14 Jul 2020

Another American Samoa lawmaker returns Covid-19 cheque

1:13 pm on 14 July 2020
The American Samoa Legislature Fono building in Fagatogo

The American Samoa Legislature Fono building in Fagatogo Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

A second lawmaker in American Samoa has returned the $US10,000 cheque they received from federal funds over the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pago Pago Representative Vesiai Poyer Samuelu said when the cheques were distributed he questioned the House speaker about the source of the money but got no answer.

Some lawmakers had said the leaders told them the funds can be used to set up offices in their homes and pay for telephone and internet costs.

The House Speaker and Senate President received $US20,000 while senators and representatives got $US10,000 each.

Tuala uta Representative Larry Sanitoa was the first legislator to return his cheque.

There have been two protests last week over the spending of Covid-19 federal funds for lawmakers' offices.

  • American Samoa legislator returns Covid-19 funds