Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Speaker of the House, Savali Talavou Ale said that if the law specifies what to do then that is what should be followed.

This was Savali’s response to the Vice Speaker of the House’s question about the newly appointed members of some boards and commissions and one cabinet member who have not been submitted to the Fono for confirmation.

Rep. Fetu Fetui Jr said on the House floor last week, he’s learned that new members of the Immigration Board have been appointed and a Senator is the chair. But the members have not been submitted to the Fono for confirmation. Fetu said he strongly believes that these people must appear before the House of Representative for confirmation before they fulfill their tasks.

The vice speaker also queried the status of the director nominee for the Office of Public Information/ KVZK-TV. He pointed out that this position has always been subject to confirmation by the House and Senate in the past. However, he doesn't know why this confirmation was not presented to the House of Representative for confirmation. Again, Fetu said he doesn’t recall that the law has been changed.

Savali said they need to review the law about this appointment and if the law specifies that the director requires Fono confirmation then that should be followed.

As for appointments to boards and commissions, the Speaker said there are some subject to legislative approval, while others are the prerogative of the Governor. He says when boards require members of the Fono they are appointed by the Senate President and Speaker.