Date: October 23, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- INTERIOR BUDGET CONTINUED AGAIN UNTIL NOVEMBER 7TH

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the FY98 appropriations bill for the Department of the Interior has not passed Congress yet but a two-week extension is expected to be signed by President Clinton later today. Funding for American Samoa remains unchanged at $33 million.

"The Interior Appropriations bill left the House with only two major controversial issues. Between actions taken by the Senate and Conference Committee, there are now 26 legislative provisions attached to the bill which may prompt the President to veto the legislation," said Faleomavaega.

The Congressman continued, "The House passed yesterday a resolution to continue the operations of the government until November 7th. The Senate is expected to pass the resolution today, and the President is expected to sign the resolution before midnight tonight, when the current extension expires."

"The Interior Conference Committee reached agreement on October 22nd, and the House will likely consider the Conference report during the week of October 27th," concluded Faleomavaega.