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Amata Provides Update on Partial Shutdown, Gives Up Her Pay Until It Ends

January 14, 2019

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata provided information on the status of the partial shutdown of the federal government, and will not be taking her congressional pay until the shutdown ends. She also suggested that people should take time to pray for all the leaders of both parties, that they might have wisdom and be able to come together.

"It's important to know that because this shutdown is limited, several of the most important programs for people are funded this time," Aumua said. "Medicaid is funded, children's health insurance (CHIP) is funded, Veterans' services and the VA are also funded, our troops and their pay is already funded through October, and nutrition assistance is funded at least through February."

Amata hopes for a speedy end to the shutdown because American Samoa needs federal funds, and wants House leadership to be willing to make a sensible deal to end the shutdown and set aside political posturing to do what is best for the people. Amata has instructed the U.S. House of Representatives to withhold her pay until pay is restored to affected federal workers and the shutdown ends.

"It's very good to know that federal workers have always received their back pay following every shutdown, and I strongly support reimbursing employees," continued Congresswoman Amata. "Shutdowns come and go. The country has weathered bigger storms than this one, and the United States is resilient. We should be in prayer for all our leaders, the President and congressional leaders. We want leaders who stand for what they believe, but we also want leaders who find a way forward for the good of everyone."

The sticking point between President Trump and Democratic leaders is border security. While the two sides are far apart in public statements, they are comparatively close in dollar amounts. Democrats have already supported $1.6 billion to replace and repair current fencing and physical barriers on the Southern border, and the leading Democrats have voted for more fencing in the past. At the same time, the President is urging $5.7 billion for border barriers — in a federal budget of well over $4 trillion per year.

"In American Samoa, we control our borders and as an island we are blessed to have nice, clear borders," notes Amata. "Our Territory prefers to control our own immigration. Why should the United States be so different from us and most of the world? The US has a perfect right to control the border. The only way out of the shutdown is for the Democratic leaders and the President to find some way to make a deal – and the good news is, all of them have a reputation as dealmakers! I remain optimistic it will get done. Federal funding and services are necessary in geographically remote locations like American Samoa, and I trust will be fully restored soon."

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Issues:Budget