Media

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.

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to extend congratulations to Mercy Te'o of the village of Lauli'i upon her Air Force promotion from the rank of Captain to Major.

"I want to send out a special congratulations to Major Te'o upon this advancement in the U.S. Air Force," said Aumua Amata. "I'm so pleased to see ‘one of our own' enjoying the results of her hard work, dedication and abilities. Serving the country is an honorable life's work, and she is making us all proud, and taking on growing leadership responsibilities."

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed House passage of a short-term funding bill to keep the government open, ensure that the Interior Department continues to operate for the Territories, and provide a new disaster relief package for all the major storms and wildfires of 2018, including American Samoa and Cyclone Gita.

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed Senate final passage of a bipartisan House bill that she cosponsored, the No Hero Left Untreated Act, H.R. 1162, a Veterans health care initiative. The bill has been sent to President Trump to be signed into law, and it builds an important groundwork for more future treatment for Veterans who have suffered trauma, starting with a pilot program.