Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata addressed the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (IGIA) during a special mid-year session held at the Department of the Interior’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. Her remarks focused on economic development in American Samoa and called for full inclusion in key federal programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the removal of Medicaid caps.
Amata thanked Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, other territorial leaders, and federal officials for their collaboration. She noted her appreciation for the administration’s April 17 Executive Order reopening fishing in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM), saying this move will support economic stability in American Samoa and contribute to U.S. food security.
“While certain groups are attempting to litigate and delay the executive order, I am confident that we will be able to finalize the restoration of our fishing access in a responsible and successful way. I hope to continue to work with you on this and other issues affecting the Pacific,” Amata said.
She also discussed her recent comments during July’s public input period on seabed mining leases. Amata continues to urge the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to keep at least a 50-mile buffer from any Samoan island when considering mining activities.
“In addition to managing our natural resources, another key part of the equation for our prosperity lies in being able to participate in the coming knowledge economy of the 21st century. The best way for DOI and the administration to support American Samoa’s participation in the growth of the economy is through measures that protect our cannery and invest in our ability to attract other industries,” she said.
Amata advocated for H.R. 399, which would reauthorize Section 30A of the tax code—known as the American Samoa Economic Development Credit—that expired in 2022. This legislation aims to help diversify American Samoa’s economy by supporting local businesses facing logistical challenges due to geographic isolation.
“There is strong bipartisan support for its reauthorization, and we remain hopeful it can be included in another legislative vehicle. It’s also important to note that the cost of this credit is relatively minimal (just $8.5 million per year) yet its impact on the territory is profound,” she continued. “Renewal of this credit is vital for businesses operating in a remote island territory, where logistical hurdles and limited infrastructure create unique economic challenges.”
She thanked Interior leadership for backing her efforts toward establishing a permanent Coast Guard presence around American Samoa, emphasizing its significance for regional security.
“Mr. Secretary, as we’ve heard from our governors today, initiatives which invest in and protect the economic and security interests of otherwise isolated territories are important to keep us on par with the rest of country,” Amata concluded. “To that end, SSI shouldn’t be based on geography, and Medicaid should be uncapped for territories like states. So I ask that you work with us to ensure full integration into these essential programs are provided to all Americans. This mid-year forum shows administration’s commitment to uplifting territories along with rest of country, and I am optimistic about future.”
