Military

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed House passage of the Interior Appropriations bill that prevents cuts for American Samoa Government, and preserves last year's increase of $250,000.

The House bill's advance is a necessary step before it will either be combined with or replaced by a separate Senate bill that contains $718,000 in new funds and an LBJ hospital study for American Samoa. Congresswoman Amata supports the Senate bill provisions, but welcomed the progress that this week's House action represents.

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata attended a United States Air Force Change of Command Ceremony at which Colonel James S. Mehta formally relinquished Command of the Sixth Field Investigations to Colonel Vasaga Tilo, Jr., at a June 11 ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawai'i.

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata honored the life and memory of her friend and former boss, Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci. He had a brilliant career that included serving four U.S. Presidents as diplomat and adviser, rising to National Security Adviser and then Secretary of Defense for President Ronald Reagan.

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, at the invitation of the Secretary of Defense, Congresswoman Aumua Amata attended the Change of Command Ceremony for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (PACOM), at which Admiral Phillip S. Davidson formally relieved Admiral Harry Harris and became the 25^th PACOM Commander. U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis presided over the May 30 ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawai'i.

Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to spend time with soldiers from American Samoa and their families as part of her tours and briefings at major forts in four states along the U.S. East Coast, along with visits to a VA Center and a Catawba Reservation, and opportunities to join American Samoan communities throughout Florida, including Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata advised members of the military from American Samoa and their families that there is no Pentagon policy change regarding U.S. Nationals. Instead, a recent U.S. Army administrative memo informs on the necessary process for those U.S. Armed Forces personnel that plan on certain career advancements, such as becoming commissioned officers or obtaining security clearances.

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata issued the following statement in recognition of 110 years of service by the U.S. Army Reserve and those currently serving in American Samoa:

Washington, D.C. – Saturday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to give remarks at the Change of Command Ceremony transferring command of the "Hitmen" Company of the 100^th Battalion, 442^nd Infantry Regiment, to Captain Afu Lefaoseu III, PhD. He is from Pago Pago, and is another of our own making American Samoa proud.