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Amata Welcomes Extension for Jobs Priority

December 18, 2019

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming another positive development in Congress, the extension of the American Samoa Economic Development Credit, an ongoing policy priority for American Samoa's jobs and local economy.

"Congress is extending the American Samoa Economic Development Credit, and that's more good news for the stability of our local economy," said Aumua Amata. "This important policy has supported the long-term presence of jobs and commercial activity in American Samoa for years."

Sometimes described as a "tax extender" and known by the statute section 30(A), this economic credit has been in place for American Samoa since 2006, repeatedly extended through bipartisan actions of both Republican and Democratic administrations as well as both Republican and Democratic congressional majorities, because it is necessary to provide stability and create jobs in the Territory.

"Thank you to Governor Lolo and his team for coordinating with us in Congress as we worked together with many people in DC and American Samoa," continued Congresswoman Amata. "I appreciate Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), who led this process in the House Ways and Means Committee, along with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR)."

In a major government funding bill that passed the House on Tuesday, Congress is once again extending the credit through January 1, 2021, an extension that covers a three-year period from the beginning of the 2018 tax year through the 2020 tax year. In early 2018, Congress extended the American Samoa Economic Development Credit for one year, which covered the 2017 tax year in time for that tax preparation season. Each extension requires further legislation.

"I favor multi-year extensions that would allow for better planning and stability, so I will continue to make that case in Congress, and work for this economic policy to continue in 2021 and beyond," continued Congresswoman Amata. "American Samoa's population and geographic factors create an economy here that is unique among U.S. states and territories, so this policy is absolutely necessary for our people and to diversify our economy."