Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has expressed her approval of the decision by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to extend the deadline for American Samoa’s use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) education funds. The extension allows for continued progress on local educational projects that were at risk due to a missed earlier deadline.
“My office has worked on this issue and been in repeated contact with USDOE. I appreciate the Secretary’s willingness to schedule a call and be in touch with our office,” stated Congresswoman Amata. She noted that her husband, Fred, attended the Western Governors Association meeting alongside Governor Palacios of CNMI, which served as an additional reminder of the importance of this issue.
Amata emphasized the significance of utilizing these funds effectively for educational development in American Samoa. “We can’t emphasize our schools enough in building opportunities for our next generation, and I’m delighted we have the continuing chance to put these much-needed dollars to good use,” she said. She also extended congratulations to the American Samoa Department of Education and thanked Director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete’e for their efforts.
The ARPA was enacted in 2021, providing significant support for educational projects. The extension granted by Secretary McMahon ensures that these initiatives can proceed without further delay.
