $96,710 $98,987 $98,987 Personnel $33,900 $37,630 $37,630 Travel Contract.

Serv.

$91,250 $92,250 $92,250 $32,900 $35,900 $33,900 OCE $2,000 $4,000 Fixed Assets $0 $98,987 $37,630 $92,250 $33,900 $2,000 -3- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Total No.
Employees 2 $254,760 $268,767 $264,767 $264,767 2 2 2 Personnel – The amount appropriated in fiscal year 2015 was $96,710.

The Embassy requested an amount of $98,987 for FY 2016, and EBRC recommended it.

The increases in Personnel are based on the increase in fringe benefits from 11% to 13%.

The provision in Public Law No.

18-114 (COLA) is not applicable to the two employees.

At the hearing, your Committee learned that the funding for the vacant position of DCM is still available.
Mr. Berlino Martin was detailed there on a temporary basis.

This reassignment of a staff from the home office to the Embassy is not well received by your Committee because it undermines the rule of law, especially when DCM is an advice and consent position, of this government.

Although Mr. Berlino Martin is performing the duties and responsibilities of the DCM, he is still receiving his current salary as a Foreign Service officer.
At the hearing, then Ambassador Gerson Jackson stated that there is a need to reinstate the First Secretary Position because of the increased workload at the Embassy.

Your Committee recommends $98,987.

Travel - The Embassy’s FY 2015 appropriated amount for travel was $33,900.

The FY 2016 request is $37,630, an increase of $3,730, as compared to FY 2015 appropriated amount.
Of the $37,630 requested, $9,630 for travel within Fiji, $18,000 to attend annual Pacific Island Forum and Post Forum meetings, and $10,000 to attend annual congressional budget hearing.

Your Committee recommends $37,630.

Contractual Services - The Embassy’s contractual services appropriation this year is $91,250.

For FY 2016, there is a request of $92,250, and EBRC recommended it.

This is an increase of $1,000, as compared to the FY 2015 appropriation.

Your Committee recommends $92,250.


-4- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Other Current Expenses – The amount appropriated this fiscal year 2015 was $32,900.

There is a request of $35,900, $1,000 increase in POL and $1,000 in printing and reproduction, but EBRC recommended $33,900.

Your Committee recommends $33,900.

Fixed Assets - For FY 2015, an amount of $4,000 was appropriated.
For FY 2016, $2,000 is requested for office equipment and another $2,000 for office furniture & fixtures, but EBRC only recommended $2,000.

Your Committee recommends $2,000.

II.

FSM Consulate Office, Guam FY16 EBRC FY 2015 Appro.

FY 2016 Proposed $122,260 $124,463 $124,465 Personnel Travel $13,200 $13,200 Contract.Serv.

$146,750 $173,550 $161,050 $32,700 $32,700 OCE $5,844 Fixed Assets Total $311,380 $351,807 $337,259 No.
Employees 4 $31,100 $0 $11,270 $7,894 4 4 Committee Recommends $124,465 $13,200 $161,050 $32,700 $20,844 $352,259 4 Personnel - The amount appropriated in FY15 was $122,260.

The requested amount for FY 2016 is $124,463, but EBRC recommended $124,465.

The increases in Personnel are based on the increase in fringe benefits from 11% to 13%.

The provision in Public Law No.

18-114 is not applicable to the four employees.

Your Committee recommends $124,465.


Travel - In FY 2014, an amount of $13,200 was appropriated.

In FY 2015, an amount of $11,270 was appropriated.

The requested amount of $13,200 for FY 2016 is recommended by EBRC.

There is an amount of $1,930 increase in the line item for Annual Congressional budget hearing from $3,170 in FY15 to $5,100 for FY16.

Your Committee recommends $13,200.


Contractual Services - At the hearing, the funding for the Consulate office’s Common Area Maintenance (CAM), which is a new line item for FY 2016 budget was discussed.

CG Robert Ruecho explained that the Consulate Office received a billing -5- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.


18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 from the building owner for the CAM to help defray the cost of the billing, the office requested $25,000, but EBRC decreased it to $12,500.

However, there was no justification from SBOC on this.

The building owner charged those renting the building for the CAM because of increase in power.
CG Ruecho testified that the building owner will challenge the Guam Power Authority on these billings, and may reimburse payments to those tenants that pay their billings.

