Media

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the announcement by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the American Samoa Government, Pago Pago, to capitalize and administer a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs across American Samoa adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata worked with lead sponsor Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Rep. Greg Walden (OR-02), and Rep. Colin Allred (TX-32) in introducing bipartisan legislation to re-authorize a successful Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) work-study program in congressional offices, allowing veterans to assist their fellow veterans with accessing the benefits and services they've earned.

Washington, D.C. – Sunday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the news that Judge Faauuga Toʻotoʻo has been retained to another ten-year term as Judge on the Circuit Court of the First Circuit in Hawai'i.

"Congratulations to Judge Faauuga Toʻotoʻo on this prestigious position and important responsibility," said Aumua Amata. "He is one of our own from Nuuuli. He is highly qualified and experienced, and his retention is the right decision. I know he will continue doing a great job, and being a credit to American Samoa."

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a successful first step this week for the major appropriations bill that will fund Interior Appropriations for American Samoa, and said the House bill writers have included her request for a fourth straight yearly increase for American Samoa's budget. This increase is over $3 million more than the federal budget proposal that came from the Interior Department, and $500,000 more than the most recent final appropriated amount.

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is providing an update on federal oversight of the CARES Act and other economic relief funds. This information includes the process, federal requirements for these funds, and contact information to report any waste, fraud or abuse of such funding.

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata has reopened American Samoa's congressional office at Fagatogo Square for weekday hours, and wants people to know constituent services are available.

This decision to have the office open is based on the current local circumstances regarding COVID-19, and subject to potential change depending on the future situation.

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata provided a weekly update on the continuing growth in Small Business Administration (SBA) economic aid for American Samoa's small businesses and nonprofits.

The total increased by about $2.6 million to $17,810,411. That includes 321 combined loans from two programs, and 189 emergency advances at an average of $5,613 per advance.

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata took part in a hearing with the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Health, in conjunction with the Women Veterans Task Force, entitled, "Veterans' Access to Reproductive Healthcare."