Last Friday, it was Repesentative Andra Samoa who was the target of criticism from the Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Rep. Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi.
Today it was Tuala-uta faipule Larry Sanitoa’s comments reported in the media about why he voted no on the bill to increase the petroleum storage fees. which upset the Fagatogo lawmaker.
Sanitoa had voiced his disappointment that leaders of the House of Representatives continue to ignore the rule of law and the Fono’s responsibilities as lawmakers.
He explained that under the American Samoa Constitution, the Legislature is the only branch explicitly granted the power to pass laws appropriating and enabling the expenditure of public funds, by approving budgets submitted by the governor.
Sanitoa pointed out that there has been no supplemental money bill submitted to the Fono to explain the expenditures and appropriation of the $50 million in bond money that the government received in December, 2018.
The comments struck a nerve with Vailiuama.
He said during today’s session that members should be very careful on what they say to the media.
While each faipule has the right to speak on issues and concerns about his or her district, said Vailiuama, they need to protect the integrity of the House when it comes to the media.
He mentioned that perhaps because of Sanitoa’s failed attempt at becoming lt. governor and his unsuccessful bid for House Speaker he is now trying to discredit the work of the House.
Responding to Vailiuama’s comments, Rep. Sanitoa told the Speaker and House members that everything reported in the media were the same comments he made during the House committee hearing and the regular session where he expressed his disappointment with moving forward and approving the bill without completing the committee’s work.
He noted that another committee hearing on the same bill was scheduled when the bill was passed in final reading.
Furthermore, Treasurer Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a had stated that the administration was looking at introducing a supplemental money bill in regards to the Bond money as requested by the Senate. So why the rush?
The Tuala- uta lawmaker said he he did not appreciate the unprofessional treatment he and his other three colleagues are subjected to during committee hearings.
He told the Speaker and Vice Speaker that the only way these problems can be solved is to bring House Resolution 36-4 to the floor for approval.
This is the resolution requesting that House committee hearings and sessions be broadcast on KVZK-TV?
Speaker Savali Talavou Ale said that when the committee makes a final decision on bills, members should respect the will of the committee and chamber.
In regards to Sanitoa’s request to broadcast the House hearings and sessions, Savali said that there is no budget to pay for for this.
As for the conduct of committee hearings, the Speaker stated that per
the House Rules it is basically up to each chairman how to conduct their committee hearings.
