Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula will address a joint session of the Fono this morning, formally opening the fourth regular session of the 39th Legislature and setting the tone for the government’s final legislative stretch of the year.

The ceremony will take place at the Gov H. Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei beginning at 10 a.m., where lawmakers, cabinet members, members of the public, and invited guests are expected to gather for what is traditionally one of the most consequential addresses of the legislative calendar.

Governor Pulaalii is anticipated to outline his administration’s priority areas for the new fiscal year budget, which remains the central item before lawmakers during this closing session. The review of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget will dominate deliberations, as the Fono works to finalize appropriations before the end of the legislative year.

The governor’s remarks come at a time of continued scrutiny over government finances. In his address opening the third regular session in February, he reported that local revenues collected in the first quarter of FY2025 totaled $28 million — far short of projections — with a year‑end shortfall estimated at $55 million. He also noted that more than $1 million had been paid out by the former administration for political appointees, and that ASG owed over $9 million in unpaid contributions to the Retirement Fund.

As of news time, the FY2027 budget proposal had not yet been transmitted to the Fono. The Senate has so far received only one confirmation — Roy J.D. Hall, Jr., appointed as the new Administrative Law Judge.

Before the joint session convenes, the Senate will meet separately to administer the oath of office to the new senator for Ituau, Tupuola Laneselota Sopoaga, who succeeds the late Senator Alo Paul Stevenson. A committee appointed by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean will first review whether Tupuola’s selection complies with statutory requirements before the swearing‑in proceeds.