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Amata sets her priorities in D.C. focusing on American Samoa

Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Source: Office of the Congresswoman

Washington, DC – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement regarding impeachment and several legislative successes over the past two weeks for American Samoa:

“Throughout the impeachment process, I’ve deliberately kept my focus on the needs of the people of American Samoa, and continued to work in a bipartisan way on the important nonpartisan goals for our Territory. Despite the delays of impeachment, the House stayed in session an unscheduled week, and we can now celebrate together the completion of several of those key goals. These were a team effort with Governor Lolo, his administration along with the other territorial governors and Members of Congress. Medicaid is being extended with a substantial increase in both the actual dollars available and the federal share. The pay raise of 3.1 percent for our troops is secured, along with more Veterans’ funding. We secured a third straight increase for American Samoa’s operations. The American Samoa Economic Development Credit came through to help keep the cannery globally competitive so we can count on it being part of our local economy.

“I appreciate that President Trump said ahead of time he will sign this legislation into law. It’s also important to know that the economy of the United States is doing exceptionally well, which leads to federal revenue, and that economic growth is the foundation for these local successes that we are welcoming this week. As my constituents know, my role in Congress does not include being directly involved in the impeachment, instead I work on three Committees, including the one that oversees insular affairs, and as Vice Ranking Member for the one that oversees efforts to reform the VA and improve care for our Veterans.

“As to the impeachment divide, the good news is, whenever I’m not in Washington, I find the people of the country are not nearly as divided and angry as the national debates can sometimes make it seem. Let’s continue to pray for our national leaders, while being confident that the republic is strong, the people are resilient, and the Christmas season is about things that are more important than what’s going on in Washington.”