Amata in a Press Conference Called for a Quick Resolution to Shipping Negotiations

Washington D.C. -- Congresswoman Aumua Amata at a press conference today, urged International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association to come to a quick resolution to the current negotiations to get our ports running again and get the goods to those who need it the most.

In her statement, Amata passionately described how her district of American Samoa has been deeply affected by this; "our shelves are bare and our people are getting hungry". She went on to say, "My home district is economically and geographically isolated and what that means is sea shipping is the life line of American Samoa; it is our umbilical cord. A small island such as ours, there's no railway service or trucking", we rely solely on sea shipping to deliver much needed goods and supplies.

Amata brought a unique perspective to the press conference. Her district depends heavily on incoming ships from the west coast to supply our hospital with medicine and supplies, our store shelves, lunch programs and small businesses. Other Members' concerns were primarily about farmers and manufacturers from their districts and states whose fruits, vegetables and other perishable goods are sitting at the ports rotting away, losing millions of dollars for these farmers; and port workers who are uncertain about their future.