KOROR, Palau – The House of Delegates rejected the Senate’s version of the Supplemental Budget bill (HB 11-131-13, HD1, SD2) during a special session on Feb. 14, 2024.
Initially proposed by President Surangel Whipps, the bill included time-sensitive items like subsidies for Social Security and the Civil Service Pension Plan. It also aimed to amend Republic Public Law 11-31, preventing the Palau Public Utilities Corporation from recovering some operational costs through fees. Additionally, it addressed the KASP project and its outstanding loan.
The House version of the bill added an increase to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) budget for office rent and equipment, along with funding for the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC).
However, the Senate version removed PICRC funding and reduced the OEK budget compared to the House request. It also maintained the current language in RPPL 11-31.
This discrepancy requires both chambers to convene and resolve their differences before passing a final budget.