The American Samoa Senate has approved legislation appropriating $3 million to the LBJ Medical Center to fund the off-island medical referral program, which has been suspended since December 2008.
Senators says uninterrupted operation of the programme is essential in order to provide patients with access to critical medical care not otherwise available on the island.
Senator Galeai Tuufuli says this is the best use of government money by making sure there are sufficient funds available to provide off-island care to territorial residents.
The bill now goes to the House of Representatatives for review and consideration.
The House has it's own bill allocating $2 million to fund the referral programme.
Both bills are funded from a government investment account held off-island.
