By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Senate Floor Leader Alan Seid wrote a letter to Special Prosecutor Everett Walton yesterday (Oct. 11) requesting to reinstate the lawsuit against him regarding the per diem issue.
This is because Seid said the lawsuit raises important constitutional questions that should be answered, once and for all.
"There is no doubt that this issue will come up again. Therefore, I belive it is in the best interests of the Republic for this matter to be settled with established precedent," Seid told Walton.
He said that the dismissal of the matter against both the House and the Senate defendants brings back to where the issue has started and does not accomplish the fundamental question.
Seid noted that he was not fully advised of the proposed settlement and believes it leaves a key Constitutional question unanswered.
"While I support the adjustment of per diem rates to fair and equitable amounts based on actual expenses incurred, the question regarding whether or not per diem is compensation still remains unanswered," he said.
Seid also said that he wholeheartedly support the position that the Senate may reasonably adjust its per diem rates to reflect current economic realities at any time but he said he does not believe that per diem is compensation and disagree the lawsuit’s argument that it is.
Seid told Walton that should he be found liable, he would be more than willing to refund any money owed to the National Treasury.
"I believe this is the best and only way to address this very important issue. I believe this lawsuit must be heard by the Court," he said.
Earlier in August, Walton dismissed the case against Senate President Surangel Whipps Sr. Seid, Alfonso Diaz, Caleb otto and Mlib Tmetuchl as a direct result of the implementation by the Senate of per diem rates in effect during the 6th OEK.
And recently, Walton also dismissed similar case against 12 Delegates after House Speaker Antonio Bells implemented new travel policy.