Brett Butler did not garner enough votes in the House of Representatives to be confirmed as Treasurer of the American Samoa Government. Only ten Representatives voted to approve him for the cabinet position, while nine faipule voted against. Butler needed 11 votes to pass confirmation.
Two representatives, Manavaalofa Manase and Ben Vaomu Sauvao, were absent.
After the vote this morning, the Chairman of the House Budget and Appropriations Committee, Rep. Vailoata Amituanai, moved a motion for reconsideration, which was seconded by Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu. In a show of hands, nearly all of the representatives present voted in support of the motion, thus allowing another vote on Butler’s nomination at a future time.
During the nearly two-hour confirmation hearing for Butler, several House members expressed their confidence that he had the qualifications and experience to serve as Treasurer. He was also praised for returning home to serve the government and territory.
Some of the questions which Butler fielded were why the Governor’s State of the Territory Address did not include a detailed report on ASG’s financial status; how the outstanding contributions to the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (ASGERF) would be paid; whether there are any new revenue generating measures in the pipeline; and when wage earners can expect to receive their tax refunds. 
According to Butler, all of the employee contributions to ASGERF are paid up; it is only the employer contributions that Treasury withheld in Fiscal Year 2025.
Rep. Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava pressed on whether this information was accurate, since the House was told last week that ASG owed both employee and employer contributions.
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Regarding 2025 tax refunds, Butler said they are working to improve the tax system to get better-quality information so that processing of refunds can be done much faster. But he stressed that having enough cash flow is the main factor in the issuance of tax refunds. The tax system being implemented would allow tax payers to file their taxes online, but he qualified that he cant say when this system would be completed.
Butler explained the cause of the delay in issuing the 2025 tax forms and why the Tax Office was discontinuing the free tax-filing service.
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Several representatives requested that he reconsider the discontinuation of the free tax-filing service, pointing out that low-income wage earners have depended on this service for many years, and some cannot afford the fees charged by private tax filers. Butler said he would discuss this with the Tax Office and see what assistance can be offered.
Asked about ASG’s financial status, the Acting Treasurer said that preliminary figures show that the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 recorded a $9 million surplus; however, he said he is reviewing the numbers to make sure “we have not missed anything.” He assured that a report would be forthcoming to the Fono.
Regarding new revenue measures, he said that they are reviewing earmarks for revenues to see if some need to be reallocated. If there is a need to reallocate they would seek approval from the Fono.
Butler said they are reviewing new revenue measures, but first need to see how these would impact or burden our people.
He pointed to the digital transformation taking place in the territory as an opportunity for economic growth.
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Butler said there’s also an aggressive approach to collect unpaid taxes, and debts from individuals and businesses.
