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Capitol Hill News

Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the introduction of bipartisan veterans’ health legislation introduced to improve community care options. She is an original cosponsor of the VA Care in the Community Act, introduced last week Friday by Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe.  [photo: courtesy]
compiled by Samoa News staff

TERRITORY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CREDIT INCLUDED IN TAX BILL —

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 - Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed news that the Chairman’s draft of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act released Thursday includes the American Samoa Economic Development Credit that she requested.

“I am pleased that this major tax legislation includes this priority for American Samoa’s economy, and I appreciate Chairman Brady’s response to my request,” said Aumua Amata. “Renewing the American Samoa Economic Development Credit is essential to encouraging investment and preserving jobs. Changing this policy’s extension from just one year at a time to six years will further allow for better business planning and more stability for our local economy.”

Specifically, Chairman Kevin Brady of the House Ways and Means Committee introduced this week The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, H.R. 1, and included at the request of Congresswoman Aumua Amata, “Section 4403. Extension of American Samoa Economic Development Credit (the ASEDC).”

This provision would extend the economic development credit for 6 years until January 1, 2023, and retroactively backdate the action to take effect from the beginning of this year, January 1, 2017.

This action is designed to encourage investment in the territory and create jobs by reducing federal taxes on income earned by qualifying employers in the territory. For perspective, a 2007 Department of Labor report declared that "the loss of this [Economic Development Credit] would be a damaging blow to the profits of the American Samoa canneries causing possible relocation."

“Ensuring the renewal of this economic development credit has been an ongoing priority to preserve jobs and promote investment in American Samoa,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “It’s important that our federal tax policy reflects an understanding of American Samoa’s unique economic needs.”

(Source: Congresswoman Aumua Amata's office, Washington, DC)

AMATA WELCOMES VETERANS HEALTH LEGISLATION

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 - Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the introduction of bipartisan veterans’ health legislation introduced to improve community care options. She is an original cosponsor of the VA Care in the Community Act, introduced today by Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe.

“I’ve been encouraged by the Committee’s ongoing focus on improving health care access for veterans,” said Aumua Amata. “Veterans in American Samoa face many challenges in accessing the care they deserve because of our economic and geographic isolation. The Committee’s legislative agenda continues to work on finding solutions for more choices and better options.”

Specifically, the legislation would streamline veteran access to community care previously handled under the CHOICE Program. This includes removing of the 30-day, 40-mile requirement, and broadening community care options.

“We will keep working for lower costs and better care in remote areas, and this bill is part of that ongoing effort,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to Chairman Roe and my colleagues on this Committee for their leadership and dedication on these issues.”

(Source: Congresswoman Aumua Amata's office, Washington, DC)