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Amata supports call for increased funding for territories' shared needs

(l-r) Congresswoman Amata, Gov. Ricardo Rosselló of Puerto Rico, Gov. Albert Bryan of USVI, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam, Chairman Murkowski of Alaska, and Gov. Ralph Torres of CNMI
Source: Office of the Congresswoman

Washington, D.C.  — Congresswoman Aumua Amata attended the Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing, and welcomed the unity of message among the several territories in the testimony on shared needs that include American Samoa, such as efforts to extend Medicaid funds.

“The needs of the insular areas were clearly stated in Washington over the past two days, first to the leadership of the White House Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) and then to the Senate Committee,” said Aumua Amata. “I especially appreciate the leadership from Chairman Lisa Murkowski, and her important questioning that clarified what would be most helpful for American Samoa and the other territories.”

“The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staff indicated that Governor Lolo’s testimony has been properly submitted, received and included as part of the official hearing record and is linked on the Senate Committee website,” noted Congresswoman Amata. “Governor Lolo’s submitted testimony to the Senate hearing, along with our joint messaging to the IGIA yesterday, strengthen American Samoa’s call for increasing federal funding priorities for education, infrastructure, long term improvements to the LBJ hospital, greater coverage for Medicaid, other health care needs, and increased nutrition assistance.”

“This has been a good week for raising the profile of issues in Washington that are key to American Samoa specifically and to all the territories generally,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to our friends from each of the other insular territories, the governors and representatives and their respective staffs, for their efforts in advancing our joint needs in Congress and with the Administration.”