The Senate and House gave final approval to the House version of a bill enacting a temporary funding gap appropriation for the government before ending the special session.

The House version of the bill has been enrolled and transmitted to Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga for his review and consideration.

The bill also provides consolidated appropriations and temporary funding to continue government operations until action on regular appropriations are completed.

The Fono returned the final fiscal year 2021 budget to Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and adjourned the special session.

However, no changes were made to the budget.

Gov. Lolos was unhappy with the $6.50 million in budget cuts and called the special session to reconsider the budget.

The Fono convened in a joint session on Monday and reached a majority vote for no changes to be made to the budget passed last week.

The budget was sent back to the governor.

This time it was accompanied by a letter of explanation from Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale.

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has called a special session of the Fono to convene on Monday, October 5, with the main agenda to revisit the fiscal year 2021 budget.

The special session is set to last for up to 15 days.

Gov. Lolo would like the Fono to submit a budget compliant with established policies and procedures.