Press Releases

Pago Pago – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed $250,000 in federal funding for local mental health and substance abuse services.

This new grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is directed to American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) for the American Samoa State Opioid Response Project.

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a notification that the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) is providing federal funds of $713,125 to the American Samoa Government (ASG) through the Office of Insular Affairs' (OIA) Maintenance Assistance Program to assist in several improvement projects.

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed notification of $121,883 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 9, for the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA).

This EPA project is under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010, followed by current appropriations passed by this Congress for fiscal year 2020.

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a Pacific Basin health grant for the American Samoa Department of Health.

The discretionary grant of $167,000 is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA).

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata updated the status of the Small Business Administration (SBA) economic aid for American Samoa's small businesses and nonprofits, now at $23,427,386.

"The EIDL loans are still available and local businesses are continuing to access this assistance," said Aumua Amata. "I strongly support restarting the PPP aid in September as well to renew those options for our economy."

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted the opportunities for American Samoa's youth in the STEM fields that are emphasized in the global economy and often in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Amata spoke at the STEAM Family Expo, which included parents, students, organizers, sponsors, teachers and administrators from the STEAM Academy and the STEAM Partnership.

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata congratulated Lotoaoalii Joseph Toloa'i Ho Ching II upon his appointment as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA).

"This is a prestigious appointment and an important responsibility," said Aumua Amata. "Congratulations to Lotoaoalii upon taking on these duties in service to the country. American Samoa is always proud of our own as they achieve life and career milestones like this exceptional opportunity. His knowledge of this region of the world will benefit U.S. Army leadership."

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The $67,148 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant is directed to American Samoa Department of Homeland Security from the DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).