Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate has approved a resolution establishing a new investigative body tasked with examining the operations of government agencies and ensuring public officials comply with territorial laws, regulations, and policies.

The newly created Senate Government Operations Investigative Committee will operate as a specialized oversight committee with broad authority to review the activities of government departments, offices, agencies, boards, and commissions.

The committee is modeled after the former Senate Select Investigative Committee (SSIC), which became well known for conducting high-profile investigations into allegations involving violations of territorial laws, questionable government practices, misuse of public resources, and other matters of public concern. Like the SSIC, the new committee will have the authority to conduct independent investigations and report its findings directly to the Senate.

Under the resolution, the committee is empowered to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, records, and other evidence deemed necessary to carry out its duties. It may also hold public or executive hearings, depending on the nature of the matter under investigation and at the discretion of the committee chairman.

The committee will be responsible for preparing reports outlining its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for possible action by the Senate.

According to the resolution, the committee's investigative authority extends to a wide range of government activities and concerns. These include allegations of mismanagement or misuse of public funds, violations of procurement and contracting laws, issues involving transparency and accountability within government agencies, and practices that affect the delivery of public services to the people of American Samoa.

The committee may also investigate any additional matter referred to it by the Senate.

Lawmakers said the establishment of the committee reflects the Senate's commitment to strengthening oversight of government operations and ensuring greater accountability throughout the executive branch.

Under the resolution, the leadership of the Senate Government Operations Committee will also serve as the leadership of the newly established investigative committee.

Committee Chairman Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono will serve as chairman of the investigative committee, while Vice Chairman Senator Magalei Logovii will serve as vice chairman.

Following the passage of the resolution, Togiola announced that the committee has already scheduled its first hearing.

The inaugural hearing will be held on October 19, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., and will focus on matters involving the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA). Among those expected to testify are ASTCA Chief Executive Officer Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas and the authority's Chief Operations Officer.

The announcement signals that the committee intends to begin its work immediately and suggests that ongoing concerns regarding ASTCA's governance, spending practices, and oversight structure will be among the first issues to come under its scrutiny.

With powers similar to those previously exercised by the SSIC, the new committee is expected to play a prominent role in future Senate investigations, providing lawmakers with a formal mechanism to examine matters involving government accountability, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with territorial law.