Amata Highlights Joint Address to Congress
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata responded to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, which she attended, and highlighted his remarks regarding the Indo-Pacific region, Israel, efforts to grow the economy, support Defense and military personnel, cut taxes for families, and hold down household costs including groceries and energy after years of inflation.
“Like most of the country, a favorite moment was the heartwarming recognition of 13-year-old DJ Daniel, a brain cancer survivor who aspired to become a police officer, given honorary Secret Service membership by the President of the United States,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Another was the moment he informed Jason Hartley he had been accepted to West Point, carrying on a fourth generation of family military service, much like many of our own military families in American Samoa.”
“In foreign policy and national security, the Indo-Pacific has become the major long term international concern and priority of the United States, and I believe American Samoa has increasing future importance to the U.S. as China courts the Pacific Islands nations. That is why I’ve said that our excellent harbor is a natural station for Coast Guard fast cutters that would signal U.S. strength and commitment in the South Pacific,” said Congresswoman Amata.
“Congress has a lot to do to fund the government through the end of fiscal year 2025 at the end of September, which is among the very highest priorities, securing our federal funding, such as Medicaid,” she said. “The President is an energetic leader who outlined an ambitious agenda to reduce taxes on families and promote growth by trimming unnecessary red tape. He highlighted the many actions he has taken in a whirlwind first several weeks in office, such as numerous trade agreements with Pacific partners such as Japan, Taiwan and others, and confirming 19 Cabinet positions.”
“President Trump supports Israel, and called for the release of the October 7th hostages, as we all look forward to the day when they are all home so that there can be constructive international efforts to provide a better future for Israel and Gaza,” Amata continued.
“I continue to call for restoration of our fishing rights, the key industry for our local economy, and my message to the Trump administration on that is that food security is national security, and our national policy should support our American fishing fleet,” she emphasized.
“I have worked for our people in Congress during the administrations of Presidents Obama, Trump, Biden, and now Trump again, and I always put American Samoa first, including our military Service Members and Veterans, and I continue to maintain friendships on both sides of the aisle and seek out bipartisan consensus whenever possible in supporting legislation.”
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