Since the Home Office has accommodated housing for a staff at the Guam Consulate office, the funding for staff housing increased by $4,800.

The funding for vehicle and registration and parking decreases from $1,000 in FY 2015 to $500 for FY 2016.

Your Committee recommends $161,050.


Other Current Expenses - An amount of $31,100 was appropriated in FY 2015.

The FY16 request is $32,700.

An amount of $1,000 added to utilities line item, $100 added to Pest Control line item, and $200 added to the POL line item.

Your Committee recommends $32,700.

Fixed Assets – In FY 2015 no funding was appropriated.
This FY16 request, the office requested $7,954 for a copier machine and office furniture & fixtures, but EBRC recommended $5,844 only for the copier machine.

At the mark up meeting, the Committee agreed to give $15,000 for the office to purchase a vehicle.

With the $5,844 recommended for the copier machine, your Committee recommends $20,844.

III.

FSM Consulate, Hawaii FY 2015 Appro.


FY 2016 Proposed FY16 EBRC Committee Recommends $12,732 $123,653 $127,211 $127,212 $127,212 Personnel Travel $12,732 $12,732 $12,732 Contract.Serv.

$186,900 $187,300 $187,300 $187,300 $35,500 OCE $30,000 Fixed Assets $357,285 $408,743 $363,744 $392,744 Total 4 No.

Employees 4 $35,500 $35,500 $1,000 $46,000 $34,000 $0 4 4 -6- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.


18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Personnel- The amount appropriated in FY15 is $123,653.

The request for FY 2016 is $127,211.

However, EBRC recommended $127,212, which is a dollar difference.

The increases in Personnel are based on the increase in fringe benefits from 11% to 13%.

The provision in Public Law No.

18-114 is not applicable to the four employees.

Your Committee recommends $127,212.


Travel- An amount of $12,732 was appropriated in fiscal year 2015.

For FY 2016, the same amount is requested and recommended by EBRC.

Your Committee recommends $12,732.

Contractual Services- The amount appropriated in FY 2015 was $186,900.

The request for FY 2016 is 187,300, and EBRC recommended it.

An amount of $100 is increased in the Office/Parking Rental line item and $300 in the Staff Housing line item.

Your Committee recommends $187,300.


Other Current Expenses- An amount of $34,000 was appropriated in FY15.

The FY16 request is $35,500 and EBRC recommended it.

An amount of $1,000 was added to the POL line item, and another $500 for Postage Stamps and Federal Express line item.

Your Committee recommends $35,500.

Fixed Assets- There was no funding in FY 2015.

For FY16, the requested amount is $46,000, an amount of $45,000 for a new vehicle and $1,000 for furniture & fixtures.
EBRC recommended the $1,000 for the furniture & fixtures.

At the mark up hearing, the Committee decided not to recommend the $46,000, but agreed to provide $30,000 for the office to purchase a vehicle.

Your Committee recommends 30,000.

IV.

FSM Embassy, Washington, DC FY 2015 Appro.

FY 2016 Proposed FY16 EBRC Committee Recommends Personnel Travel $182,920 $186,529 $186,528 $186,528 $51,106 $55,209 $51,106 $47,631 -7- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.


18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Contract.Serv.

$274,520 $282,600 $277,100 $277,100 $47,500 OCE Fixed Assets $2,000 $552,571 $576,838 $564,234 $564,234 Total 4 No.

Employees 4 $47,500 $47,500 $2,000 $47,500 $0 $5,000 4 4 Personnel – An amount of $182,920 was appropriated in FY2015.

The requested amount by the department for FY16 is $186,529, but EBRC recommended $186,528, a difference of one dollar.
The increases in Personnel are based on the increase in fringe benefits from 11% to 13%.

The provision in Public Law No.

18-114 is not applicable to the four employees.

Your Committee recommends $186,528.

Travel – An amount of $47,631 was appropriated in FY15.

The department’s FY16 requested amount is $55,209, but EBRC recommended $51,106, a cut of $4,103.

The decrease is reflected in the domestic trips for the Embassy.
At the hearing, your Committee learned that the increase in funding for FY16 is to accommodate two trips to Mexico and Canada for the Ambassador to present his credentials.

Your Committee recommends $51,106.

Contractual Services –In FY 2015 an amount of $274,520 was appropriated.

