by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Session continues to be recessed for the Fiscal Year 2014 budget. When asked why lawmakers once again recessed session, Speaker Judi Won Pat told KUAM that "the budget isn't ready and that (lawmakers) don't have anything."

Committee on Rules chair Senator Rory Respicio however says that's not the case, saying, "That's not true, we do have something and these meetings have been very productive and although we're not in session at the moment, these meetings have been very productive in terms of trying to build consensus to rally behind a budget that Speaker Ben is going to present to the Legislature."

He further reassures there will be no drama with the delays but instead a consensus that everybody will be happy and agree with. Appropriations chair Senator Ben Pangelinan declined comment but in a release noted that there have been several new developments that may allow additional expenditures for FY2014 however it's unclear if that is the reason behind the budget session delays.

Lawmakers must pass a budget bill by August 31.