Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is reminding U.S. nationals from American Samoa that under current U.S. and state laws they absolutely cannot vote in elections outside of American Samoa unless they personally become U.S. citizens before voting. 

Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming House passage of a major appropriations bill for several departments of the U.S. government, which boosts funding for American Samoa’s DOI Operations. The bill, which passed 397-28, adds $900,000 for a new total of $29 million – that despite the overall trimming of the Office of Insular Affairs spending for the year. An upcoming Senate vote is expected, and House/Senate leaders have already negotiated the legislative package. 

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the life and memory of her friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who served as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. Congresswoman Amata worked with him as a Vice Chairman of the Caucus, and as colleagues in the House Natural Resources (HNR) Committee. In fact, Congressman LaMalfa and Congresswoman Amata shared both their HNR Subcommittee assignments, working together in Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, as well as Indian and Insular Affairs.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following message for New Year’s Day. 

“Happy New Year! As we complete a busy 2025 and ring in 2026, I’m humbled and thankful that I represent the wonderful people of American Samoa. Together, we’ve experienced many blessings from God this year, and I’m optimistic for the year ahead. 

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is wishing everyone in American Samoa a merry Christmas:

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is congratulating Admiral Kevin Lunday, who has served throughout 2025 as Acting Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. The U.S. Senate has confirmed him as Commandant by unanimous consent. 

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming House passage of H.R. 3176, which amends the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting final House passage of the Senate version of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, sending the legislation to the President to be signed into law. In the parallel House effort, Congresswoman Amata was an original cosponsor, introduced in April 2025 jointly with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon) and Rep.