Senate defers action on HOD version of supplemental budget

The senators instead sent it back to the Committee on Ways and Means for further review.The lawmakers are also awaiting arrival of Senate President Surangel Whipps , Committee chair Sen. Alan Seid and Committee Vice-chair Caleb Otto to revisit the measure.The three lawmakers are in Japan attending the APPU meet.HOD introduced various changes  to the measure which was re-transmitted to the Senate over the weekend.The HOD version of the bill  contained the provision authorizing a continuing budget authority, and and a rider extending the time for which the Bureau of Land and Surveys (BLS) has to designate, survey and monument Palau’s public lands and to restructure the compensation members of the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK).One of the provisions introduced in the House version calls for an extension of until Oct. 31, 2008 of the BLS.Another provision inserted as a rider to the bill involved compensation for members of the OEK.The provision introduced by President Remengesau stated that “official sessions attended after the 50th session will be carried over and counted towards the annualized maximum compensation for the next calendar year. This carry over provision will apply independently to each four year term of a member.”It added that “session days shall not be carried over to a new term upon reelection and shall not be transferable between the houses of the OEK.”The House version also contained a provision which earmarks a sum of $200,000 for the exclusive use by the Independent Counsel to take a lead in carrying out an investigation and prosecution to the failure of the Pacific Savings Bank (PSB).The bill further included the imposition of import tax for imported bottled water.The measure also stated that the president is also authorized each year to encumber or pledge up to $3,000,000 of the next fiscal year’s annual distribution from Compact Section 211(1) Trust Fund Investment Earnings.The House version however took out the proposed  Customs Declaration Automated Processing System Revolving Fund introduced earlier in the Senate version of the supplemental budget.