Amata hears issues important to residents at two Town Hall meetings

Washington, DC — Uifa’atali Amata held two Town Hall meetings in American Samoa last week during the District Work Period when Congress was not in session in Washington, D.C. and she was back in the territory. The first meeting was in the village of Vailoa, and another was held with the Tongan community’s church leaders.

Town hall meetings are opportunities to listen to various concerns and topics raised, give legislative updates, and talk about issues that are important to the community.

 “Thank you to everyone who took part in these discussions,” Amata said. “I always enjoy these conversations, but they are also important so I know what the people of American Samoa need as I express priorities in Washington, D.C.”

A wide range of topics were discussed, including questions regarding the one parent issue; US Citizenship and U.S. National Status; immigration; Nonimmigrant Visas; the Student Loan Forgiveness Program; Service Academies; local agriculture; infrastructure projects; the Taputimu Road; FDIC status for TBAS and banking options for the territory; travel difficulties to Tonga from American Samoa without direct flights, and other topics.

 “If you have similar questions, my staff can often provide the answer, so reach out to our office in Fagatogo when you have a concern,” Amata said. “I appreciated compliments that were expressed to our American Samoa congressional office staff at the town halls, along with recognition of the efforts to secure federal funding. Our focus will continue on priorities such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and our military families.”

Town hall meetings are opportunities to listen to various concerns and topics raised, give legislative updates, and talk about issues that are important to the community.  “Thank you to everyone who took part in these discussions,” Amata said. [courtesy photo]