Press Releases

​​​​​​​Washington, D.C. – The co-chairs of the bipartisan House Pacific Islands Caucus are hailing House passage of legislation that renews and funds the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).  The Compacts are the foundation for U.S. relations with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau for the next generation.

Bill Includes $3 Million for ASCC, Provides Grant Funding Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting bipartisan passage of an appropriations package of legislation, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, that funds several major departments of the U.S. government for the year, including the Interior Department (DOI) which encompasses the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA). The legislation passed 339-85.

Washington, D.C. – Early Saturday morning, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson informed Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata that House leaders had reached a bipartisan agreement on a package of spending bills that includes renewal and funding for the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).  Members of the full House will be asked to approve the bills this coming week. 

New USDA Program Will Provide Child Food Assistance Once School Is Out Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is updating the timeline for the Summer EBT program, noting that no action is needed by parents or students at this time. Following congressional authorization, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing a new child food assistance plan in cooperation with American Samoa Government’s Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS).

Appropriations Agreements Underway for Potential Votes Next Week Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming bipartisan passage in Congress of a bill extending government funding through a Continuing Resolution (C.R.), often described as a stopgap. This action prevented a partial government shutdown, and is in anticipation of agreements on a number of full year appropriations bills.

Original Cosponsor of AWHCA With $320 Million in Conservation Grants Nationwide Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata took part in a Capitol press conference on Thursday in the House Radio and TV Correspondents Gallery to highlight American Samoa’s wildlife and natural habitat as part of the rollout of America's Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act (AWHCA).

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata continues to emphasize the urgency of completing passage of the COFA agreements legislation as an integral part of the security of the Pacific region. On Thursday, she spoke with Speaker Mike Johnson to convey her viewpoint as a Member of Congress from the region. “I was pleased that the Speaker told me he recognizes the urgency of this matter and said it’s getting priority attention,” she said.