Amata: My Opposition to Seabed Mining Is Unchanged

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is stating clearly that her position against seabed mining in waters surrounding American Samoa has not changed and remains her consistent position. Amata further notes that no one else speaks for her, despite characterizations and assumptions of her position, whether Republicans or Democrats. 

“This is my seventh public statement on this issue, because of its importance, and because various posts, comments, or statements sometimes say they describe my position – they do not. I was clear from the beginning, first that I stand with the people and then with further statements of opposition as we learned more. I submitted opposition comments to the Interior Department, and in the congressional record speaking out at congressional committee hearings. I remain opposed and consistent,” said Congresswoman Amata. 

“In this position, I am confident that I represent a majority of our people on this, which is the job of the House representative. In fact, the founders of the United States purposely designed the House of Representatives through the Constitution to be the people’s house and most directly represent the will of the people, more so than any other aspect of the federal government,” Amata concluded. “I take that responsibility seriously. I represent our people, and most of our people are opposed.”

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