AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Security Push: Attorney General Jeff Jackson is leading a bipartisan coalition of 45 state AGs urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY2027 security request after threats against justices spiked 57% in FY2025. Daylight Saving Time Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m. (“fall back” to 1 a.m.), and a push to make the change permanent is stalled in the Senate—so Americans still need to adjust clocks this fall. American Samoa Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata used an IGIA meeting to renew opposition to deep-sea mining in Samoan waters, while an American Samoa environmental group is suing the U.S. government over offshore mining plans near the territory. Local Governance—ASTCA Delays & Debt Talks: The Senate postponed final action on a bill to codify ASTCA in territorial law, and also delayed a measure to convert ASG’s $30M+ retirement fund debt into a formal loan tied to ASTCA repayment. Health & Community: DOJ announced $343,065 in federal funding for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence. Science for the Region: A USGS study reports new hydrothermal manganese mineralization processes near American Samoa.

Seabed Mining vs. Guam Truce: China’s rare-earth trade truce with the U.S. won’t stop a federal plan to lease seabed areas near the Northern Mariana Islands, with the closest site about 47 miles from Guam—while American Samoa lawmakers renew opposition to deep-sea mining. Medicaid Funding Fight: American Samoa advocates warn that cuts to the local Medicaid match are limiting enrollment of personal-care and home-health providers, threatening care access for elderly residents and people with disabilities. Supreme Court Security Push: Attorneys general, including American Samoa’s AG, urge Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2027 security request amid rising threats to justices. Local Government Budget Moves: Gov. Pulaali’i signed the FY2027 budget but used line-item vetoes, including reductions tied to roads and CIP projects. Debt and Telecom Authority: The Senate postponed action on a bill to convert ASG’s ASGERF debt into a loan, and also tabled a measure to codify ASTCA in territorial law. Community & Youth: The American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence received $343,065 in DOJ grant funding, and a local student will represent the territory at the 2026 National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.

Medicaid Access in Focus: A House-approved FY2027 budget would cut American Samoa’s Medicaid subsidy from $6M to $3M, raising alarms that fewer providers can be enrolled for personal care and home health—benefits that can’t help patients if they aren’t actually available. Supreme Court Security Push: American Samoa’s AG joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2027 security request amid a reported rise in threats against justices and their families. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: An American Samoa environmental group sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, arguing the risks to endangered species and culturally important marine life weren’t properly assessed. Local Governance & Money: The Legislature approved the FY2027 budget and lawmakers also moved to address ASG’s growing debt to the Retirement Fund, including a proposal to convert the obligation into a loan. Public Safety: A woman reported an alleged assault in Ottoville that left her with burn injuries; the suspect was charged and held without bail. Sports: Lupe o le Soaga is set to return to the OFC Champions League 2021.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: An American Samoa environmental group, Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii, has sued the U.S. government over deep-sea mining plans near the territory, challenging the assessment of risks to threatened and endangered marine life ahead of a Nov. 19 lease sale. Local Governance & Debt: Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean is pushing legislation to turn ASG’s growing $30M+ debt to the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund into a formal loan, with repayment support tied to ASTCA. Telecom Oversight: The House approved a bill to establish ASTCA by law, setting board rules and procurement authority. Budget Update: The Legislature passed the FY2027 budget and sent it to the governor, cutting the spending plan and removing about $10M tied to interest earnings from an ARPA-related UAE pension arrangement. Public Safety: A woman reported an assault in Ottoville on Sept. 13, with charges filed against Lopi Mani including assault counts and private peace disturbance. Environment & Science: NOAA mapping expeditions are continuing near American Samoa as part of U.S. efforts to map offshore critical mineral resources; meanwhile, scientists say a leopard shark filmed off Samoa is the first verifiable record for the country. Community & Remembrance: American Samoa marked the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 29, 2009 earthquake and tsunami with flags ordered at half-staff.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii sued the U.S. government over proposed deep-sea mining near American Samoa, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service didn’t properly assess risks to threatened and culturally important marine species; the lease sale is set for Nov. 19. Local Oversight on $10.1M Investment: American Samoa’s Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde told the Senate Government Operations Committee she urged stopping a controversial $10.1 million ARPA-interest investment until independent verification, citing red flags like a promised $100 million return in 90 days; the committee continues probing who negotiated and whether required reviews were followed. Territorial Gun Rights Pushback: A new national spotlight is on an Oct. 2024 American Samoa High Court ruling saying the Second Amendment doesn’t apply in the territory, with calls for President Trump and the Interior Secretary to reverse it. Public Safety & Health: The CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, while the Medicaid Office is visiting villages and rolling out wellness podcasts to push prevention. Community & Culture: The territory marked the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 29, 2009 earthquake and tsunami with flags at half-staff, and a Matāsaua Fautasi delegation departed for a U.S. fundraising tour.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched a new public website, DeepSeaInfo.as.gov, to explain deep-sea minerals proposals, risks, and possible opportunities as federal discussions move forward; the governor stressed the territory doesn’t support commercial extraction “at this time,” but wants residents fully informed and represented. Local Oversight: The Senate Government Operations Committee kept pressing questions over the ASG’s $10.1 million ARPA-interest investment tied to a UAE pension deal, with Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde saying she advised stopping until independent verification and raising concerns about promised returns and promoter details. Public Safety Funding: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY 2027 security request, and the letter includes American Samoa’s AG. Health & Prevention: The CDC highlighted American Samoa’s lead-poisoning prevention work, noting a program built without dedicated funding and a rapid early testing effort. Community & Learning: American Samoa Community College was selected to receive Starlink kits for 4-H clubs through a national initiative aimed at closing the digital divide. Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, but American Samoa won’t shift clocks.

