Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a federal funding notice of $790,056 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control in American Samoa. “Thank you especially to Jacki Tulafono for her dedicated work on this grant to enhance our capacity to prevent and control infectious diseases in American Samoa,” said Aumua Amata. “These funds cover one year of a five-year project to effectively respond to emerging health threats and protect our community. Congratulations to Health Director Motusa Nua and all the hardworking health professionals that serve our community.”

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the life of Senator James Inhofe, who retired from the U.S. Senate in January 2023. “Senator Jim Inhofe was Oklahoma’s longest-serving senator, in the Senate more than 27 years, after he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for four terms. Before that he was Mayor of Tulsa, and a state legislator totaling some 56 years of public service, after time in the U.S. Army. I knew him already in the 1990s, as I worked for Congressman J.C. Watts, his colleague from the Oklahoma congressional delegation,” said Aumua Amata. “He came through American Samoa with a congressional delegation a few years ago, and I spoke to him there and after he came back to Washington, D.C. at the time.”

Legislation Saves Self-Determination; Swain’s Island Seat Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives in a move requiring unanimous consent, on Monday adopted H.R. 6062, sponsored by Congresswoman Amata, which reaffirms American Samoa's right to self-determination, a principle of U.S. law and policy, also enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.  The bill was previously passed by the House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent, affirming that the bill is non-controversial.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed notice of $135,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sex Violence. The grant is for health services in American Samoa through the program titled Rape Prevention and Education: Enhancing Capacity for Sexual Violence Prevention Across State and Territory Sexual Assault Coalitions.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement celebrating U.S. Independence Day: “Have a happy Fourth of July, as we celebrate and enjoy the holiday with friends and family! On this date, the United States of America declared independence, and became a new nation. The Declaration of Independence stated powerful ideals of freedom that were exceptional at that time in history, and are still relevant today,” Amata said.

Busy Week of Votes and Hearings in Congress Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting a busy week of votes, including Committee of the Whole votes on the House floor, several hearings, a grant for American Samoa, and inclusion of her requested regional priorities for the Coast Guard in the 2025 appropriations legislation.