Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming another positive development in Congress, the extension of the American Samoa Economic Development Credit, an ongoing policy priority for American Samoa's jobs and local economy.

"Congress is extending the American Samoa Economic Development Credit, and that's more good news for the stability of our local economy," said Aumua Amata. "This important policy has supported the long-term presence of jobs and commercial activity in American Samoa for years."

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed House passage of the Identifying Barriers and Best Practices Study Act, H.R. 4183. This bipartisan Veterans' legislation was introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), with Rep. Amata (R-AS) as the lead Republican on the bill and original cosponsor.

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata said her request for a third straight year of additional funds for American Samoa's operations is in the final appropriations bill in Congress. It provides about $2.6 million more than the federal budget plan proposed for American Samoa Government, instead boosting the operations budget by another $400,000 this year, following increases of $718,000 and $250,000 the past two years, all supported with Amata's requests.

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming the Medicaid deal that is expected to become law later this week, successfully avoiding the Medicaid cliff.

Washington, DC – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement:

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. This major annual legislation authorizes Pentagon operations, a pay increase for the troops, increased survivor benefits for military families, and expanded Pacific security provisions. It requires a much-needed report on the status of the Runit Dome in the Marshall Islands, which houses nuclear waste material from 67 nuclear tests conducted in the Marshall Islands before 1958.

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement following tragic news of the New Zealand volcano eruption:

"We're shocked and saddened by the tragic news out of New Zealand. Our hearts go out to the families of those missing. New Zealand is our neighbor and friend in the Pacific, and a beautiful place full of wonderful people. Our prayers are with them today."

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Washington, D.C. – Saturday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is hailing a breakthrough Medicaid agreement that would provide major increases and years of stability for American Samoa's Medicaid services. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) have announced an updated version of their bipartisan Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019 and an agreement to fund critical, expiring health care programs, including Medicaid funding for the territories.