Press Releases

Pago Pago – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata held a town hall meeting with Veterans in American Samoa to discuss the status of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal services, including the partial federal government shutdown. The purpose of a town hall meeting is to speak face-to-face with constituents, hear their concerns directly, and update them on the work being done in Washington that affects American Samoa and Veterans.

Washington, DC – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a new law, passed by Congress and promptly signed by President Trump this week, that guarantees furloughed federal employees their back pay when the government fully reopens.

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed important congressional news for American Samoa. The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 268, an Emergency Appropriations bill for Disaster Assistance for the many States and Territories suffering from wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and other disasters including Cyclone Gita which devastated American Samoa.

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata provided information on the status of the partial shutdown of the federal government, and will not be taking her congressional pay until the shutdown ends. She also suggested that people should take time to pray for all the leaders of both parties, that they might have wisdom and be able to come together.

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata announced nominations of 10 students for consideration by the service academies.

Each year, these select nominations are based on the high quality of the students' academic records, essays, letters of recommendation from their teachers, church leaders and local community leaders, along with the required verification that they have already applied separately to the academy or academies of their choice.

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement regarding the passing of Bishop Vaifanua Suiava Mulitauaopele:

"I'm saddened by the passing of Bishop Vaifanua Suiava Mulitauaopele. He was a friend of many years, a trusted adviser to me, and a respected leader to our people in the islands and in the U.S.

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata was sworn in to serve the people of American Samoa for a third term in Congress as the new 116th Congress officially convened.

"I am proud to represent American Samoa, but humbled by the responsibility," said Aumua Amata. "This is my third time to experience the start of a new Congress, and it is every bit as exciting and special this time. It's a sobering reminder to swear an oath to the Constitution, and the U. S. Capitol itself is designed to call to mind a sense of being surrounded by history."

Middle East—Congresswoman Aumua Amata was humbled and delighted to spend Christmas Day with U.S. troops in the Middle East. She was thrilled to greet a large number of troops from American Samoa, sing Lota Nuu together, and then the Members of Congress had the opportunity to help serve a Christmas meal to hundreds of U.S. service men and women.