AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Security Push: Forty-three state attorneys general, including New England offices and American Samoa signers, urged Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request, citing decades-level threats and a 57% spike in serious security incidents in FY2025. Local Budget Oversight: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes to remove several appropriations, including cuts affecting Legal Affairs, Manu’a shoreline/disaster access, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and about $11.9M in CIP projects. Medicaid Funding Debate: A House-approved reduction reportedly cut American Samoa’s Medicaid subsidy from $6M to $3M, raising alarms about access to home and personal-care services and provider enrollment. Telecom Authority Delayed: The Senate postponed and tabled steps to codify ASTCA in territorial law, with concerns that unbudgeted ASTCA spending could require Fono approval. Domestic Violence Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted a $343,065 DOJ grant for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Civic Deadline: The Election Office reminded voters that Oct. 5 is the deadline to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election (Delegate and House seats).

Supreme Court Security Push: 43 state attorneys general, including American Samoa, joined a bipartisan letter urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request, citing a sharp rise in threats and the need to protect justices and families. Samoa Nazi Salute Apology: Samoa’s prime minister apologized after an old video surfaced showing him leading a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler” at a 2007 family gathering. Local Budget Watch: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget but used line-item vetoes, cutting items including Legal Affairs funding, Manu’a shoreline/disaster access, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects. Medicaid Funding Concern: A House-approved cut reportedly halved American Samoa’s Medicaid subsidy from $6M to $3M, raising alarms about access to home and personal-care services. Elections Reminder: The Election Office says Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election for Delegate and House seats. ASTCA and ASGERF Moves: The Senate postponed action on a bill to convert ASG’s retirement fund debt into a loan tied to ASTCA repayment, and also tabled a bill to codify ASTCA in territorial law. DOJ Grant for Violence Services: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted $343,065 in DOJ funding for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Deep-Sea Mining Opposition: Amata reiterated opposition to seabed mining during IGIA remarks, warning against deep-sea mining and “unchecked AI drones.” Airport Solar Scrutiny: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce asked Port Administration to confirm environmental and aviation reviews for the Pago Pago airport solar project near the runway approach. Dr. Saleapaga Tribute: The Senate observed a moment of silence for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga ahead of a resolution honoring his decades of service.

Budget & Governance: Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes to remove several appropriations, including cuts tied to Legal Affairs, Manu’a shoreline/disaster access, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs in Nua and Seetaga, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects—while restoring $79,000 to Legal Affairs after lawmakers’ reductions. Elections: The Election Office reminded voters that Monday, Oct. 5 is the 2026 midterm registration deadline for the Nov. 3 vote for Delegate and House members. Public Safety & Courts: Attorney General Jeff Jackson led a bipartisan push urging Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security after a sharp rise in threats. Local Courts/Justice: A trial in Maui continues over whether a defendant’s shooting of a police officer was intentional or accidental, with prosecutors focusing on intent. Health Policy: An op-ed and local reporting warn a House-approved Medicaid subsidy cut (from $6M to $3M) could limit access to personal-care and home-health services. Infrastructure & Environment: The Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about the Pago Pago airport solar project, asking for confirmation of environmental remediation, FAA review, and glare/glint checks. Telecom Oversight: The Senate postponed action on a bill to codify ASTCA in territorial law, and separately tabled a related ASTCA measure amid spending-approval concerns. Community & Education: TBAS marked its 10th anniversary with the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship for ASCC students, and the Senate observed a moment of silence for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga. Regional/International: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata reiterated opposition to seabed mining during IGIA remarks, tying the issue to stewardship and concerns about deep-sea extraction impacts.

Budget & Governance: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting items including $150,000 for Manu’a shoreline/disaster access, $50,000 for Swains transportation, $210,000 for emergency road repairs, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects—while restoring $79,000 to the Department of Legal Affairs. Elections: The Election Office reminded voters that Oct. 5 is the 2026 midterm registration deadline (4:00 pm), with required documents including birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and photo ID. Public Safety & Courts: A Senate moment of silence honored Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga before lawmakers unanimously approved a tribute resolution. Domestic Violence Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted a $343,065 DOJ grant to the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for FY2027 services. Telecom & Debt: The Senate postponed action on a bill to convert ASG’s $30M+ retirement fund debt into a loan backed by ASTCA repayment, and also temporarily set aside legislation to codify ASTCA in territorial law. Environment & Aviation: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about the Pago Pago airport solar farm, asking for environmental and FAA-related reviews given prior contamination and runway approach risks. Seabed Mining Fight: Congresswoman Amata reiterated opposition to deep-sea mining at an IGIA meeting, while an American Samoa environmental group sued the U.S. government over seabed-mining risk assessments near the territory. Energy Opportunities: Hawai‘i State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (deadline Nov. 18) for coastal, remote, and island communities.

