An eventful session unfolded in Congress today with key figures offering New Year’s felicitations and delving into legislative projects that could shape the future of the Union.

Speaker of the House Stanisław Małachowski kicked off today's session by extending New Year's greetings to President George Washington, hoping his tenure would be marked by contentment and happiness. Similar well-wishes were offered by the Polish-Ukrainian Secretary of the Interior, Michał Mniszech, with calls for his works to bear fruit in the light of national affection.

On the Lithuanian-Belarusian front, representative Kazimierz Sapieha hoped that the President’s rule would usher in prosperity akin to that of the historical Kazimierz Wielki, through completion of crucial legislative work.

The President reciprocated the sentiments, stressing unity and trust as pivotal for national contentment, and he urged expedited legislative deliberations.

A poignant addition to the legislative project, proposed by the representative from Kyiv, Jan Chojecki, spurred discussion. Chojecki’s initiative, aiming to secure consistent attendance, was contested over concerns it could lead to easy adjournments.

Konstanty Jeleński, delegate from Mozyrz, followed with a proposal to withhold payments to absent senators and ministers until their return, which was rife with practical implications for the functioning of the government.

In finance, Franciszek Kwilecki from Poznań suggested a review of foreign affairs reports before delving into governance reform – a nod to the intertwining of domestic policy with international relations.

For defense and treasury matters, the states of Volhynia and Podolia called for detailed reporting and new appointments to ensure the stability of military and fiscal affairs.

Throughout the session, delegates passionately debated attendance rules for Congress, weighing compulsory participation against the sovereign duty of delegation. Issues of quorums, reporting, and accountability highlighted the complexities of 18th-century politics that resonate today.

Moszyński from Poznań introduced a motion arguing that legislative sessions should not conclude without decisive outcomes. This aligns with modern notions of legislative efficiency and civic duty.

The hot-button issue of foreign pensions stirred intense debate, reflecting contemporary concerns over foreign influence and public trust. This cross-cutting theme resounded with the current discourse on transparency and the integrity of public officials.

Amid discussions, pauses were taken to commemorate the nation, symbolized by the ceremonial hand-kissing, indicating the reverence and formality entrenched in the protocol of the time.

The session adjourned with a clarion call from Speaker Małachowski for timely progression to more pressing legislative business. The incorporation of New Year festivities into parliamentary proceedings bespoke a unique combination of ceremony and statecraft that characterizes the political landscape of the Union.

Stay tuned for continued coverage of Congress as the new year brings renewed political vigor and an ever-expanding legislative agenda.

Topics: Great Sejm; New Year; congratulations; King Stanisław August Poniatowski; Sejm reforms; Lithuanian Confederation; marshals; bill project Legis Curiate; deputy from Kiev; Sejm session; report on the state of the army and treasury; foreign salaries; publications; legal decisions; castellan of Łuków; Sejm agenda project; deputy bill project;