U.S. Supreme Court Security Push: Attorneys general including American Samoa’s sign on to a bipartisan letter urging Congress to fully fund the Court’s FY 2027 security request, citing rising threats to judges and their families. Local Accountability: American Samoa’s Senate Government Operations Committee keeps digging into the ASG $10.1 million ARPA interest investment tied to UAE-linked entities, with questions raised about procurement steps and when returns are expected. Deep-Sea Mining Info Portal: Gov. Pulaali‘i launches DeepSeaInfo.as.gov to keep residents informed as federal deep-sea mineral lease talks move forward, stressing the territory does not support commercial extraction “at this time.” AI Safety at the Federal Level: A multistate coalition including American Samoa calls on Congress to set national AI safety rules and protocols, warning of risks to infrastructure and security. Public Safety & Community: A video circulating online alleges an assault of a teenage girl in American Samoa; police were reportedly notified, and identities haven’t been independently verified. Weather/Disaster Readiness: NOAA’s flood mapping tool now covers nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, to help forecast river flooding impacts. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports recent maintenance and K-12 outreach in American Samoa to keep the volcano monitoring network running. Community Notes: Flags will be lowered Oct. 2 for Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga; an ocean-themed mural was unveiled at Utulei Beach.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain the proposed offshore minerals lease, share science and documents, and keep residents engaged as decisions move through the federal process. Local Governance & Spending Scrutiny: The Senate Government Operations Committee kept pressing questions over American Samoa’s $10.1 million ARPA interest investment tied to UAE entities, including why procurement reviews may have been bypassed and when returns are expected. Public Safety & Accountability: The American Samoa Democratic Party backed a Fono resolution opposing the proposed offshore lease sale, urging federal decision-makers to protect ocean resources and local way of life. Climate & Fisheries: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council urged expedited reviews of green sea turtle status for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support possible restoration of traditional cultural harvests. Natural Hazards: A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands; the tsunami warning system reported no threat to Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa. Health Funding: The CDC awarded American Samoa $250,586 to strengthen epidemiology, lab, and infectious-disease surveillance through 2029. AI Policy Push: Nearly two dozen states, including American Samoa, signed onto a call for Congress to set federal AI safety rules and oversight.

AI Oversight Push: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 23 states plus D.C. and American Samoa urging Congress to regulate rapidly evolving generative AI, warning unchecked systems could threaten financial stability, critical infrastructure, and national security. Flood Safety Upgrade: NOAA’s National Weather Service expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to nearly 100% of the U.S., including territories, giving neighborhood-scale river flood estimates for emergency planning. Sea Turtle Review: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council asked federal agencies to expedite green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, tied to restoring traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed maintenance on American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Deep-Sea Mining Info Portal: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to explain proposed deep-sea minerals, risks, opportunities, and the regulatory process, with weekly updates and interactive learning. Local Governance Watch: A Senate committee continued probing ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations, questioning who authorized over $1 million. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; no tsunami threat was reported for Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa. Time Change Reminder: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026, at 2 a.m., with clocks set back one hour.

Flood Preparedness: NOAA’s National Weather Service expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to cover nearly 100% of the U.S., including U.S. territories and Hawaii, giving neighborhood-scale river flood maps for the days ahead. Local Governance & Culture: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is urging faster green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa, arguing updates could help restore traditional cultural harvests. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff completed repairs and servicing of American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a weekly-updated public education site on deep-sea minerals, risks, and the regulatory process, with Gov. Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula stressing the need for informed local input. Public Safety & Justice: A video circulating online alleges an assault of a girl in American Samoa, while the U.S. EEOC also announced a lawsuit over disability discrimination and retaliation by a Las Vegas call center. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; the tsunami warning system reported no threat to Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa. AI Policy: Attorneys general including American Samoa’s called on Congress for federal AI safety rules and oversight.

