Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Last week, the Senate unanimously endorsed the governor's nomination of Mrs. Sesulu Fepulea'i McMoore-Tufele as Director of the Office of Program Planning and Budget Development (Budget Office) with a 17-0 vote.

The hearing by the Budget and Appropriations Committee was brief, with only a few senators posing questions.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean expressed his admiration for the nominee's academic achievements and work experience listed in her resume. He inquired about the number of government employees on federal grants.

McMoore-Tufele responded that she had only been at the Budget Office for a week and did not have the information at hand. She assured him that it would be provided.

Tuaolo explained that his question stemmed from concerns about the widely publicized sweeping cuts of federal employees by the Trump administration and how many local government workers paid by federal funds might be affected.

Senator Muagututi'a Tauoa questioned McMoore-Tufele about her appointment, asking if she had applied for the position or if she had been appointed by the governor. He also noted her age, 71, and inquired if she had the strength to handle the many demands of the role.

The director nominee responded that the position had been advertised as open to anyone wishing to serve the government and people of American Samoa, so she had applied. She assured the Sua senator that at 71, God had blessed her with the strength and knowledge to fulfill her duties.

Muagututi'a reiterated that the Budget Director's job was not an easy one, as it involved managing government funds, which are crucial for the government's operations.

"This is the heart of the government," Senator Muagututi'a emphasized. "If there are no government funds, there is no government."

Committee Chairman Senator Utu Sila Poasa echoed Muagututi'a's sentiments, emphasizing that the Budget Director plays a crucial role in ensuring that government operations run smoothly. He stressed that the Budget Director must ensure that administration spending stays within the approved budget.

However, Utu noted that the same problem of overspending arises every year, with much finger-pointing directed at the Budget Director. He stated that she should act as the firewall preventing this by advising government leaders to adhere to the budget law. He pointed out that achieving this would eliminate friction between the Fono and the Executive branch.

Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono expressed his gratitude that the governor had selected a well-qualified daughter of American Samoa for this important government position.

Senator Magalei Logovii, a former Budget Director, acknowledged the challenges of the role and urged her to ensure a quick turnaround of approvals from the Budget Office. He remarked that if it takes three weeks for the Budget Office to process paperwork, it indicates that employees are not doing their jobs.

In her final remarks, McMoore-Tufele thanked the senators for their invaluable advice, which she promised to follow if confirmed. She also expressed her gratitude to Governor Pulaali’i for appointing her to the position and acknowledged past Budget Directors, including Senator Magalei, for their service. Additionally, she commended the staff for their diligent work and mutual support.

BACKGROUND

Published in Samoa News edition, March 4, 2025, an “Open Letter to ASGERF members”, by Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele, an ASGERF board member, cited concerns about the health of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund.

One of the concerns listed was the fund losing money as employees paid with grant funds lose their jobs due to the Trump Administration’s focus on cuts.

“The potential impact on federally funded education, healthcare, and social service programs in the territory remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear—the territory’s economy will be significantly affected, leading to reduced tax revenues that help fund ASG’s matching contributions to the Fund.”