Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata held a roundtable meeting June 07, with leadership members of the Society of Fa’afafine in American Samoa (S.O.F.I.A.S.) to answer questions and discuss the issues that were brought up.

The meeting included Ertta Laumoli, President, SOFIAS; Isabella Ah Mu Mageo, Miss SOFIAS 2025; Naea Tasha Rikki LeAtio’o, SOFIAS Senior Advisor; Shiki Leaupepe, SOFIAS Advisor; Shanee Masoli, SOFIAS Advisor; Athena Mauga, SOFIAS Advisor; Keniseli Fanolua, SOFIAS Secretary; Jaiyeh Saelua, American Samoa Faafafine Rural Program; and Zee Romero, SOFIAS Advisor.

The most discussed issues were the status of the recent Executive Order on the Seabed Mining; education issues, such as the status of the U.S. Department of Education and federal funding for schools; and the Executive Order on Fisheries on April 17th, which is separate from the critical minerals order.

Other topics and related discussions included Cook Islands Seabed Mining agreement with China; China’s presence throughout the Indo-Pacific; old and new technology for Critical Minerals Mining; Coral Reef issues; Passport issues; and topics specific to the Fa’afafine community.

“I enjoyed our conversation, and we covered many of the important and current issues,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I want to thank everyone in attendance. We had thoughtful questions and comments from everyone taking part. I hold opportunities to talk with our people as often as I can when I’m in American Samoa, so I can best represent our people in Washington, and I’ve had several Town Hall meetings during this graduation season while I’m able to be home in American Samoa.”

These meetings are listening sessions, with updates about events, legislation or discussions in Washington. Throughout the year if you have questions or a need for constituent services, please reach out to Congresswoman Amata’s office in Fagatogo.

(Source: Congresswoman Uifa’atali’s D.C. staff)