Sea Turtle Review: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is urging federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa—aimed at restoring traditional cultural harvests and potentially downlisting endangered populations. Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports it recently repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach, noting the territory’s all-volcanic islands and ongoing monitoring after past unrest at Ta‘ū. Deep-Sea Mining Info Push: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new public education and discussion site on deep-sea minerals, saying it won’t advocate a preset outcome and will update weekly as decisions move forward. Local Governance & Accountability: The Senate Government Operations Committee continued its A250 spending investigation at ASTCA, questioning who authorized more than $1 million tied to the celebrations. Public Safety & Crime: A video circulating on social media alleges an assault of a girl in American Samoa, prompting renewed attention to the case. Health Funding: CDC awarded American Samoa $250,586 to strengthen epidemiology, lab, and infectious disease surveillance through 2029. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; no tsunami threat was reported for Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov to give residents, students, and policymakers a single place for science, documents, and updates on proposed offshore deep-sea minerals, with weekly additions and interactive learning—while reiterating the territory is not backing commercial extraction “at this time.” Volcano & Earthquake Updates: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff recently serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with emergency partners; meanwhile, a magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia with no tsunami threat to Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Local Safety & Community: A video circulating on social media alleges an assault of a girl in American Samoa, prompting renewed attention to public safety and accountability. AI Policy Push (Includes AS): Attorneys general including American Samoa’s signed a letter urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules and oversight. Health Funding: CDC awarded American Samoa $250,586 to strengthen epidemiology, lab, and infectious-disease surveillance through 2029.

Alleged Assault Video: A video circulating on social media shows an alleged assault of a teenage girl in American Samoa, drawing fresh attention and calls for accountability. Deep-Sea Mining Info Push: The American Samoa Government launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a weekly-updated public education site meant to inform residents about deep-sea minerals, risks, and the federal decision process. Volcano Monitoring: U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff recently repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; no tsunami threat was reported for Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Fishing Safeguards: Congress advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, aiming to help enforcement identify seafood origin to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Health Funding: The CDC awarded American Samoa’s Department of Health $250,586 to strengthen epidemiology, lab, and infectious disease surveillance through 2029. ASTCA Spending Scrutiny: A Senate committee continued investigating ASTCA’s A250 celebration expenses and who authorized the spending.

Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff just wrapped a two-week trip to American Samoa, repairing the volcano monitoring network and doing K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia; US tsunami systems reported no threat to Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Info: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a weekly-updated public education site on deep-sea minerals, risks, and the regulatory process—while noting the territory does not support commercial extraction at this time. Local Governance & Oversight: A Senate committee hearing probed how ASTCA spent more than $1 million tied to the A250 celebrations, questioning whether the Fono approved the spending. Fishing Safeguards: Congress advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, pushing NOAA and NIST to develop seafood country-of-origin testing to fight IUU fishing and seafood fraud. Climate at the UN: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press urgent action on sea-level rise and climate finance.

Deep-Sea Minerals: American Samoa launched deepseainfo.as.gov, a new public education site on proposed offshore deep-sea mineral leasing, with weekly updates, interactive learning, and resources meant to help residents, students, and policymakers weigh risks, opportunities, and the regulatory process. Climate at the UN: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to warn that climate threats are already here, pushing for stronger climate finance and faster action on sea-level rise and ocean-focused goals. Volcano Monitoring: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported it repaired and serviced American Samoa’s volcano monitoring network and did K-12 outreach with local emergency partners. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake hit near New Caledonia; no tsunami threat was reported for Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. AI Safety Push: Nearly two dozen U.S. states, including American Samoa, urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI agents acting beyond safeguards. Health Funding: CDC awarded American Samoa $250,586 to strengthen epidemiology, lab, and infectious-disease surveillance through 2029. Ports Planning: PAAS unveiled the execution plan for the American Samoa Seaports Master Plan, funded via MARAD, laying out an 8-task framework for assessments and future demand modeling. Local Governance Watch: The Senate continued investigating ASTCA spending tied to the A250 celebrations, questioning who authorized more than $1 million. Tuna Safeguards: Congress advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to help enforce seafood origin testing to fight IUU fishing and seafood fraud. Travel for White Sunday: Samoa Airways will resume scheduled flights between Fagali’i and Maota starting Oct. 8, ahead of White Sunday, with fares set for inter-island travel.

AI Oversight Push: American Samoa joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general urging Congress to regulate “unchecked AI,” citing incidents where AI agents escaped testing and acted online, and warning of risks to infrastructure and national security. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: American Samoa is backing efforts to stop commercial deep-sea mining, with Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula opposing a federal lease sale and a federal judge keeping American Samoa’s mining lawsuit on track ahead of a possible sale date. Local Law on Moratorium: Swains Island Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to codify American Samoa’s deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent law. Tuna Trade Protection: American Samoa hopes to shield its tuna market under new Senate anti-poaching legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Public Health Summit: Two Samoas Public Health Summit opened in American Samoa, focusing on cross-border preparedness, surveillance, and response. Travel Update: Samoa Airways will resume scheduled flights to Savai‘i ahead of White Sunday, starting Oct. 8. Budget Scrutiny: Lawmakers questioned how American Samoa’s Opioid Settlement funds are being managed, asking why payments aren’t clearly reflected in the FY2027 plan.