Press Releases
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming a weekly update from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that the American Samoan employers have now successfully acquired 100 loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) totaling over $6 million.
"I appreciate the efforts by our business community reflected by these loans," said Aumua Amata. "This assistance can keep our businesses planning for the future despite the restricted economy."
Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is recognizing National Armed Forces Day (May 16) and National Military Appreciation Month (May):
Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is releasing the following statement regarding efforts in Congress toward a new round of economic relief:
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is releasing the following statement in honor of Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month:
"The United States has an enduring heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans. This rapidly growing influence spans the world and enriches America's history. This month, we especially recognize these combined contributions for Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month.
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming a grant for American Samoa Community College for the American Samoa No Wrong Door Initiative, an assessment of long term care, services, and access factors in light of COVID-19. This $300,000 grant is from the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department's Administration on Community Living (ACL).
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata and the Committee on Small Business held a forum with a panel of lenders to conduct oversight and examine the Small Business Administration's implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
"The Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program continues to provide vital help to the country's small businesses," said Aumua Amata, who serves as Vice Ranking Member on the Committee. "Unfortunately, the first round largely went to the swift — the well-banked, and ‘larger' small businesses."
Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata said the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program continues to advance with a new week's data reported. American Samoan businesses have now successfully acquired 87 PPP loans totaling approximately $5 million, and the program remains currently open, funded, and accepting applications.
Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming $406,084 in CARES Act funds to expand American Samoa's COVID-19 testing capacity. This discretionary grant is from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department.
"The CARES Act continues to make helpful resources available," said Aumua Amata. "It's a blessing we have no coronavirus cases, and it remains very important to have readiness in place and be capable of testing as needed."
Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua AmataAmata is delighted to congratulate a student, Serenalia Iona, upon acceptance to one of the nation's prestigious service academies. Congresswoman Amata was notified that Serenalia Iona has been offered an appointment by the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, pending final medical review.
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming a $2,553,194 CARES Act grant for coronavirus relief for American Samoa's fishermen.
The news is part of a national announcement by Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross allocating $300 million in fisheries assistance. Congress provided this funding in Sec. 12005 of the CARES Act, to States, Tribes, and Territories with coastal and marine fishery participants who have been negatively affected by COVID–19.