01/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2025 20:56
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is reassuring the people of American Samoa that congressional grants are likely to continue following a brief review of federal spending that is in the pipeline, including billions in spending that President Biden ordered in his final days in office.
"President Trump's order creates a review by the Office of Management and Budget with a working date of February 10th," said Congresswoman Amata. "American Samoa relies on federal support including grants for services. Many are yearly grants, so those local services should go forward, and I expect prompt federal resolution as Congress and the administration work on the President's concerns. The President does have a clear responsibility to review spending and prevent waste, but Congress must ensure that funding mandated under the law takes place.
"I understand the President's urgency to get our massive national debt spending under control, and this nationwide order will be a temporary effort to rapidly assess spending and address waste, goals he campaigned on, then release important funding very soon. Much of federal spending is mandated by law, while in some cases the executive might have leeway to spend 'up to' the upper limit set by Congress. So, aspects of this order could be tested in the courts.
"This is a developing story, and I will be transparent about whatever I learn regarding how this can affect American Samoa. As always, I will work to secure what American Samoa needs and ensure we are fairly treated with the states.
"Finally, we are a people of faith, and are advised many times in Scripture to not live in fear. I am confident our necessary funding will come through, and I will continue to report back from Washington."
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