Amata Praises Passage of $2 Trillion CARES Act, Supports with Speech on House Floor

Washington, D.C.—Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata debated on the House floor to urge support for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Following debate, the bill passed with bipartisan support. President Trump has said he will sign the historic economic security aid package, which contains $2 trillion in unemployment help and financial assistance for people, small businesses and the economy, as well as important health funding such as testing equipment.

Congresswoman Amata's remarks on the House floor:

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I rise in overwhelming support of this bipartisan legislation. The Country needs it and American Samoa desperately needs it.

American Samoa has unique economic and geographic challenges – so far without any coronavirus testing at all, as NBC recently reported.

The Army Corps has reported our LBJ hospital needs over 100 million in minimum improvements just to meet HHS/CDC compliance standards.

I thank my colleagues for including my request that the Pacific Territories and the Freely Associated States are in the definition of ‘State' ensuring all Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs apply to us.

Our people are strong, and their faith is strong. Let's get this funding to work, and provide testing in American Samoa!

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and May God bless us all.

I yield back."

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