Amata Back in Washington as Congress Resumes

News Release from Rep Aumua Amata, R-AS, Nov 15, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Sunday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is back in Washington, D.C., after piecing together a lengthy flight plan around the Pacific. Congress will be in session this week, and could continue consideration of further COVID-19 response or economic relief legislation to close out the year. Members of the House are also organizing for the 117th Congress to begin in January, setting the stage with leadership elections and plans for Committees.

Congresswoman Amata was able to take the charter aircraft to Apia, specifically approved by Congress. From there, the only available route to start her trip was a flight to Auckland. The next step was a connection to Seoul, South Korea. Finally, she was able to travel on to New York City, then DC.

“On behalf of our people having representation in Washington, I want to express appreciation to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Malielegaoi and Governor Lolo Moliga for that initial flight to Apia,” said Aumua Amata. “I am optimistic of bipartisan developments in Congress to close out this year. Over these weeks, I will be working to secure more economic aid and preserve American Samoa’s interests in government funding bills, so it was important to be in DC.”

“Next year, Congress will have narrow majorities, with one of the closest margins in the House of the past century,” she continued. “My vote for American Samoa in the committees on which I serve will be more important than ever. Seniority as Vice Ranking Member on both the Veterans and Small Business Committees will ensure our local priorities and needs are addressed.”

Amata is currently Vice Ranking Member in both the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and the Small Business Committee, and serves on the Natural Resources Committee.

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