Congresswoman Amata Takes Oath of Office in 116th Congress

January 4, 2019

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata was sworn in to serve the people of American Samoa for a third term in Congress as the new 116th Congress officially convened.

"I am proud to represent American Samoa, but humbled by the responsibility," said Aumua Amata. "This is my third time to experience the start of a new Congress, and it is every bit as exciting and special this time. It's a sobering reminder to swear an oath to the Constitution, and the U. S. Capitol itself is designed to call to mind a sense of being surrounded by history."

Congresswoman Amata Oath of Office in the 116th Congress with Speaker Pelosi

Congresswoman Amata took the Oath of Office for the 116^th Congress with Speaker Pelosi, joined by Reverend Apisaloma Toleafoa (holding the Bible) and his wife Lora of the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Alexandria, VA, along with her DC staff

In Thursday's ceremonies, Congresswoman Amata placed her hand on a Bible and swore to protect and defend the Constitution. Reverend Apisaloma Toleafoa of the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Alexandria, VA, visited the Capitol to hold the Bible for the occasion, accompanied by his wife Lora.

Congresswoman Amata with Speaker Pelosi before the Bipartisan Prayer Service to start the new Congress

Congresswoman Amata with Speaker Pelosi before the Bipartisan Prayer Service at the start of the new Congress.

"The beginning of each Congress is a time of energy and optimism," continued Congresswoman Amata. "In many ways, we have a fresh start along with ongoing challenges, such as the partial government shutdown. I am committed to making American Samoa's needs known in these policy considerations."

January open house at start of 116th Congress

We enjoyed seeing these friends at an open house in American Samoa's DC congressional office for the first day of the new Congress.

The Congresswoman expects to work to preserve and expand federal support for health care, Veterans, infrastructure, and education; work for equitable treatment in funding formulas for the Territories; and protect funding for military personnel and their families, along with needs that arise in areas such as environmental and disaster concerns.

"I am happy to be at work legislatively and I believe we can see a productive two years," concluded Amata. "I have respect for the leadership of both the House and Senate, but my decisions will be based on the needs of our people and our islands."

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