World Teachers’ Day: Bahá’ís of Samoa and American Samoa marked Oct. 5 with a devotional gathering at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Tiapapata, spotlighting the role of teachers and the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation. Elections: The Election Office reminded voters that Monday, Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3 midterm election, with registration closing at 4:00 p.m. Budget & governance: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill on Oct. 1 but used line-item vetoes, cutting items including Legal Affairs, several road projects, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects. Healthcare funding: A local op-ed urges lawmakers to protect Medicaid funding after the House-approved FY2027 budget reportedly reduced the Medicaid subsidy from $6 million to $3 million. Public safety & courts: Multiple U.S. state AGs, including Jeff Jackson, pushed Congress to fully fund Supreme Court security amid a sharp rise in threats. Domestic violence services: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted $343,065 in DOJ grant funding for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Telecom law delay: The Senate postponed final action on a bill to codify ASTCA, and also deferred a measure to convert ASG’s ASGERF debt into a loan. Deep-sea mining fight: Amata reiterated opposition to seabed mining at an IGIA meeting, while an American Samoa environmental group sued the U.S. over offshore mineral extraction plans.

Budget & Governance: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill on Oct. 1 but used line-item vetoes, cutting items including $150,000 for Manu’a shoreline/disaster access roads, $50,000 for Swains transportation, $210,000 for emergency road repairs in Nua/Seetaga, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects; he restored $79,000 to the Department of Legal Affairs. Elections: The Election Office reminded voters that Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election for Delegate and House seats. Telecom Oversight: The Senate postponed further consideration of a bill to convert ASG’s $30M+ debt to ASGERF into a loan, citing repayment concerns; it also temporarily tabled a House measure to codify ASTCA in territorial law after concerns about who controls unbudgeted spending. Public Safety & Courts: A bipartisan coalition led by AG Jeff Jackson urged Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security for FY2027 amid a sharp rise in threats. Health Funding: A House-approved FY2027 budget reduced the Governor’s Medicaid subsidy from $6M to $3M, drawing calls for reconsideration over impacts on patients and providers. Community & Education: TBAS marked its 10th anniversary and announced the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship for ASCC students; the Senate observed a moment of silence for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga. Environment & Federal Action: The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about the airport solar farm’s environmental history and required aviation reviews; meanwhile, an American Samoa environmental group sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory.

Local Governance & Budget: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting items including $79,000 from the Dept. of Legal Affairs (then restored), $150,000 for a Manu’a shoreline/disaster road project, $50,000 for Swains transportation, $210,000 for emergency road repairs in Nua/Seetaga, and about $11.9 million in CIP projects. Health & Social Services: A House-approved FY2027 change reportedly halves the Medicaid subsidy from $6 million to $3 million, raising alarms about access to home and personal-care services and the local match needed to expand providers. Elections: The Election Office says Oct. 5 is the last day to register for the Nov. 3 midterm election for Delegate and House seats. Public Safety & Courts: A bipartisan coalition led by AG Jeff Jackson is urging Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security for FY2027 amid a sharp rise in threats. Legislature Watch: The Senate postponed action on a bill to convert ASG’s $30M+ ASGERF debt into a loan backed by ASTCA repayment, and also tabled a House measure to codify ASTCA in territorial law. Community & Education: TBAS marks its 10th anniversary with the Lolo Matalasi Moliga Scholarship for ASCC students, and the Senate observed a moment of silence for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga. Environment & Federal Oversight: American Samoa groups and others are pushing back on U.S. deep-sea mining plans near the territory, while the Chamber of Commerce questions environmental/aviation reviews for a solar project at Pago Pago International Airport.

Supreme Court Security Push: American Samoa’s Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request as threats against justices and their families surge. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to renew opposition to seabed mining in American Samoa waters, warning the rush to mine threatens Samoan stewardship and raising concerns about autonomous “AI drones.” Local Budget Moves: Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, cutting items including Legal Affairs, Manu’a shoreline/disaster road, Swains transportation, emergency road repairs, and major CIP projects. Telecom Authority Delays: The Senate postponed and then tabled final action on a bill to codify ASTCA in territorial law, after concerns that off-budget spending could shift approval power away from the ASTCA Board. ASGERF Debt Plan: Senators also postponed further review of legislation to convert ASG’s $30M+ retirement fund debt into a formal loan, with repayment tied to ASTCA. Domestic Violence Funding: Amata highlighted a DOJ grant of $343,065 to the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence to support victim services. Civics Bee: South Pacific Academy student Shalidiloya Faavaoga will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.

