The House today approved the $36 million appropriations bill by a vote of 14-2.
Before the vote on the bill, Tuala-uta Representative Larry Sanitoa made a motion to postpone the vote and allow two days for further review as there were still some unanswered questions.
He apologized that he was not present yesterday when the House reviewed the bill in committee, as he was tied up with the fire at Pavaiai Elementary school.
Sanitoa said one of his concerns is what bearing passage of the bill will have on the investigation by the Independent Prosecutor. He said will the issue be moot because the Fono is now approving the bill?
He also asked if there’s anything in writing from the auditors on how the bonds will be affected, if the bill is not passed.
Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu seconded Sanitoa’s motion.
However, Speaker Savali Talavou Ale pointed out that the time for such a motion has passed. It should have been raised before the bill’s third reading.
The Vice Speaker then withdraw his support of the motion.
The two representatives who voted no on the bill were Sanitoa and Vesiai Poyer Samuelu.
Those who voted yes were: Fetui, Faauifono Vaitautolu, Tiaoalii Sai, Shaun Vaa, Titialii Vaiau, Luaitaua Gene Pan, Avagafono Maiava, Vailoata Amituanai, Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr, Faimealelei Allen, Manumaua Wayne Wilson, Fiu Johnny Saelua, Ape Mike Asifoa and Speaker Savali.
During announcements, Rep. Luaitaua said since the House has approved the $36 million for the good of the territory, he hopes that the executive branch will accept long standing requests from representatives for their districts. He said the answer has always been that their needs will be met when funding is available.
He said if there’s surplus money in the future please implement our projects. He also said that whoever is found responsible for violations of the budget law should step down. “The right thing to do is to step down,” he said.
Even before the House vote took place, the bill was introduced in first reading in the Senate.
The Senate Secretary recited a communication from the House Clerk that the bill had been passed in final reading. At that particular time, the House vote had not taken place.
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean assigned the bill to Sen. Magalei Logovii, who said it will be discussed in committee tomorrow morning.
