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Amata highlights passage of Real ID Act improvements on behalf of Freely Associated States

Congresswoman Amata with RMI President Hilda Heine
Source: Office of the Congresswoman

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed Senate passage of the Real ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act (H.R. 3398), which she co-sponsored and strongly supported with a statement in the Congressional Record.

In late September, the U.S. House of Representatives passed this bipartisan bill to help citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia that live in the United States obtain necessary identifications and driver’s licenses. The Senate has also passed the bill, and it is being sent to President Trump to be signed into law.

“This change makes sense, and I’m pleased to see this helpful progress for residents of the U.S. from the Freely Associated States,” said Aumua Amata. “These islands are among our nation’s closest friends and allies, and they should be welcomed in this way. These Pacific nations have an important place in national defense and regional strategy. I lived in the RMI for eight years, and it is home to The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll, which I visited this year with a Congressional delegation.”

The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), and supported by five bipartisan co-sponsors, including Rep. Aumua Amata of American Samoa, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Rep. Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii).

“I’m always happy to see strong bipartisan support for a purpose that will make a real difference for people, as they pursue their careers and educational goals,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to Congressman Young and Congresswoman Gabbard and all the co-sponsors for their leadership.”