Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 30, 2025, at 3:34 p.m., the Governor’s Office received the Fiscal Year 2026 budget bill from the Fono, only hours before the start of the new fiscal year.
Despite this short window of time, Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula reviewed and signed the measure, ensuring the continuity of normal government operations. Local revenues exceeded expenditures, leaving a net excess in the budget.
“I plan to allocate this amount in furtherance of my constitutional authority over appointments, administration, and supervision of executive offices and personnel, as provided under Article IV, Sect. 7., the governor said. “While I have approved this budget with my constitutional authority, I do so mindful that the decisions we make will affect thousands of lives. The Lieutenant Governor and I have observed the federal government enter a shutdown, and we are determined to find a way to limit the crisis here in our homeland.”
The budget approval ensures that the government will continue to function, that paychecks will be delivered, and that families will be supported.
“At the end of the day, my responsibility is to the people of American Samoa. I signed this budget not out of convenience, but out of commitment to the wellbeing of our workforce and the stability of our homeland. Together, we will continue to move forward, and that the government remains steadfast in its service to the people.,” he concluded.
The chart below is the summary of the executive budget proposal alongside the legislative proposal.
The FY 2026 Budget Summary shows a slight overall reduction of $7.8 million (1.0%) from the Executive's proposal of $815.4 million to the Legislature's approved $807.6 million. The largest decrease came from Federal Grants, which were reduced by $6.8 million (1.8%) due to significant adjustments in departmental reporting, particularly cuts to the Department of Commerce and ODAPM, though partially offset by an increase to the Hospital Authority.
Enterprise funds were lowered by $526,723 (0.2%) as the Legislature reduced allocations to ODAPM and ASTCA while increasing personnel funding for the Hospital Authority. Local Funds saw a modest $519,000 (0.4%) reduction, reflecting the Legislature's decision not to fund salaries for the identified positions, though the corresponding revenues remain available for the Governor's discretion.
Meanwhile, Special Programs funding held steady at $20.7 million, maintaining Fono priorities such as the Board of Higher Education, Small Village Fund, and the Territorial Election, offset by reductions in housing, ceremonial activities, and restoration projects.
Overall, the Legislature's changes were targeted and modest, with the most notable adjustments centered on federal grant allocations.
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