Taipei — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata as part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) in Taiwan emphasized the importance of the partnership between the United States and Taiwan, and the mutual interests of peace, trade, and stability in the Pacific region. The delegation visited Taiwan from August 14th through 15th, as a key part of their ongoing travel in Asia.

In addition to Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa), the delegation is comprised of Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asia, Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Subcommittee; Congressman John Garamendi (CA-03); Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08); and Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47).

 “I appreciate the productive meetings along with the gracious hospitality of President Tsai, Foreign Minister Wu, and other leaders in Taiwan,” said Aumua Amata. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with President Tsai several times, and she greeted me warmly with ‘here’s a familiar face.’ Under her leadership, the United States and Taiwan share interests and a close trade relationship, but most importantly, we share a strong dedication to freedom. The U.S. has clear commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act to the 23 million people of the island living under democratically elected leadership. These include indigenous people that share ancestry with Polynesian peoples throughout the Pacific. Thank you to my House colleagues and Senator Markey for their bipartisan efforts in working together for Pacific region partnerships.”

In Taiwan, the delegation met with President Tsai Ing-wen, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, and members of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee from the Legislative Yuan. In each of these meetings, the delegation exchanged views with Taiwan counterparts, including a wide range of issues, notably support for peace and stability in Taiwan as they face pressure from Beijing. The delegation discussed ways to increase Taiwan’s participation in the international community, their mutual interest in preserving the status quo that has maintained peace in the Taiwan Strait for more than 40 years, and deepening economic ties, such as improving semiconductor supply chains and investment in the United States.

More details regarding the trip will be released over the coming days.

DOJ GRANT FOR PLANNING AGENCY

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice of a grant of $144,923 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency. This formula grant is designated for Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program.

 “Congratulations to CJPA Director Mariana Timu-Faiai and her team, for once again putting in the work to qualify for these helpful discretionary funds,” said Aumua Amata. “I know this federal support will be put to important use in the program assisting inmates in overcoming substance abuse problems.”

Congress appropriated these funds in programs in the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2022.