The request for FY 2016 is 282,600, but EBRC recommended $277,100.
The decrease of funding, as recommended by EBRC is reflected in the equipment maintenance and rental, in which the department requested $15,500, but EBRC recommended $10,000.

Your Committee recommends $277,100.

Other Current Expenses - An amount of $47,500 was appropriated in fiscal year 2015.

The same amount is requested for FY 2016 as recommended by EB&C.

Your Committee recommends $47,500.

Fixed Assets - There was no funding appropriated in FY 2015.

For FY 2016, the department requested $5,000.


Of this amount, $3,000 for desktop computers and $2,000 for furniture & fixtures.

EBRC recommended only $2,000 for the purchase of furniture and fixtures.

Your Committee recommends $2,000.

-8- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 V. UN Mission, New York FY 2015 Appro.

FY 2016 Proposed Personnel Travel Contract.Serv.

OCE Fixed Assets Total No.


Employees 2 $35,439 $124,165 $126,403 $126,403 $38,921 $38,921 $577,061 $542,080 $542,080 $38,000 $38,000 $0 $0 $774,665 $745,404 $745,404 $38,000 $0 2 2 2 FY16 EBRC Committee Recommends $126,403 $38,921 $616,080 $38,000 $0 $819,404 Personnel – The FY 2015 appropriation was $124,165.

In FY 2016, the office requested $126,403 and recommended by EBRC.
At the hearing, a representative from SBOC stated that the increase on Personnel is based on the 13% fringe benefit instead of the 11%.

The provision in Public Law No.

18-114 (COLA) is not applicable to the two employees.

Your Committee recommends $126,403.

Travel – An amount of $35,439 was appropriated in FY 2015.

For FY 2016, an amount of $38,921 is requested and recommended by EBRC.
At the hearing, your Committee was informed of a new trip request in the amount of $5,870 for the Ambassador to attend the Pacific Island Forum.

Your Committee recommends $38,921.

Contractual Services - In FY 2015, an amount of $577,061 was appropriated.

For this FY 2016 request, the UN Mission is requesting $542,080 and EBRC approved this amount.
The Ambassador explained the requests as follow: • $50,000 for healthcare insurance coverage for FSM diplomats and their eligible dependents; • $13,455 for equipment; • $168,094 for office lease; • $146,493 for professional services; • $21,000 for representative fund/COAP; and • $143,038 for staff housing.

-9- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.


18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 The Ambassador thanked the Committee for funding the healthcare insurance coverage.

At the mark up meeting, your Committee recommended $8,000 for bank transaction fees, $2,000 per month for Clement’s housing allowance, $1,000 per month for Martin’s housing allowance) and $30,000 for a vehicle.

So for staff housing, $36,000 plus $143,038 is $179,038.
Furthermore, your Committee recommends the office to assist its employees during their search for housing.

Your Committee recommends $616,080.

Other Current Expenses – An amount of $38,000 was appropriated in FY 2015.

This amount is being requested again, and recommended by EBRC.

Your Committee recommends $38,000.

Fixed Assets - There was no amount requested for FY 2015.

Also no amount requested for FY 2016.

Your Committee recommends $0.

VI.

FSM Embassy, Tokyo, Japan FY 2015 Appro.


FY 2016 Proposed FY16 EBRC Committee Recommends $15,956 $195,997 $199,529 $199,529 $199,529 Personnel $15,956 $15,956 $15,956 Travel Contract.Serv.

$698,869 $698,869 $698,869 $698,869 $74,675 OCE Fixed Assets $0 $985,497 $989,029 $989,029 $989,029 Total 2 No.

Employees 2 $74,675 $74,675 $0 $74,675 $0 $0 2 2 Personnel- The amount appropriated for FY 2015 is $195,997.

This year, an amount of $199,529 was proposed, and EBRC recommends it.
The increase is based on the 13% fringe benefits.

The provision in Public Law No.

18-114 is not applicable to the two employees.

Your Committee recommends $199,529.

-10- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Travel- The appropriated amount for travel in FY 15 was $15,956.

The amount requested for FY 2016 is the same.

Your Committee recommends $15,956.


Contractual Services- The Embassy is requesting $698,869 for FY2016, which is the same amount appropriated in FY2015.

