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Amata Welcomes $16.7 Million Yearly Operations Funds From OIA

February 10, 2021

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata welcomed the announcement by the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) of transmitting over $16.7 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Interior to the American Samoa Government for Operations. Congress appropriates these annual funds, and at Amata's request each of the past four years, Congress has both added to the ASG Operations budget and restored millions in proposed cuts yearly. Amata-requested direct increases over four years include $250,000, $718,000, $400,000, and $500,000.

Since 1974, Congress has included funding in the Interior Appropriations bill for major American Samoa Government operations, including LBJ Tropical Medical Center, the local judiciary, American Samoa Community College, and other Department of Education operations. Historically, the funding amount remained level for years at time, but is now $24.62 million.

"I greatly appreciate all that American Samoa Government does with these funds to promote health, education and justice for our people," said Amata. "Congratulations to Governor Lemanu as he leads these important efforts forward. The funding is just the first step in the good work of the Territory's many quality employees. Thank you to OIA and particularly Acting Assistant Secretary Nikolao Pula for the work that goes into this entire process to successfully conduct this yearly commitment by the federal government."

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Issues:Budget