The HOD, convened to adopt a resolution amending its rules of procedure to merge the Committee on Ways and Means and Financial Matters and the Banking, Insurance, Investment and Financial Affairs under one committee.
The Committee on Ways and Means was previously chaired by Del. Jonathan Isechal.The members of the HOD has yet to select the chair of the new committee. Del. Secilil Eldebechel previously held the Banking Insurance committee. The new committee will have a “new, leaner and more effective new Committee of nine members. The previous W&M Committee had 15 members.The move, was in apparent disappointment over the handling of the budget under the former W&M Committee.“Needless to mention the handling of the budget under the former House Ways and Means Committee fell short of expectations and left a whole lot of room for improvement. The new House Committee on Ways and Means and Financial Matters has its work cut out for it and, rest assured, it will be taken to task in the months ahead,” the HOD statement said.It added that the “new Committee mirrors its Senate counterpart both in name, roles and responsibilities. As viewed by the House leadership, this is absolutely necessary in order for them to work in tandem and to meet objectives more effectively and in coordination with all national and state government and public entities concerned in the budget process going forward.”It further added that it is expected that the new committee will practice team work and cooperation and will show respect and “ give due consideration to the views and participation of committee members, fellow Delegates, members of the Senate, State Governors, and all parties concerned in the budget process.”The HOD leadership said that in the budget deliberations will be transparent, consensus oriented, and that due consideration will be given to all members of the OEK. Olbiil Era Kelulau who represent all constituencies throughout the country and, most especially, the States. The HOD stated that the five percent cut in state block grants in the FY 2010 National budget deviates from this position and may prove disadvantageous to state government operations and economies. With the exception of Koror State, all state governments will be adversely affected by this cut.