The detailed breakdown of the $698,869 include: • Consultant services • Education Allowance • Maintenance contract • Office lease/staff housing • Property/Offc.

Equipment/vehicle Insurance $11,000 • Rep. Fund/COAP $20,000 • Special Services contract $239,495 $25,000 $25,000 $11,000 $367,374 Your Committee recommends $698,869.
Other Current Expenses- An amount of $74,675 was appropriated in FY 2015.

The same amount is requested for FY2016.

Your Committee recommends $74,675.

Fixed Assets- There was no funding appropriated under this category in FY 2015.

No amount is requested for this fiscal year.

Your Committee recommends $0.

VII.

FSM Embassy, Beijing, China FY 2015 Appro.

FY 2016 Proposed FY16 EBRC Committee Recommends $23,383 $161,346 $164,252 $164,253 $164,253 Personnel Travel $26,198 $27,198 $26,198 Contract.Serv.
$481,996 $510,056 $498,996 $498,996 $23,657 OCE $1,056 Fixed Assets $690,382 $726,219 $714,160 $714,160 Total 3 No.

Employees 3 $23,657 $23,657 $1,056 $23,657 $0 $1,056 3 3 At the mark up meeting your Committee raised concerns on the use of funds provided by the Chinese Government to the FSM in the effort to locate an area for the Embassy as well -11- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.


18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 as the cost in building the offices.

Your Committee needs an expenditure reports on the fund balances of the funds.

Once again, the Secretary shall provide a detailed explanation in this regard to the Committee.

Personnel- An amount of $161,346 was appropriated in FY 2015.

The request for FY16 is $164,252, but EBRC recommended $161,253.
The slight increase in Personnel is based on the increase in fringe benefits from 11% to 13%.

The three employees are not eligible to receive the COLA pursuant to Public Law No.

18-114.

In the text of the budget book, Mr. Soram Jackson is the DCM, but your Committee understood that he has not gone through the advise and consent process.

He is there only on a temporary arrangement, same as Mr. Berlino Martin to Fiji.

Your Committee recommends $164,253.


Travel- The Embassy’s proposed budget for travel is $27,198, but EBRC decreased it to $26,198.

At the hearing, the Ambassador explained that the Embassy needed funding ($4,700) to attend a bi-annual meeting with Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Your Committee recommends $26,198.

Contractual Services- In FY 2015, an amount of $481,996 was appropriated.

The Embassy is requesting $510,056 for FY 2016, but EBRC recommended $498,996.
The FY16 requests are listed below with EBRC’s recommendation: 1.

Educational allowance 2.

Health insurance 3.

Insurance (Office & Auto) 4.

Office Equip/Auto maint.

5.

Office lease 6.

Official Rep./COAP 7.

Special contract 8.

Staff housing Total ---------------------- FY-16 propo $195,855 $38,753 $1,151 $2,078 $52,318 $20,000 $35,708 $164,193 $510,056 FY16 EBRC $195,855 $38,753 $1,151 $2,078 $52,318 $20,000 $35,708 $153,133 $498,996 -12- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.
19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 There is $9,753 increase for Health Insurance, as compared to FY15 appropriation of $29,000.

There is also an increase of $7,247 in staff housing, as compared to FY15 appropriation of $145,886.

Your Committee recommends $498,996.

Other Current Expenses - An amount of $23,657 was appropriated in FY 2015.

The same amount is requested for FY 2016.

Your Committee recommends $23,657.


Fixed Assets - There was no funding appropriated in FY 2015.

For FY 2016, the Embassy requested $1,056 for vehicle tires.

Your Committee recommends $1,056.

VIII(a).

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY FY 2015 Appro.

FY 2016 Proposed FY16 EBRC Committee Recommends Personnel $98,370 Travel Contract.Serv.

$30,000 $45,000 OCE Fixed Assets $0 Total No.


Employees 5 $100,235 $103,780 $107,943 $107,943 $89,156 $89,156 $89,156 $30,000 $40,000 $30,000 $32,700 $46,000 $32,700 $30,000 $35,000 $30,000 $273,605 $313,936 $289,799 $289,799 5 5 5 Personnel – The amount appropriated in FY15 was $100,235.

The amount requested for FY16 is $103,780, but EBRC recommended $107,943.

