Amata discusses local issues at Asili Townhall

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata held a townhall meeting in Asili Village recently to listen to local issues, gather information to take back to Washington, and give a legislative update.

The Congresswoman highlighted legislation, such as the recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which provides increased federal funding for infrastructure efforts in cooperation with the Territory.

“Asili made me feel so welcome, and it was a real pleasure being in the village,” concluded Aumua Amata. “I especially appreciate the attendance, and the helpful clarity on these priorities. I will continue to have townhalls when I’m not in Washington.”

The Congresswoman has since returned to Washington, D.C. over the weekend.

HHS LANGUAGE GRANT

The Congresswoman has received grant notification of federal funds supporting the efforts of the American Samoa Language Academy, a language program by Intersections, Inc., a nonprofit focused on creating opportunities for children and families, especially in underserved communities.

This discretionary grant of $217,520 is through the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, its Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and its Administration for Native Americans (ANA).

 “Thank you to HHS, ACF and ANA for backing this effort with this discretionary federal support,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you especially to Maselui Faleosalafai Tipa for the work that went into obtaining this grant, and the program itself, as these funds will be helpful to these language services. Congratulations to everyone involved in the effort, and its correlation to the important goals of the Samoan Studies Institute at the American Samoa Community College.”

 “Federal funding is important throughout our community to help ensure a variety of services are available,” concluded Amata.