Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In the House of Representatives yesterday, Tuesday November 14, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale acknowledged 16 members in attendance with five absent, good for a quorum to do House business.

The Budget and Appropriations Committee Chair, Faipule Vailoata Amituanai suggested that the Secretary of the House contact American Samoa’s Treasurer, Malemo L Tausaga to appear before the House of Representatives today Wednesday, at 8am. He mentioned two people who could appear on his behalf if he’s not available. 

Vailoata pointed out that there are questions that need to be answered in reference to the Governor’s address on Monday, such as the $1million for the Fono’s 75th anniversary and $1.5 million for furniture for the new Fono building.

During the governor’s address on Monday, he touched on the appropriation of the leftover funds from 2022, amounting to $3.1million for the Fono’s anniversary, immigration operations and enforcement, supporting victims of crime, compliance with environmental regulations, and cultural preservation at the museum.

Vailoata also asked House Speaker Savali for the House Secretary to contact Attorney General Fainuulelei Falefatu Ala’ilima-Utu to appear today.

Managing CEO for the American Samoa Ronald Reagan Marine Railway in Satala — Carlos Sanchez is also one of those asked to appear before the House of Representatives this week — as one of the items for appropriation in the $3.1 million supplemental is $50,000 for the shipyard to “achieve and maintain compliance with US EPA requirements.”

Other items in the $3.1 million bill include $400,000 for the Immigration Pffice for operations and enforcement, $75,000 for the Criminal Justice Planning Agency for Victims of Crime Compensation Program, and $75,000 for the Jean P Haydon Museum for Capital Improvements.

Another issue to be discussed during this ten-day Special Session is the Senate's concurrent resolution for a lease agreement between the American Samoa Government and Football Federation of American Samoa (FFAS) that would extend the term of the current lease to 55 years, beginning December 1, 2023- November 30, 2078.

The House of Representatives is holding its Committee hearings for the various bills today. 

As is the Senate.

One of the anticipated discussions is on the $36 million supplemental bill that seeks to be passed ‘after the fact’ — ASG has told the Fono that the money has already been spent, without approval from the Legislature.

In yesterday’s remarks by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean during opening of the Joint Special Session, he reminded members, “about the $36 million already spent. The governor didn’t take that money, neither did his government. It’s been spent and has already been explained.”

He also pointed to three other issues they need to look at: the $1million for the Governor’s office, $1.5 for the Fono, and the lease with the FFAS. He did not elaborate on the first two issues, but said of the FFAS lease that it is a ‘must’ economy-wise.