Congresswoman Aumua Amata has responded to Governor Lolo Moliga’s request to look into the distribution of funding for the territories particularly American Samoa from the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES ACT.
The governor was concerned that American Samoa’s needs were being relegated secondary status to those of the states with high numbers of coronavirus cases.
Aumua said, “Congress has taken extraordinary action to help America defeat the coronavirus. In the span of one month we have passed three major bills to provide the resources to win this fight.
Congress first passed an $8.3 billion emergency funding package focused on testing, treatment,
and telehealth.
“Two weeks later congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act,
which included extended sick and family leave for individuals forced to stay home as we try to
stop the spread. It also included free coronavirus testing. And of course just last week, we passed
the largest relief package in American history for states and territories — a combination of $2.2
trillion in small business grants, direct cash payments of $1200 to individuals and $500 per child
in families, extended unemployment benefits, and $140 billion for hospitals and medical supply
procurement.
In response to the governor’s question about the direct aid funding formula, Aumua said the nearly $40 million in direct funds were part of a $3 billion block grant funding that is for all of the territories and the District of Columbia on a population-based formula.
American Samoa received nearly double the per capita amount per resident of the 50 States, as California received approximately $350 per capita, while American Samoa receives almost $700 per person.
Future legislation will likely address further state and territory needs as the Coronavirus health pandemic evolves.
The congresswoman said there are additional funds as well including:
- $55 million in additional insular areas assistance grants for DOI/OIA that ASG will be part of;
- The $1200 stimulus checks and
- $600 per week pandemic unemployment assistance we were able to get included in as a “state”
- participation in the SBA’s $350 billion direct loan program
- other HHS grants available for demonstrated need
Future legislation in Congress will reflect the needs of the national emergency as it develops.
Proposals for additional aid to besieged states and territory governments and for infrastructure assistance are circulating and will be timely reviewed by Congress in the coming weeks.
The congresswoman said, “Timely information from the ASG will be helpful in framing our requests going forward and will continue our partnership with the ASG team in Pago and Washington to get thru this health crisis and return to our wonderful way of life in American Samoa.
“The good news is that Congress included direct aid of almost $40 million in the bill which will
arrive in April from the Treasury Secretary to cover the $16.9 million in your request and more
with these initial funds as those costs are sure to grow. This does not include part of the $55
million in additional insular area grants for DOI/OIA. Also, $1200 stimulus checks per adult
and $500 per child will be sent in the coming weeks as you know from the U.S. Treasury which
will coordinate with your Administration.”
Click here for full text of Congresswoman’s letter to the Governor:Aumua-to-Lolo
