Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula sent a letter to House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale informing him that the five amendments to the Revised Constitution of American Samoa that were passed by referendum in November 2022, have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior.
“Therefore the amendments are to take effect immediately,” said Pula, in the letter dated February 14, 2025.
One of the amendments gives the Swains island delegate the right to vote in the House of Representatives.
The Governor said he wished to work with the House Speaker and staff to put together a joint press release from the three branches of government. When he returns from the National Governor’s Association meeting in Washington DC, he wished to schedule an event to properly acknowledge approval of the constitutional amendments.
On Tuesday, Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu brought up the suit filed by Swains faipule Su’a Alexander Jennings against the Speaker of the House. He said he feels strongly that the House should discuss a punishment for the Swains faipule, according to House rules for his behavior in chambers last week. He also said that the House should request a mental health evaluation of the faipule.
The Speaker said there will be a response to the court action, but, for now, the Swains delegate will not be allowed back in the House indefinitely.
Last week, Representative Jennings filed a complaint with the High Court seeking a declaratory judgement to find the Speaker in violation of the Revised Constitution of American Samoa by denying him the right to vote in the House.
