Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata testified last Thursday (March 5) before key lawmakers of the Appropriations Committee to emphasize American Samoa's funding requests and appreciated bipartisan supportive statements from the appropriators following her testimony.

Discussing 2027 appropriations on Thursday

Leading her testimony, Congresswoman Aumua Amata requested a $1 million Appropriations boost in 2027 for American Samoa's Operations fund from OIA. If an increase is enacted, it would mark her eighth successful increase since fiscal year 2018, following many years of prior flat funding. The Operations amount, now at $29 million, is currently larger by $6.3 yearly due to these enacted increases, including this year's increase of $900,000, which 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 to the other Members of Congress. "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."

"This (request) is in line with our appropriations from last year and will offset inflation and keep American Samoa from falling behind the rest of the country," she continued, noting that despite difficult budgeting times due to inflation, that same inflation "disproportionately affects the small distant territories due to higher transport fuel and insurance costs."

Discussing American Samoa's funding with Congressman Jake Ellzey, a Member of the Appropriations Committee

The jurisdiction of the hearing covered Amata's several requests that specifically relate to the Interior Department's Office of Insular Affairs (OIA).

$3 Million ASCC Allocation and Education Support

Amata also urged continuing language expressing congressional intent that $3 million of this fund be allocated by the Governor yearly to American Samoa Community College (ASCC), an ongoing priority due to the importance of the college in providing a local educational option in American Samoa.

"Educating our young Americans is the best way to maximize the use of this account and invest in our territory's future," Amata said. "We remain proud to have among the highest military enlistment rates in the county, and wish to continue contributing to this great country, not just through military service but also by investing in the next generation of great thinkers and business owners."

Finally, she requested the Committee to bolster OIA support "to invest in educational projects in the territories."

Amata thanked the Members of Congress for prior support for funds protecting the interest of American Samoa in light of an island economy, and highlighted that this federal funding's role in support of the hospital, judiciary, and education system is "good for the people of American Samoa."

Congresswoman Amata's testimony was received on Member Day of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, which is led by Chairman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). The full Appropriations Committee is led by senior Members of Congress, Chairman Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut).

Video of Amata's testimony is available HERE.

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