Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula had officially called a Special Session of the Legislature to convene yesterday, however no session occurred as scheduled. There has been no word as to what happened.

Details of proposed legislation for the Special Session were made in a formal letter addressed to the Senate President, Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, and dated April 20, 2026.

In the letter, the governor outlined his agenda for the Special Session, stating it would last 10 legislative days. During this period, he planned to submit several key pieces of proposed legislation for the Fono's consideration and discussion.

The proposed legislation included several critical items, such as:

1. Appropriations for Employer Contributions to the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (ASGERF): This measure aims to ensure the financial stability of the retirement fund, which is vital for the well-being of government employees.

2. Modernization of Monetary Thresholds for the Criminal Code: This bill seeks to update certain financial thresholds within the criminal code, ensuring that they reflect current economic conditions.

3. Moratorium on Immigration Numerical Exceptions: This proposal calls for a temporary suspension of specific numerical exceptions regarding immigration, likely in response to ongoing discussions about immigration policy and its impacts on the territory.

4. Funding for Road and Infrastructure Maintenance by the Department of Public Works: This funding allocation will focus on maintaining and improving the territory’s roads and infrastructure, which is essential for public safety and economic growth.

Furthermore, the governor announced that the American Samoa Government (ASG) Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 would be submitted to the Fono by the end of the business day on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. This supplemental budget will likely address unforeseen expenditures and ensure that vital government services continue without interruption.

Governor Pulaalii also expressed his gratitude to the members of the Legislature for their ongoing engagement and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of working together to create a positive and effective path forward that ultimately benefits the residents of American Samoa.

In his closing remarks, the governor encouraged the Fono to provide feedback on the duration and scope of the Special Session, indicating a willingness to extend the session if additional time is needed to thoroughly address important legislative matters.