Aumua's Cabotage Bill Passes Senate Committee

Washington, D.C. –Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, was pleased to see the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee conduct a business meeting Wednesday to consider several pieces of legislation including Senator Murkowski’s bill, the Omnibus Territories Act, which includes Congresswoman Amata’s cabotage bill.

“I am pleased to see that the Senate is moving forward with this important legislation that will among other things, make the permitting process much easier for those foreign air carriers who provide service in American Samoa between the islands of Tutuila and Manu'a,” stated Amata. “Traditionally, these carriers have had to reapply for the permits every 30 days, which in turn has put off other foreign carriers from providing service on the route. I am hopeful that by easing these burdensome regulations more foreign carriers will begin to service the route, thereby increasing competition and reducing the cost of travel for our people between the islands,” continued Amata.

The Omnibus Territories Act, which passed through the Senate committee on Wednesday, also amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1982, to eliminate the restriction on the use of resettlement and relocation funds by people of the Bikini Atoll for resettlement and relocation only to areas within the Marshall Islands.

Furthermore, the bill amends the REAL ID Act of 2005 to provide that citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau who have been admitted as nonimmigrants pursuant to a Compact of Free Association are eligible for driver's licenses or personal identification cards.

“I want to thank Senator Murkowski for working with me on this important legislation for the people of American Samoa, and I am eager to see it quickly pass through Congress and signed by President Obama,” concluded Amata.

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