Amata Attends IGIA

Washington, DC- Tuesday,Congresswoman Aumua Amata attended the annual Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (IGIA) Senior Plenary Session where she thanked Interior Secretary Sally Jewell for her assistance during the shipping slowdown

Pursuant to Presidential Executive Order 13537 of April 14, 2010- the IGIA shall solicit information and advice from the elected leaders of the U.S. Insular Areas of Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and make recommendations to the President annually, or as appropriate, on the establishment or implementation of Federal programs concerning these Insular Areas.

These important meetings are intended to bring together the elected officials from the Insular Areas so that they may solicit and report to the Administration as a delegation. By coming together as one voice, the Insular Areas are able to deliver a joint message for the benefit of their citizens.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank Secretary Jewell for meeting with me during the shipping slowdown. I know that her influence behind the scenes contributed to the positive resolution reached between the two sides," said Amata. "As the Vice Chairman for the Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs, Natural Resources Subcommittee, I look forward to working with Governor's Lolo, Inos, Calvo and Mapp to further the goals and objectives of our regions. I regret that I must leave shortly, as I have to prepare for two committee hearings today. As always, please feel free to contact my office with any of your questions, concerns or comments," concluded Amata.