Amata’s IGIA Message Focused on Local Economic Growth and Inclusion in Key Federal Programs

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata gave remarks Thursday at the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (IGIA), a special mid-year session hosted by the Department of the Interior (DOI) at their DC headquarters, and focused her remarks on several issues that are critical to the local economy of American Samoa, and called for full inclusion in federal programs like SSI and removing the Medicaid cap completely.

Congresswoman Amata thanked Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula, the governors and congressional representatives from the other territories, and federal interagency officials. Discussing economic issues, she thanked the administration for the April 17 Executive Order reopening fishing in the PRIMNM, which will bolster American Samoa's economic stability, and strengthen 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," she said.

Congresswoman Amata filed in the comment period in July regarding the seabed mining lease, and continues urging the Bureau of Ocean Energy and Management (BOEM) to at minimum maintain a strict 50-mile distance buffer from any Samoan island.

"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.

She went on to request support for her bill, H.R. 399, to reauthorize Section 30A of the tax code, commonly known as the American Samoa Economic Development Credit, which expired in 2022, to increase the potential to diversify the local economy. "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."

Amata thanked Interior leadership for being supportive of her calls for a permanent Coast Guard presence in and around American Samoa, noting their role in the security concerns of the Pacific region.

"Mr. Secretary, as we've heard from our governors today, initiatives which invest in and protect the economic and security interests of the otherwise isolated territories are important to keep us on par with the rest of the country," she said in closing. "To that end, SSI shouldn't be based on geography, and Medicaid should be uncapped for the territories, like the 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 the administration's commitment to uplifting the territories along with the rest of the country, and I am optimistic about the future."

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