Aumua Addresses Fono
Pago Pago –Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, spoke before the American Samoa Fono regarding the events and actions taken over the past year in Washington, D.C. concerning the territory; and some of the issues she plans on addressing moving forward into the Second Session of the 114th Congress and beyond.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata speaks before the Fono
“In just one year, we have accomplished a great deal for American Samoa, and I look forward to continuing the work we have started, as it has been your support and guidance that have allowed us to achieve some truly remarkable things,” said Amata.
The Congresswoman touched on the many achievements that she, the Governor and the Fono have accomplished during her first 365 days in office, and stated her intent to build upon those successes as Congress moves forward into the Second Session.
Some of the items the Congresswoman touched on were; the significant increase to the island’s elementary and secondary education funding which will begin in FY 2017 (Oct. 2016), her expedited funds legislation that has already passed the House, and is expected to be taken up by the Senate shortly, and the extension of the American Samoa Economic Development Tax Credit, which had been scheduled to expire at the beginning of the year, to name just a few.
Congresswoman Amata also spoke on some of the issues that, with the assistance and support of the Fono, she will be addressing in the coming weeks and months including, the strengthening of the local fishing industry, making the American Samoa Economic Development Tax Credit permanent, and modifying existing cabotage legislation to permit foreign carriers to offer air passenger service between the main island of Tutuila and the remote islands of the Manu’a group without further reference to federal authorities.
“Next week, I will introduce already drafted legislation that will address the cabotage issue, and I am fairly certain that we will be able to get it through Congress and on the President’s desk rather quickly. As you know, it has long been an issue for our people, who often need to travel between the islands on a consistent basis. This legislation will resolve that,” stated Amata. “While many of these issues may take longer than just one session of Congress to fix, I want you to know that it is my intent to see them through to the end,” continued Amata.
In addition, the Congresswoman pointed out some very important matters regarding our duty to provide a more responsive relationship with the United States stating, “In the next two years, The United States Congress will be preparing for a new Talanoa between the Federal Government, and the states and territories. Texas is organizing for a new Constitutional Convention, to advance the relationship between the federal government and the states and territories, to accommodate their individual needs as their populations have developed. We will be expected to play our part in addressing our needs for a re-engagement with United States. As you know, we have important issues that need to be resolved. We need to have more of a say in the airfares that are allowed to be imposed upon us, as it is crippling our society and our relationships with our extended family. It is depressing our economic growth and making the opportunities for the education of our youth off island more difficult. We need the freedom to regulate the wages of our isolated economy to enable job creation. We need a more responsive federal government that will aid in the repair of existing roads and the creation of new ones. We also need the federal government’s comprehensive participation in the aid for public transportation to our small communities, as is done on the mainland.”
In closing, Congresswoman Amata remarked, “I am sure that you will notice that I have said we a lot this evening. That is because it is we who have accomplished these things for our home. It is your guidance and trust that have allowed me to work on your behalf and I could not be more honored to do so. Please know that I will continue to work hard for our people and ensure that American Samoa is no longer forgotten when it comes to the opportunities and resources that our people not only deserve, but have earned.”
The Congresswoman will now travel back to Washington to continue her work in conjunction with the Governor and Fono, for the people of American Samoa.
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