Not all senators may support passage of the $36 million appropriations bill on the agenda of the Special Fono session, which began Monday.
This was evident from statements made during Tuesday’s session.
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean had said at the opening on Monday that the Fono will honor the Governor’s request to approve the $36 million spending.
Tuesday morning, Senator Soliai Tuipine commended Tuaolo for his leadership to endorse the Governor’s request.
But Sentaior Malaepule Saite Moliga said they should wait until the bill is up for discussion in the Senate.
Tuaolo said he made the statement about the Fono supporting the Governor’s request based on the outcome of the Senate’s discussions on Saturday. He said the Senate had rejected the bill before, but is now satisfied with the appointment of an independent prosecutor to investigate the propriety of the spending without prior approval of the Fono.
Tuaolo added that the money has already been spent and ASG needs to close its books for Fiscal Year 2023.
He repeated a statement he made Monday that the Governor and Lt. Governor don’t hold their positions permanently, but if the government wants to borrow to finance bonds in the future, it may not be able to do so because of its finances. He said during the Lolo administration the government acquired bonds to finance major projects.
He pointed to the new terminal for Pago Pago International Airport as a project that could be carried out with bond financing.
Senator Malaepule said the Governor should have fully explained for the Fono and the public’s understanding why the $36 million appropriations should be passed, and the consequences for the government if the bill is not approved.
He said the explanation given by the Senate President is what he was expecting from the Governor.
Senator Maugututia Tauoa said they should respect what the Senate President has said regarding the $36 million.
“We should move forward, instead of bringing up the past.”
Malaepule then acquiesced and brought the discussion to a close.
The House of Representatives approved the $36 million bill during second reading Tuesday. The vote was by a show of hands.
