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Amata Welcomes Over $2.2 Million Justice Department CARES Act Grant

April 23, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming more than $2.2 million through the recent CARES Act for American Samoa's law enforcement community to use for coronavirus emergency response and safety measures.

Specifically, the U.S. Department of Justice, led by Attorney General William Barr, through the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is awarding Fiscal Year 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency in the amount of $2,231,620.

"These funds will be helpful in safety precautions and readiness throughout our justice system," said Aumua Amata. "Congratulations to Director Lesei'au T. Laumoli and everyone involved in this effort."

Pursuant to the CARES Act, this program provides funds to assist eligible state and local governments in prevention, preparation, and response to the coronavirus.

Projects and purchases include covering overtime hours, equipment (including personal protective equipment for law enforcement and medical personnel), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses, and the medical needs of inmates in jail or detention centers.

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Issues:Budget