Congress chooses Joseph Urusemal of Yap as sixth president; Redley Killion stays VP; Peter Christian is Speaker.

What happened

Urusemal, born on Woleai in 1952, was chosen at the opening session of the 13th Congress, and Associate Justice Martin Yinug swore him in. Claude Phillip of Kosrae stayed Vice Speaker and Henry Asugar of Chuuk became Floor Leader.

Why it matters

Three days later the amended Compact was signed, and Urusemal’s government oversaw its ratification in 2004.