Press Releases
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata urged the VA to keep an ongoing commitment to mental health research funding as a priority for veterans during the Committee's examination of the Department's budget plan.
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata introduced a bill that would give U.S. Nationals from American Samoa a much more affordable and streamlined process if they choose to convert their National status to full U.S. citizenship.
First and foremost, residents in American Samoa would no longer have to move off island to become citizens. Secondly, they would no longer have to take the citizenship test. Finally, they would be eligible for a hardship waiver of the application fee.
Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a positive development in Congress for an ongoing policy priority for American Samoa's jobs and economy.
Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed President Trump's timely response to Tropical Storm Gita and his prompt declaration at Governor Lolo's request allowing necessary disaster assistance resources to flow into American Samoa.
Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata visited Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, where veterans from American Samoa often seek health services that are not available to them through the VA locally in American Samoa.
Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted the first steps in developing a national infrastructure plan, which President Trump urged in this week's State of the Union Address, and said she will work to bring attention to American Samoa's needs in Congress. The draft planning effort includes unspecified investment designed to address infrastructure needs on tribal lands and U.S. Territories.
Washington, D.C. – Saturday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to give remarks at the Change of Command Ceremony transferring command of the "Hitmen" Company of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, to Captain Afu Lefaoseu III, PhD. He is from Pago Pago, and is another of our own making American Samoa proud.
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the priorities President Trump outlined in his first State of the Union speech, particularly highlighting infrastructure development and bipartisan cooperation on shared preferences where a consensus can be reached, such as veterans and military funding.
Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed an oversight hearing examining how recent veterans' legislation passed by Congress in August of 2017 is being implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Congresswoman Amata cosponsored the bipartisan Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 to ensure veterans' cases are heard.
Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed another grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for diesel emission reduction efforts in Ofu and Olosega. Just last week, the EPA directed major grants totaling $10.7 million to American Samoa.