The justification on the increase is based on the increased fringe benefits from 11% to 13% and the COLA.
The Secretary and the Deputy Secretary are exempt positions and are not eligible to get the COLA.

Your Committee recommends $107,943.

Travel - The Office’s FY 2015 budget for travel was $98,370.

The FY16 proposed budget is $89,156, which was recommended by EBRC.

Your Committee understands that the amount requested under the Office of the Secretary for travel, contractual services, other current expenses and fixed assets is also for the two other Divisions within the -13- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.
19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 department (the Division of Asia Pacific Africa & Multilateral Affairs and the Division of American & European Affairs).

Your Committee recommends $89,156.

Contractual Services - An amount of $30,000 was appropriated in FY 2015.

The office requested $40,000.


An amount of $5,000 increase on the representation fund and another $5,000 increase on the reimbursement of tax to diplomats, but EBRC recommended $30,000.

Your Committee recommends $30,000.

Other Current Expenses - An amount of $45,000 was appropriated in FY 2015.

For FY16, $46,000 is being requested, but EBRC recommended $32,700.
Basically, EBRC decreased $1,000 in the Fuel line item, $1,000 in the Postal services stamps line item, $2,000 from the Supplies & Materials line item, and $8,300 in the Telecommunications line item.

There are no justifications from EBRC regarding these cuts.

Your Committee recommends $32,700.

Fixed Assets - In FY 2015, there was no appropriation.

For FY16, the Office proposed $35,000 ($2,000 to purchase air conditioners, $3,000 for desktop computers, and 30,000 for a vehicle).
EBRC approved $25,000 for the vehicle, and the total recommended is $30,000.

Your Committee recommends $30,000.

VIII(b).

ASIA PACIFIC AFRICA & MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS Personnel - For the FY 2015 proposed budget, an amount of $104,656 was appropriated.

For FY16, the office requested 106,546, but EBRC recommended $112,785.

All six employees are eligible to receive the COLA.

Your Committee recommends $112,785.

VIII(c).


AMERICAN & EUROPEAN AFFAIRS Personnel - An amount of $85,104 was appropriated in FY 2015.

For FY16, the office requested $86,787, but EBRC recommended $91,987.

All five employees are eligible to receive the COLA.

Your Committee recommends $91,987.

-14- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.


18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Grants, Subsidies and Contributions In addition to the operations budget, your Committee recommends the following Grants, Contributions and Subsidies for the Department.

Basically some of these requests are membership dues for international organizations: -15- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.


18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Organization The Forum Secretariat Secretariat for Pacific Community UN Membership fees ESCAP East-West Center ACP Cotonou Membership fees SPC Office Rental Diplomatic Relations between FSM and China (PRC) Pacific Island Forum Total FY15 Appropr.
FY16 Proposed $46,000 $46,000 FY16 EBRC 46,000 Committee Recommends $46,000 $56,000 $56,000 56,000 $56,000 $70,000 $70,000 70,000 $70,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $15,000 $15,000 5,000 5,000 15,000 $5,000 $5,000 $15,000 45,000 45,000 45,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $45,000 $25,000 $0 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $267,000 $767,000 $767,000 $767,000 Capital & Human Resources Development FY15 Appropr.

FY16 Proposed FY16 EBRC $0 $300,000 Committee Recommends $300,000 1.
FSM Mission repair and maintenance $0 Your Committee on External Affairs has carefully reviewed the President’s Recommended FY 2016 Budget and all information provided by the Executive and the entities under your Committee’s jurisdiction.

The recommended sums set forth above reflect your Committee’s recommendations on the level of funding for the designated activity, program or project for FY 2016.
Subject to the conditions and limitations set forth herein and the availability of funds as determined by your -16- STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

19-43 RE: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION NO.

18-466 SUBJECT: FY 2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET/EXAFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 Committee on Ways and Means, your Committee on External Affairs recommends approval of the amounts listed above.
Respectfully submitted, /s/ Paliknoa K. Welly Paliknoa K. Welly, chairman /s/ Robson U. Romolow Robson Romolow, vice chairman /s/ Isaac V. Figir Isaac V. Figir, member /s/ Victor V. Gouland Victor V. Gouland, member /s/ Berney Martin Berney Martin, member /s/ Bonsiano F. Nethon Bonsiano F. Nethon, member /s/ David W. Panuelo David W. Panuelo, member -17-