Last-minute CBA again keeps Palau government running

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Oct. 1, 2026)— “I believe we have to look carefully again at the budget process so that we don’t always hustle in the last hour to push for a continuing budget just so that the government will not shut down,” Sen. Secilil Eldebechel said as lawmakers approved another temporary budget measure to keep the Palau government operating. The Olbiil er a Kelulau reached a last-minute compromise Tuesday on a continuing budget authority, or CBA, allowing the national government to continue operating through Dec. 31 while lawmakers work toward a full national budget. The episode again raised concerns about the recurring practice of reaching the final days of the fiscal year without an agreed national budget, leaving lawmakers to scramble for a temporary measure to prevent a government shutdown.

President Surangel Whipps submitted his proposed unified budget to the OEK on July 14, the same month the budget was submitted to Congress last year. Under the traditional practice of alternating which chamber takes the lead on budget work, the Senate was responsible for this year’s budget process. After receiving the president’s proposal, the Senate held budget hearings for government ministries and agencies throughout August. The Senate made numerous changes to the proposed unified budget and sent its version to the House of Delegates on Aug. 21. Three weeks later, the House instead proposed a continuing budget authority through House Bill 12-52-7S, introduced by House Ways and Means Chairman Mengkur Rechelulk and Vice Chairwoman Stephanie Ngirchoimei. The House deliberated on the proposal and sent it to the Senate on Sept. 15, four days later. The Senate rejected the House’s CBA proposal on first reading, preventing it from advancing to…