Amata Welcomes Senate Passage of Government Funding Extension
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming Senate passage of a government funding extension bill to keep the federal government open when the fiscal year ends at midnight after September 30. The Senate’s version, passed 90-6, would fund the government across the board at current rates until December 11, one week longer than the House version, which was passed in late July.
Congresswoman Amata pictured recently recording remarks
“Senate passage with a large bipartisan vote is good news, and I am optimistic Congress can avoid a shutdown,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I appreciate the major effort that went into writing and passing both bills, and I support prompt final passage of a bill to prevent a shutdown, which is the highest priority for a short-term extension.”
Amata continued, “I also strongly support passage of full-year appropriations for 2027 to lock in two of my requests for next year that are already in the bill – $1 million additional for our American Samoa operations through OIA, and $1 million for port infrastructure that I supported along with Governor Pulaali’i and Director Barney Sene.”
The December extension still requires final passage of a compromise reconciling the two bills, or for either house to take up the other house’s bill. Both versions of the extension continue current funding until December, allowing more work on 2027 appropriations. The House has completed committee work on all 12 appropriations bills, but bicameral passage of all 12 will not be completed before the September 30 deadline.
Congresswoman Amata has voiced support for a recent House Appropriations Committee hearing focused on much-needed possible reforms to prevent shutdowns or make them uncommon in the future by examining procedural improvements.
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