Today’s session of the Congress of the Union, presided by Speaker Mister Stanisław Małachowski, kicked off with discussions on extending the duration of the current Congress – a tactic aimed at getting more done in these turbulent times. The legal basis for the extension was read out loud, emphasizing the need to secure the Union's future, safeguard the people's will as the supreme law, and ensure that governing powers have specified term limits.

Senator Mister Adam Rzyszczewski raised concerns about potentially wasting this extended period on trivial matters instead of addressing critical issues such as national defense, treasury status, and international negotiations regarding trade, particularly with Gdańsk and Toruń.

Representative Jan Suchorzewski from Kalisz mentioned that the Polish-Ukrainian Representatives are not requesting a break in the Congress but would not object if a recess was deemed necessary.

Representative Józef Kociell agreed that the so-called administrative project should not overshadow matters of governance, treasury, and military, which require urgent attention.

President Stanisław August Poniatowski reminded the assembly of unaddressed proposals from the Treasury and Defense Commission, indicating these should be included in the ongoing discussions.

When it came to matters of the treasury, the debate took a philanthropic turn with Representative Jan Suchorzewski urging the government to provide tax relief for the burnt-out citizens of Leszno, a city that recently suffered a devastating fire.

The Defense Commission received recommendations for the deployment of troops to the Ukrainian border states, including a foot regiment and a cavalry regiment. These were necessary due to the rising tensions with the neighboring Russian military build-up and the internal unrest posing a direct threat to the Polish-Ukrainian statehood.

Representative Stanisław Kublicki from Latvia made a case for including the work of a designated inspector as part of the treasury examination, regarding property appraisals that would facilitate the Union's financial processes.

Finally, Under Secretary of Treasury Roch Kossowski explained that while the Treasury Commission can grant a five-year tax relief in case of urban disasters, extending it beyond that would require congressional approval.

The session showcased a mix of strategies including extensions for current government functions, amidst the Union's growing concerns over national defense and financial sustainability. Addressing these concerns, the legislative initiatives proposed ranged from securing the nation’s defense posture to providing aid to the recent victims of urban tragedies.

This session adjourned until tomorrow, leaving on the table substantive issues awaiting future deliberation and decisiveness necessary for navigating the Union through these demanding times.

Topics: Sejm Marshal; Prorogation of the Sejm; Prorogation project; Legislation; Military; National Treasury; Deputation of Foreign Affairs; Gdańsk and Toruń; Trade treaty; Government form; Administration; Military Commission; Reports to the States; Foreign Courts; Treasury Commission; Revenue and expenses; Report on the state of the Military; Grand Duchy of Lithuania; Moscow troops; Disasters and fires; Alleviacyi project; Emigration; Clergy; Dissidents; Uniate Churches; Foreign Interests; Alleviacya; Sejm Sessions; Treasury Commissions; Military Commissions;