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Senators hear tragedy of deaths in Afghanistan and offer their prayers

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata also released a statement yesterday
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Prior to the start of yesterday’s Senate session, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean informed senators that some 12 American soldiers died earlier in the day in Afghanistan and to show respect to the fallen American heroes, he called for the observance of a moment of silence. (That number has since been updated.)

Senators along with Senate staff and others in the chamber stood with heads bowed to observe the moment of silence before the official opening of the Senate session. A prayer was offered for the families of the fallen soldiers as well as the US military and the President of the United States.

Senate Chaplain, Rev. Kleefi Muao, prayed for the Heavenly Father to bring comfort to all during these times of difficulties, and asked for God’s continued protection over all American soldiers currently in Afghanistan.

The Associated Press reported early yesterday morning — before daylight in the territory — that two suicide bombers accompanied by gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport. And the attacks killed at least 60 Afghans and 12 U.S. troops, Afghan and U.S. officials said.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata also released a statement yesterday as news developed Thursday of attacks on Afghan civilians and U.S. Service Members.

She stated, “We had heartbreaking reports Thursday from Afghanistan, where terrorist attacks took the lives of children, civilians, and US Service Members, despite the fact that U.S. forces are leaving.

“Members of our Armed Forces are there to protect and help people, and they are risking themselves heroically to save lives.

“This is a sad day for these military families, and a tense time for anyone who might have a loved one serving there.

“Many of our own Toa o Samoa have served there over the years and elsewhere in the region, and we pray for their safety and that of all U.S. personnel.

“This is a very dangerous mission, but we must bring out Americans and our nation’s friends there. We can and should assess decisions later, but right now every one of us fully supports our military as they work to protect people and get them home.”

The congresswoman said she is expecting additional briefings for Congress at some point, and “I will do what I can to help keep everyone informed.”

The American Samoa government will be flying the US flag and American Samoa flag at half-staff until sunset, Aug. 30th, 2021, in the territory, pursuant to the Proclamation by President Biden, and per the general memorandum by Acting Gov. Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale — as a mark of respect for the U.S service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on Aug. 26th, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Talauega stated in the memo that “as we reflect on the loss of life and the impact on the affected survivors, let us take a moment to be grateful for the Lord’s continued protection and blessings on our Territory.”

SENATE VOTES

During the session, senators unanimously approved in separate votes, Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga’s nominations of Sen. Togiola T.A. Tulafono and Lotoaoali’i Joseph Toloa’i Ho Ching II to the board of directors of the ASG owned Territorial Bank of American Samoa.

The decision followed a Senate Rules Committee of the Whole meeting earlier in the day, without calling in the nominees.

The House confirmation hearing on the nominees is set for next week Friday.

In his nomination letter to the Fono leaders, the governor said Togiola was appointed to the board in May by recess appointment until the current Fono session opened in July.

According to the governor, Togiola’s “dedicated service is well documented in our history” as former lieutenant governor and former governor.

Lemanu said he is confident that Togiola’s extensive experience in Education and Law will be an asset to the TBAS board.

For Lotoaoali’i, the governor said, the nominee is president of CBT Ho Ching & Co., Inc — one of the longest running locally operated businesses in the territory. And that Lotoaoali’i has been successfully running the company for more than 5 years.

“His expertise, together with the other TBAS board members will advance the banking services we provide to our people,” Lemanu said.

Meanwhile, the Senate approved yesterday amendments to a Senate bill that now deletes from the original language, the salary increases of the governor and lieutenant governor.

The legislation now only has provisions pertaining to the increase in office expense allowance for lawmakers and the bill is expected to go through third and final reading today.

Also yesterday, senators approved in second reading the Senate version of the Administration’s fiscal year 2022 budget plan, with third and final reading expected today.

Tuaolo reminded senators that both the Senate and House convene at 8a.m. today for final discussion of the FY 2022 budget. After the discussion each chamber will convene in its own session.