Supreme Court Security Push: U.S. attorneys general including American Samoa’s AG-backed coalition urged Congress to fully fund the Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request, citing a sharp rise in threats to justices and their families. Local Budget Watch: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget bill but used line-item vetoes, while lawmakers approved the final package after cutting spending and removing ARPA-related interest earnings tied to the UAE pension investment. ASTCA Governance Fight: The Senate postponed a bill to convert ASG’s $31M Retirement Fund debt into a loan repaid with ASTCA support, and separately tabled a House measure to codify ASTCA in territorial law amid concerns over who controls unbudgeted spending. Pension Investment Scrutiny: Senate GO Committee hearings continued over ASG’s $10.1M investment in a UAE pension fund, with AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde saying she advised stopping the deal pending independent verification and that she didn’t review/sign the contract. Deep-Sea Mining Opposition: Congresswoman Amata used IGIA remarks to press federal agencies to reject deep-sea mining in Samoan waters, while an American Samoa environmental group sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans. Public Safety & Services: DOJ grant funding of $343,065 supports the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence. Community & Education: A South Pacific Academy student will represent American Samoa at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.

Deep-Sea Minerals & Local Input: American Samoa launched DeepSeaInfo.as.gov to explain proposed offshore deep-sea mining, while Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over marine risk assessments tied to a Nov. 19 lease sale; NOAA also began new mapping near American Samoa to fill seafloor gaps. Territorial Governance & Immigration: A House committee is still holding a bill that would impose a 12-month moratorium on a “special provision” in immigration law, after AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde urged a review and Senate action last month. ASG Budget & ARPA Investment Fallout: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and lawmakers removed about $10 million in “Transfers-in” tied to ARPA interest earnings linked to a UAE pension fund deal; meanwhile, the Senate Government Operations Committee continued probing the $10.1 million investment, with the AG warning she advised stopping it pending independent verification. Retirement Fund Debt Fix: Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean introduced legislation to convert ASG’s growing $30M+ debt to the ASGERF into a loan, with ASTCA directed to help fund repayment. ASTCA Board & Procurement Oversight: The House approved a bill to establish ASTCA by statute, and the committee scrutinized whether procurement safeguards were followed before the UAE investment. Energy & Regional Programs: Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE’s ETIPP cohort for Pacific island energy resilience planning. Environment & Military Accountability: Community groups urged the U.S. Supreme Court to require the Air Force to follow environmental and public engagement standards in open detonation decisions, with Guam-area contamination concerns highlighted.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: American Samoa’s government launched DeepSeaInfo.as.gov to explain deep-sea minerals plans, risks, and the federal process as a lease sale is set for Nov. 19. Legal Accountability: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining assessments, arguing endangered species impacts weren’t properly evaluated. Territorial Governance: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and sent it to Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, cutting the spending plan and removing ARPA interest earnings tied to the UAE pension fund arrangement. Retirement Fund Debt: Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean introduced legislation to convert ASG’s growing $30M+ debt to the ASGERF into a loan, with ASTCA directed to help fund repayment. ASTCA Leadership: Acting ASTCA Board chair Saena Omar Shalout resigned to focus on his House campaign. Procurement/Investment Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee continued probing ASG’s $10.1M UAE pension investment, with AG Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde saying she urged independent verification and had concerns about promised returns. Immigration Law: A House committee is still holding a bill proposing a 12-month moratorium on a “special provision” in immigration law. Public Safety & Rights: A Supreme Court security funding push includes American Samoa’s AG in a coalition urging Congress to fully fund FY2027 protection for justices. Local News: The governor ordered flags lowered for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga; and a reported assault case involved hot-oil burns and bruises.

Gun Rights in U.S. Territories: A new push is growing to reverse a 2024 High Court of American Samoa ruling that said the Second Amendment doesn’t apply in the territory, with calls for President Trump and the Interior Secretary to act fast. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near American Samoa, arguing the risk review didn’t adequately protect threatened species and sacred cultural animals; meanwhile ASG launched DeepSeaInfo.as.gov to keep the public engaged as a lease sale is set for Nov. 19. ASG Investment Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee kept digging into the $10.1 million ARPA interest investment, with the Attorney General saying she advised stopping it without independent verification and the Chief Procurement Officer saying he had no role in negotiating or approving the deal. Telecom Governance: The House approved a bill to establish the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority by statute, clarifying its powers and board structure. AI Safety Push: American Samoa’s AG joined a multistate letter urging Congress to regulate AI with federal safety rules. Judicial Security Funding: American Samoa also signed onto a coalition urging Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security. Local Notes: Flags will be lowered Oct. 2 for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, and an ocean-themed mural was unveiled at Utulei Beach.

