Despite calls by some representatives to hold separate budget hearings, Vice Chairman of the House Budget and Appropriations Committee, Rep. Faimealelei A. Allen told KHJ News that the decision has been made by Senate President, Gaoteote Palaie and House Speaker, Savali Talavou Ale.
Rep. Faimealelei said nothing much can be done when the two Fono leaders agreed to hold the budget hearing in a joint session.
A few House reps who wished not to be identified told KHJ News that they do not have a problem with a joint session.
The problem is when they have to demonstrate their respect by yielding to senators to ask questions and scrutinize directors .
They said based on previous experience, some of them weren’t able to ask critical questions because time ran out after the senators.
Another Faipule felt that 2 weeks will not be sufficient to discuss in detail the budgets of 30 government agencies.
One of the reasons some directors are summoned by the Fono is because lawmakers were not able to ask their questions.
Vice Chair of the House Budget and Appropriations Committee Rep. Faimealelei, is acting chairman in the absence of Committee Chairman Timusa Tini Lam Yuen, who has been off-island since the session started.
Faimealelei, along with the Chairman for the Senate Budget and Appropriation Committee Vaeao signed this week the official schedule for the joint hearing scheduled to start next Monday.
Fono leaders have scheduled budget hearings for two weeks.
The joint hearings will be held in the Senate chamber and will begin with the Treasurer and Budget Director presenting an overview of the ASG proposed budget and their own departments’ budgets.
Copies of the budget hearing schedule have been distributed to all lawmakers.
