The insightful and tenacious Speaker of the House, Mr. Stanislaw Malachowski, kicked off proceedings with some thought-provoking words on persistence and cautious deliberation, which are just as relevant in the art of governance today as they were in his 18th-century Poland-Ukraine.

Polish-Ukrainian Representative Stanislaw Kublicki made some remarks earlier, emphasizing the importance of unity and caution when navigating the increased military commitments The Union is undertaking. This prudent approach is paramount, especially given the historical context of their relationships with neighboring nations affecting The Union's sovereignty.

In an interesting turn of events, a proposal was unanimously approved (a rarity in modern politics!) that aimed to craft a response to the Nuncio's (presumably a representative from a foreign state or church) concerns. This initiative was led by none other than the Speaker himself, showcasing his penchant for diplomacy.

Senator Tomasz Ostrowski from West Poland (Sieradz State) eloquently shared his conviction that the Union's President has not abused their right in nominating religious leaders within the hierarchy, which has been a contentious point. He pointed out that these prerogatives were legally granted and should be respected as such.

As heated discussions unfolded, notable comments came from Representative Jozef Mierzejewski and Representative Ludwik Gutakowski, each advocating for the efficient allocation of military funds and underscoring the importance of the army's capabilities. Gutakowski specifically mentioned the need for commissaries to manage military supplies, avoiding the burden of foraging that often hampers army efficacy and civilian livelihoods.

As always, politics isn't devoid of surprises. Lord Kazimierz Sapieha, addressing the chamber, stressed that the urgency of legislation should not steer us from the path of due process and reminded attendees not to let other matters disrupt the military statute's decision.

Plans to increase military ammunition and establish depots for Polish-Ukrainian and Lithuanian-Belarussian forces were brought to the floor, marking a significant step towards strengthening The Union's defense.

Finally, as the day's session extended, and the possibility of reaching consensus on military pay scales waned, it was decided to adjourn until the following day to allow a fresh take on this crucial matter. One can't help but wonder how the decisions made here and the ethos from the halls of The Union's 18th-century parliament might resonate with our current legislative challenges.

That's all for today's report – stay tuned for tomorrow's in-depth updates.

Topics: Great Sejm; Royal speeches and statements; Draft laws; Military budget; Senatorial rights; Hetman offices; Royal guard issue; Public revenues; Treasures of the Commonwealth of Both Nations; Taxes; National defense;

Ensuring the Security of Congressional Time

In today's installment of Capitol chatter from the Union of Poland-Ukraine and Lithuania-Belarus, we've got some governance housekeeping to report. With a nod from Mister President himself, and by unanimous consent of the confederated Houses of Congress, new rules of the game are set for all current and future sessions. Mark your calendars, folks! Monday through Saturday (yes, excluding Sundays and holidays because we've got to rest sometime), Congress will now convene promptly at 10 am.

Don't expect Mister President to hang around for chit-chat after daily business wraps up, though. Natch, he’s not obliged to be there all the time, but the show will go on without him if he's busy or under the weather. His secretaries will keep things rolling on his behalf. Did I mention laws will stand just the same, whether blessed by the President’s presence or not? Democracy in action, Capitol style!

Topics: sejm (parliamentary) time; sejm sessions; parliamentary work; session days; parliamentary sessions; king; legislation; seals (seal keepers); voting; holy days;

Fund for the Military

In a move to bolster the Union's military funds, the act passed in the Houses of Congress calls for the sequestering of Kraków's bishopric and the principality of Siewierz, directing their revenues towards the payment of the military. This allocation was decided upon to maintain a steady income for the upkeep of our armed forces, while still providing residences in Warsaw and Kraków for the bishops of Kraków.

The Cabinet, specifically the Polish-Ukrainian Treasury Commission, is tasked with auditing these properties and collecting their revenues. Following the inspection, they are mandated to lease these estates to the native nobility of the secular state through public auctions, ensuring the leases are paid six months in advance. Failure to meet this condition will lead to repossession within six weeks, and immediate re-lease of the properties is required.

Priority payments from these revenues are specified for the current bishop of Kraków, set at one hundred thousand annually, either in cash or as part of the lease, over a twelve-year period. This exempts properties with mines and potential manufacturing sites, which are safeguarded for their strategic importance. The remaining income is to be strictly utilized for regular military payroll, with detailed accounting enforced from the time of Bishop Feliks Turski's death.

Moreover, the Cabinet is instructed to safeguard all documents related to these properties. Any charity subsidies previously doled out from the bishopric's estates are now to be paid into the treasury but are left to the family of late Bishop Turski.

The overarching goal is to reinforce national powers and protect the sacred Roman Catholic religion by ensuring a secure future. In light of this, the most reverend bishops of the senate and the Greek Catholic Church have been allocated respective annual stipends based on their seniority and duties.

To facilitate the effective implementation of this act, the previously established lease rights pertaining to the Wilno bishopric, which were without a specified end date, have been revoked. Furthermore, only native nobility is now eligible to lease church properties, with severe consequences for those who contravene.

Bishops are to be paid their stipulated salaries in two equal installments from the respective state treasuries of Poland-Ukraine and Lithuania-Belarus, and they are not to deduct any military contributions from these payments. To avoid any delays in payment, bishops are permitted to lease out church lands per their allotted budget over twelve years.

Recognizing that income levels can drive commitment to diocesan administration, and acknowledging the need for guidance from the Holy Apostolic See, it has been decided that appropriate commissions will engage in discussions with the bishops and the Holy See's nuncio on matters concerning diocesan extents, clerical rights, and other cross-jurisdictional issues.

The appointed members from each state and the House of Representatives will engage in these negotiations, outlining the essentials that need to be addressed within three months and later presented to the Houses of Congress for ratification. Both secular and ecclesiastical entities are encouraged to contribute their observations and proposals for the upcoming discussions.

Topics: Military Fund; Public Revenues; Revenues from the Cracow Bishopric and Siewierz Principality; Military Pay; Bishop Residences; Royal Treasury Commission of the Commonwealth; Leasing of Estates; Incomes and Profits; Bishop Salaries; Charitable Subsidy; Monasteries and Dioceses;