The Senate has approved the 17 standing committees for the new 35th Legislature, which is taking a two-week mid session recess at the close of business tomorrow, while lawmakers await submission by the Administration of proposed legislation and cabinet director appointments.

SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES

Senators’ approvals came during yesterday’s Senate session in which Sen. Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga has retained the post of Senate Pro Temp, or Senate Vice President, and he therefore, again, retains the chairmanship post of the Senate Rules Committee.

Except for Senate President Gaoteote Tofau Palaie, all 17 senators have committee chair posts. Except for the Senate Retirement Committee, which has 15 members, the rest of the committees’ membership is nine senators.

Gaoteote informed his colleagues that committee membership was initially set at 7 senators, but he later decided for nine, because of past years, where witnesses for a hearing have showed up, while a committee awaits for a quorum in order to proceed.

He said nine members would ensure a quorum in order for the committee to proceed with its work. However, he said senators who are not members of committees could still attend hearings to ensure there is thorough understanding of all matters that come before the Senate. According to the Senate President, their work is a collaborative effort among all of them.

The 35th Legislature standing committees also covers the 36th Legislature (which begins in January 2019) — meaning four years, as senators serve a four-year term, unlike faipule terms, which are for 2 years.

As Senate President, Gaoteote selects the chair, vice chair and members. A look at committees and chairpersons:

•     Senate Rules chair,  Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga;

•     Agriculture chair, Sen. Taua’a Saunoa Vaouli

•     Budget and Appropriations/Human Resources chair, Sen. Magalei Logovi’i

•     Education chair, Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet

•     Energy, Power & Waster (ASPA) chair, Sen. Misaalefua John Hudson

•     Communications/Fisheries/Marine and Marine and Wildlife chair, Sen. Fano M. Shimasaki

•     Economic Development/Way and Means chair, Sen. Tilo Vasaga

•     Retirement chair, Sen. Tuaolo Manaia Fruean

•     Judiciary chair, Tuiagamoa T. Tavai

•     Parks and Recreation chair, Levu T. Solaita Jr.

•     Public Works chair, Sen. Alo Fa’au’uga

•     Public Safety/Homeland Security chair,  Sen. Fa’amausili Mau Mau Jr.

•     Hospital/ Public Health chair, Sen. Satele Galu T. Satele Sr.

•     Samoan Affairs chair, Sen. Muagututia Tauoa

•     Transportation/Port and Airport chair, Paepae Iosefa Faiai

•     Government Operations chair, Sen. Galeai M. Tu’ufuli

•     Human Social Services chair, Sen. Fonoti Tafaifa Aufata

FONO TO TAKE A TWO-WEEK MID SESSION RECESS

The Fono is taking a two-week mid session recess at the close of business tomorrow, Friday, and will reconvene on Jan. 30, according to separate Senate and House concurrent resolutions introduced and approved yesterday by each chamber.

The recess is necessary to “preserve legislative session days for most efficient use” and to fully prepare for disposition of additional and incoming agenda items for the First Regular Session of the 35th Legislature, according to the identical language of the measures.

Pressing incoming agenda items the Fono will await include the nominations by the governor for directors of ASG departments and offices.

On Tuesday, the Fono received from the Governor’s Office the nominations of:

•     Talauega Eleasalo Ale, for the Attorney General, and also head of the Department of Legal Affairs;

•     Ueligitone Tonumaipea, for ASG Treasurer and head of the Treasury Department;

•     Le’i Sonny Thompson for Police Commissioner, who oversees the Department of Public Safety;

•     Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga as Education Department director; and

•     Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele, as Director of Department of Port Administration

“We look forward to your favorable decision reflective in your vote of confidence inherent in your confirmation of our nominee,” wrote Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga in separate nomination letters for each nominee to the Fono leaders.

Samoa News notes that all 5 nominees are familiar names — they served in the Administration’s last cabinet, however two of the individuals are being nominated to new departments — Le’i from Department of Human Resources to DPS, and Dr. Matagi-Tofiga from the Department of Marine Wildlife & Resources to DOE.

Official introduction of the names of each nominee along with their resumes, provided by the Administration, is not expected to happen in both the Senate and House, until lawmakers return from their two-week recess. It’s also at that time that confirmation hearings are scheduled in each chamber.