Congresswoman Amata holds town hall meeting for Tualauta district

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s recent visit to the territory she held a hall meeting in Tualauta district.

“We had such a great crowd turn out, and the room was filled,” said Congresswoman Amata who thanked the crowd for attending. “I’m always pleased to see a good representation of our people, from youth to seniors, so thank you to everyone who took part. I plan to hold more town hall meetings in the coming months.”

Attending were High Chief Leomiti Faitamai and High Talking Chief Poloai Pania Poloai, as the gathering was held at High Chief Leomiti’s guest house in Pavaiai. A town hall meeting like this is both a listening session, and often an opportunity to give an update about events, legislation or discussions in Washington.

“Currently, work is underway on the National Defense Authorization Act with a proposed pay increase for our U.S. Armed Forces,” Amata said. “I will be in Washington working on American Samoa’s place in the next year’s round of appropriations and legislation for infrastructure, healthcare, education, veterans, and our military families.”

Typically, a wide range of topics were discussed at the town hall, including questions regarding Nonimmigrant Visas, US Citizenship, Congressional nominations to U.S. Service Academies for students, and other topics.

“I want to express your priorities in Washington, so these meetings are a great time to bring up the topics that are on your minds,” Amata concluded. “Throughout the year, if you have questions, my staff will often know the answer, or can provide it, so reach out to our office in Fagatogo with these kinds of needs.”

HOUSE PASSES MILITARY PAY RAISE

The U.S. House of Representtives passed on Friday, July 14, a 5.2 percent pay raise for the Armed Forces, the largest one-year pay boost in two decades.

The pay increase is part of the yearly major Defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2024, which directs $886 billion to the Department of Defense and national security efforts at the Department of Energy.

Once the U.S. Senate also passes a bill, probably in July, there will then likely be a reconciliation effort due to expected differences between the House and Senate versions, however the pay provision itself has broad agreement.

“This would be the largest pay raise for our military in 20 years, and it is well-deserved, especially helping to offset increases in living expenses in recent years,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I expect there to continue to be lots of support in both Senate and House for a pay increase for those serving in our Armed Forces.”

Regionally, the bill would also increase funding for the Pacific Defense Initiative and for INDO-PACOM priorities in the region, such as freedom of navigation exercises, and support for activities related to the AUKUS partnership (U.S., Australia, and the UK).