The meeting began with an abrupt speech from Finance Committee Chairman Tony Larson. He said his anger was a result of what he called negligence on the executive branch's part in filling several vacant external appointments to committees.
Student Body Vice President Rudy Kleysteuber, who is responsible for filling the appointments, said the confusion occurred because Larson expected the appointments to be brought before Congress as they were filled, but Kleysteuber expected to bring them all to Congress at once.
"It surprised me when (Larson) went in front of Congress and voiced his anxiety," Kleysteuber said. "If they wanted the appointments sooner, we would have tried to accommodate them."
Throughout the remainder of the meeting, Congress members expressed concern over the tone of Larson's remarks. "There's too much personal animosity between the Congress and executive branch," Student Body Treasurer Kativa Parker said.
Student Body President Justin Young apologized for the negligence of the executive branch after Larson's speech and said he hopes the situation can be resolved peacefully.
"We all have a job to do, and hopefully we can do it on amicable terms," Young said.
Congress also faced attendance issues at the meeting. Ethics Chairman Dave Ruddell announced the names of six Congress members who have been absent two or more times -- grounds for being removed from Congress. "Some of the people have already resigned," Ruddell said. "It will leave some open seats."
Young said special elections will be held to fill empty Congress seats Nov. 7, the same day as Homecoming elections. There will be a mandatory candidates' meeting Oct. 23 in the Student Union.
Parker said Congress had a balance of about $27,000 to appropriate to student groups at the beginning of Tuesday's meeting and passed bills for appropriations to seven student groups.
