Federal assistance for the LBJ hospital, why American Samoa‘s operations grant has not increased, the US South Pacific Tuna Treaty, air transportation and federal regulations affecting American Samoa were among topics that Congresswoman Aumua Amata was asked about at a joint session of the Senate and House today.
The two female representatives Atalina Asifoa and Vui Florence Saulo pressed the congresswoman for assistance for the LBJ Hospital given the dire straits that the medical facility is in at the moment.
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale interjected saying that the hospital issue is a local one that the territorial government should deal with.
Rep. Asifoa said since the congresswoman was present it was a good opportunity to seek her input on what can be done to assist the hospital, especially since the administration and Fono have not been able to resolve the critical situation at the hospital.
Asifoa, a nurse by profession urged the congresswoman to utilize her connections on Capitol Hill to get help for the hospital.
Tuala-uta Representative Vui Florence Saulo echoed Asifoa’s comments.
She asked the Congresswoman to seek out all avenues with her colleagues in the US Congress to perhaps build a new hospital.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata responded that she has been seeking assistance for the critical needs of the local hospital.
She said she has discussed with the Secretary of the VA, if the veterans Administration could fund a wing extension to the LBJ hospital for local veterans.
She told lawmakers that she will update them with new development to this request as she sees that the hospital situation is serious.
