Press Releases
Pago Pago – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released her October 14 letter to key U.S. Senate leaders urging renewal of the American Samoa Economic Development Credit (ASEDC), often known as 30A, due to its section of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code. She described the policy as an important economic necessity for the Territory.
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved, it will be available for free to those depending on Medicaid or Medicare.
Pago Pago – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata recognized the National Day of the Deployed (26 October), and released the following statement:
Pago Pago – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the announcement by National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien that American Samoa will be evaluated as a location for U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters.
Pago Pago – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted National Pharmacy Week, which recognizes the contributions of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the announcement by the Social Security Administration that an increase in benefits of 1.3 percent will start in January for those receiving Social Security.
"Grant programs can be difficult to implement in the territories due to lack of resources," said Aumua Amata.
Pago Pago – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted the birthday of the United States Navy, established on 13 October of 1775, and congratulated all those serving in the Navy and Navy Veterans.
This year, on January 1, 2020, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, which Amata cosponsored, went into effect as Public Law 116-23 after it was signed by the President during this Congress on June 25, 2019. These Veterans are now entitled to a presumption of service connection for illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure.
Pago Pago – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata wished the Fijian people a happy and blessed Fiji Day, as this October 10th is the 50th anniversary of Fiji's independence.
Pago Pago – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed notification of three grants affecting American Samoa from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including one directly for American Samoa. NOAA is announcing their Coral Reef Conservation funding for 2020, with one grant of about $500,000 specific to American Samoa, and two other efforts that include American Samoa.