2nd regular session of 39th Legislature opens with budget focus

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate reconvened its 2nd regular session of the 39th Legislature, after a 4-week recess, yesterday morning. The brief session discussed their upcoming schedule, highlighting the FY 2026 Joint Budget hearings are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 10, and run through September 19.

In the Senate chamber, President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean opened the session with heartfelt remarks, warmly welcoming his fellow senators. He expressed gratitude to God for His continued protection and grace, acknowledging that it is through divine favor they are once again able to gather in good health and carry forward their responsibilities as leaders of their respective districts.

Tuaolo also acknowledged God's providence and abiding presence during the recent general elections in the Independent State of Samoa, noting that the peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls was a testament to divine grace.

He extended warm greetings on behalf of the American Samoa Senate to Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II, members of the Council of Deputies, caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, and her Cabinet.

Senate President Tuaolo further conveyed congratulations to La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi, leader of the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party, which secured 30 of the 51 parliamentary seats and is poised to form the new government.

“On behalf of the American Samoa Senate, I extend our well wishes as you prepare to lead the government of Samoa,” he stated. “To God be all the glory, for His peace and providence prevail in both our governments.”

After opening prayer, roll call was taken with 15 senators noted as present and three (3) indicated as absent. With a quorum declared, the Senate opened for business.

Immediately discussed was their agenda:

1 — FY 2026 Budget

2 — LBJ board hearing for two new appointees

3 — Dept. of Parks & Rec hearing for newly appointed director

4 — Le’i Concurrent Resolution

The Senate passed in first reading, Resolutions confirming the Governor's appointment of Mr. Andrew A. Pelesasa as Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, and his nomination of Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia-Poumele and Lydia Faleafine-Nomura, as members of the American Samoa Medical Center (ASMC) Board of Directors.

Confirmation hearings for Taimalelagi and Faleafine-Nomura are scheduled for 8.30 this morning while Pelesasa will appear before the Senate Parks & Recreation Committee for his confirmation hearing at 8.30 on Wednesday morning.

The Senate also passed in final reading yesterday the Senate Concurrent Resolution conveying "the deepest sympathies and condolences of the Legislature and the people of American Samoa to Mrs. Vera Asuega Mauga Ho Ching Thompson, the Le'i and Thompson families on the recent passing of High Talking Chief Le'i Sonny Thompson, acknowledging his service to the people of American Samoa."

The concurrent resolution was read out loud and then unanimously passed.

During discussions on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the American Samoa Government (ASG), Senator Magalei Logovii raised a procedural question regarding the format of upcoming hearings. He asked whether senators preferred to conduct joint hearings with the House of Representatives or hold separate sessions.

In response, Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Utu Sila Poasa informed members that the budget hearing schedule had already been submitted to the Governor. He encouraged support for joint hearings, citing time constraints and the need for efficient deliberation.

Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau supported holding joint budget hearings with the House of Representatives. He said this would help senators hear directly from House members and avoid repeating the same discussions in separate meetings.

Tuaolo noted that past joint hearings took too long because some committee chairmen allowed off-topic questions. He urged members to stay focused on the budget. He also pointed out that the Legislature’s proposed budget remains unchanged in the ASG Fiscal Year 2026 plan, showing agreement between the branches.

The Senate President and House Speaker have asked all department directors to attend the hearings and present their budget requests. Only directors will be allowed to testify, no other individuals will be accepted.