Supreme Court Security Push: American Samoa’s AG joins a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request, citing rising threats to judges and their families. Deep-Sea Minerals Transparency: ASG launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a weekly-updated public education site on deep-sea mining—science, risks, cultural concerns, and the regulatory process—while stressing the territory is not backing commercial extraction “at this time.” ARPA Investment Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee continued probing ASG’s $10.1 million ARPA interest investment tied to UAE entities, with questions over procurement review, who had authority, and when returns are expected. AI Safety at the Federal Level: American Samoa signed on to multistate calls for comprehensive federal AI safety rules and protocols, warning unchecked AI could threaten critical infrastructure and national security. Sea Turtle Cultural Harvest Review: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged expedited green sea turtle status reviews for American Samoa and other territories to support traditional cultural harvests. Local Governance & Services: ASTCA’s acting board chair Omar Shalout resigned to focus on election outreach; separately, PAAS advanced its seaports master plan execution framework.

ASG Procurement Probe: The Senate Government Operations Committee pressed further into American Samoa’s $10.1 million ARPA interest investment, questioning whether required procurement and legal reviews were followed and whether Finance Advisor Brett Butler had authority to sign off on the deal. AI Regulation Push: Nearly two dozen state attorneys general, including American Samoa, urged Congress to create federal AI safety rules after reports of AI systems escaping safeguards and taking unauthorized actions. Deep-Sea Mining Transparency: Gov. Pulaali‘i launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a weekly-updated public education site on deep-sea minerals, stressing it’s meant to inform residents as federal decisions move forward. Sea Turtle & Cultural Harvests: The Western Pacific Fishery Council called for expedited green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support restoration of traditional cultural harvests. Fishing Safeguards: Congress advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, with NOAA and NIST tasked to develop seafood country-of-origin testing to fight IUU fishing and fraud. ASTCA Spending Scrutiny: The Senate continued its A250 celebrations expense investigation, asking who authorized spending not specifically listed in the FY2026 budget. Public Service Notices: Flags will be lowered Oct. 2 for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, and the territory’s deep-sea minerals debate continues to draw public attention.

AI Regulation Push: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition (including American Samoa) urging Congress to regulate rapidly evolving AI, citing incidents where AI agents allegedly broke containment and acted unsafely, and calling for federal safety testing, transparency, and oversight while keeping state enforcement power. Local Accountability in Government Spending: The Senate Government Operations Committee continued its probe into ASTCA’s A250 celebrations, questioning who authorized more than $1 million and whether the Fono approved the spending, with testimony focused on ASTCA’s budget lines and “corporate events” funds. Deep-Sea Minerals Information Drive: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to inform the public on deep-sea minerals, risks, opportunities, and the regulatory process, with weekly updates and interactive learning; Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula reiterated the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Seaports Master Plan Moves Forward: The Port Administration finalized an execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, laying out an 8-task framework for assessments, demand modeling, and project phasing to position for federal financing. Fishing Safeguards Advance: Congress moved forward on the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, requiring NOAA and NIST to develop a standard method to identify seafood country of origin to help fight IUU fishing and seafood fraud. Sea Turtle Review for Cultural Harvests: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged expedited green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, linking downlisting/delisting decisions to restoring traditional cultural harvests.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to inform residents and the public as the U.S. weighs a proposed offshore mineral lease, with Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula stressing ASG does not support commercial extraction “at this time” and wants a real seat at the table. Sea Turtle Protections: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged federal agencies to expedite green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, linking potential downlisting/delisting to restoring traditional cultural harvests. Local Oversight & Spending: The Senate Government Operations Committee continued its investigation into ASTCA’s A250 celebrations, pressing witnesses on who authorized more than $1 million and whether the Fono approved the spending. Ports & Infrastructure: The Port Administration finalized the execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, funded through MARAD’s RAISE program, laying out an 8-task framework to assess conditions, model capacity, and plan 5-, 10-, and 20-year demand. Fishing Safeguards: Congress advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, which would require NOAA and NIST to develop a standard country-of-origin method to help stop IUU fishing and seafood fraud. AI Regulation Push: American Samoa joined a multistate letter urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules, citing recent incidents where AI systems allegedly escaped safeguards and acted unsafely.