As expected there’s no change in the leadership of the House and Senate.
Senate President Gaoteote Palaie was unanimously returned as Senate President and Savali Talavou Ale was elected as House Speaker.
Senator Tuaolo Fruean who has been named by Governor Lolo as Commissioner of Public Safety was sworn in as the Mauputasi (Pago Pago) senator.
The two District number 1 senators who took their oaths were Galeai Tuufuli and Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua. No dispute was presented to the Senate regarding their selection.
The post of Senate Secretary remains with Leoo Vaa Mao.
And the Sgt. at Arms remains the same.
In the House of Representatives, Savali Talavou Ale was re-elected as Speaker in a unanimous vote.
There was disagreement between House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale Rep. Fetu Fetui Jr. after the swearing in of members.
Rep. Toeaina Faufano Autele nominated Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui Jr. as Vice Speaker and this was supported by Rep. Li’amatua Tufele.
Speaker Savali Talavou Ale acknowledged the nomination buyt pointed out that there are House rules which must be followed concerning the Vice Speaker ‘s position.
He then suggested that they leave this issue until they return as the House needed to attend the governor and lt governor’s inauguration which had already started.
Manu’a Rep Fetu Fetui Jr. informed the House that he is still the Vice Speaker and it was not necessary to discuss the subject.
When the Speaker repeated that the House will discuss the position of vice speaker when the Fono convenes, Fetu pressured Savali to be specific as he wished to know exactly what his position is before the session ended.
Savali said that they will discuss that issue when the House convenes next week, but for now they have to be at the inauguration.
This ended the discussion.
Ms. Fialupe Fiaui was re-elected as Chief Clerk of the House and the Sgt Of Arms from the last Fono retains his position.
Before the session ended Speaker Savali informed freshman lawmakers of an orientation for them Thursday and Friday.
The session which will be conducted by Legislative Reference Bureau Director Nathaniel Sotoa Savali is to familiarize the new representatives with House rules.
Savali thanked members of the House for their respect demonstrated through his re-election as Speaker of the House.
He invited lawmakers and their spouses to a luncheon of appreciation he will be hosting at his village of Fagali’i.
