eeee the United States Political Advancement Micronesia’s steady development of a capacity for political maturity was reflected by actions of the Third Regular Session of the Congress of Micronesia. Out of 173 Ddills intro- duced, only 48 survived thelegislative scrutiny of the Congress and 41 were signed into law. A Social Security System and improved administration of tax laws were among significant items of legislation. Amendment No. 3 to Secretarial Order No. 2882 refined the authority and organization of the 3-year-old Congress. In accordance with a Senate joint resolution, the Congress of Micronesia in October 1967 established a Future Political Status Commission to study the range of alternatives open to Micronesians in choosing their future political status. A Personnel Board, established by carlier law of the Congress, began functioning, giving Micronesians a greater voice in the Administration’s personnel management policy. Fiscal Year 1968 These include reactivation of, and assigning a Micronesian to, the posi- tion of Special Assistant to the High Commissioner; dividing the Department of Community Services into separate departments of Public Health and Education; establishing a Planning Programming Budgeting Systems Office for long-range planning, and the addition of a physical planning coordinator. The judiciary was strengthened by adding a second Associate Justice and appointing a Temporary Justice. Economic Advancement To place increasing emphasis on orderly, balanced economic advancement, the Administration added an Economic Development Division to the Department of Resources and Development. Findings and recommendations of such source material as the 1966 Nathan Report are used in devising new means to develop the economy. The beginning of a tourist industry and improved air transportation have resulted from the inauguration of Air Micronesia’s air service in the Territory. Jet service within Micronesia and direct to Okinawa and Honolulu began in May 1968. To accommodate the infant but growing tourist industry. 139 pee Le Rg MN el - of 5 allan objectives Trusteeship Agreement, has made progress in political, economic, and social fields. changes Several organizational should improve the executive branch. — oe. TeeacracmeSaye pet oeSericacestan tahaaeaienina mn Sie: ae : During the year, the Administering Authority, in furthering the basic i