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Amata Introduces Bill to Remedy 21-Day Check Release Delay

March 16, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata introduced a bill that would eliminate the 21-day hold policy by banks regarding off island checks. The proposed legislation will remedy the 21-day delay and put American Samoa on-par with the 6-day schedule of availability of funds that are already required of banks in all states and other U.S. territories.

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Amata speaks to town hall

Congresswoman Aumua Amata speaks to the crowd gathered for the Town-Hall meeting

During the recent town-hall meeting hosted by the Congresswoman, Aumua Amata received a positive response from those gathered, when she spoke on her intention to introduce the bill.

Last Congress, former American Samoa Delegate Faleomavaega introduced a similar bill which passed the House, but failed to be brought for a vote in the then Democrat controlled Senate.

"This is an issue that my predecessor and I agree on and while he was unable to get this bill signed into law, I am happy to finish the work he started," said Amata. "The 21-day hold period for off-island checks has created a hardship for many of our people and this legislation will solve the problem. I am confident that by working with this new Congress, we will be able to get this bill, which is so important to the people of American Samoa, to the President and signed into law," concluded Amata.

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