Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The House version of an Administration bill, which seeks to ensure that the rate for exemptions, personal deductions and interest rates remain fixed at 2000 levels of the American Samoa Tax Code, was introduced in the Senate. The House passed its version last Thursday.

Gov. Lemanu P.S Mauga had informed Fono leaders early last month that the need for this change in the tax code was brought about by a decision made by the High Court of American Samoa in a case by a taxpayer against ASG. “The proposed changes remove the potential for other such lawsuits in the future,” the governor explained.

The Senate approved last month its version of the bill and it is currently pending in the House.

And recently Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean announced the appointment of two more senators on the Fono committee, which is tasked with coming up with the plan and report for the Legislature’s 75th Anniversary.

The new members are senators Utu Sila Poasa and Ponemafua Tapeni, whom along with Senators Senators Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet, Satele Lili’o Aliita’i and Malaepule Saite Moliga, represent the Upper Chamber on the committee.

The House is expected to name two more faipule to the committee, which already includes Reps. Vailoata E. Amituana’i, Sam Meleisea and Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr. The anniversary committee will then have 10-members, five from each chamber.

No timeline was given as to when the committee is to present a report to lawmakers.

Tuaolo left the territory last Thursday night for already-scheduled off island medical appointments. Thereafter, he will join senators in Las Vegas from Feb. 15 to Feb. 16 for the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Funding meeting with off-island investors and others.