Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata testified before key lawmakers of the Appropriations Committee on March 5 to highlight American Samoa’s funding needs and express appreciation for bipartisan support from committee members following her testimony.
The topic is important as it concerns federal funding that supports essential services in American Samoa, including operations, education, and infrastructure. These funds play a significant role in maintaining and improving the territory’s public services.
During her testimony, Congresswoman Aumua Amata requested a $1 million increase in appropriations for American Samoa’s Operations fund from the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) for fiscal year 2027. She noted that if approved, this would be her eighth successful increase since 2018. The current Operations amount stands at $29 million, which is $6.3 million higher annually due to these increases. This year’s increase of $900,000 was signed into law in January 2026.
“We continue to do our best to grow and make full use of the federal support we receive,” said Amata. “However, it doesn’t take much to set us back. Without a buffer, any projects and investments we make to bring the territory up to par are quickly undone.”
She added that the request aligns with last year’s appropriations and aims to offset inflation so that American Samoa does not fall behind other parts of the country. Amata pointed out that inflation has been especially challenging for small distant territories due to higher transportation fuel and insurance costs.
Amata also advocated for continued congressional intent that $3 million be allocated annually by the Governor to American Samoa Community College (ASCC), emphasizing its importance as a local educational institution. “Educating our young Americans is the best way to maximize the use of this account and invest in our territory’s future,” she said. She highlighted pride in high military enlistment rates among residents and stressed investing in future generations through education.
Finally, Amata called on the committee to strengthen OIA support for educational projects across all territories. She thanked Members of Congress for their ongoing support, noting that federal funding benefits hospitals, judiciary systems, and education in American Samoa.
Her testimony was delivered during Member Day of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies led by Chairman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). The full Appropriations Committee is chaired by Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) with Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) as ranking member.
