Mitzie Jessop Taase is now cleared to serve as the first female Attorney General of American Samoa.
Before taking a two week recess the House voted 16-0 to approve her nomination this morning. The Senate has already confirmed her.
In an about turn from two previous confirmation votes where Representatives overwhelmingly rejected her nomination there was a different atmosphere in the House chamber this morning.
It came as a surprise that the confirmation of Jessop Taase and Tialuga Vince Iuli as Director of the Office of Public Information/KVZK-TV were even on the calendar.
Yesterday senior lawmakers told KHJ News that the confirmation of the two nominees would be delayed until the House returns from their two week break.
But this morning they learned that Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, who had been absent the last few days had put the vote for Jessop Taase and Tialuga on the agenda.
The Speaker called a meeting of all representatives in the House meeting room where he urged support of the nominees, pointing out that there are a few months left in the current administration.
Savali announced that a vote would be held today for the AG and OPI/KVZK-TV Director however the land lease for solar energy company, Malosi Inc. will not be voted on till after the recess.
Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui is reported to have expressed his displeasure with criticism directed at him after the previous House votes for Jessop Taase but nevertheless acquiesced to the speaker’s advice.
During the House session the membership all heeded their leader’s request and voted unanimously to confirm the two director nominees.
The lawmakers from Jessop Taase’s and Tialuga’s districts, Vailoata Amituanai for the AG and Andra Samoa for the OPI /KVZK-TV Director thanked their colleagues for their vote of confidence in the two directors. The Senate confirmed Tialuga by unanimous vote earlier this week.
Vice Speaker Fetu also lauded House Speaker Savali for bringing about a united House and putting events of the past behind them.
