Congresswoman re-elect Uifa’atali Amata and American Samoa could be in a stronger position in the 119th Congress after yesterday’s elections. KHJ Washington correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
Congresswoman Amata is likely to have added political clout in the House, especially if Republicans keep the majority, which may not be decided for days.
Amata is expected to rise above 200 in seniority among the 435 House members and 5 island representatives plus DC’s delegate.
Uifa’atali Amata could be in line to chair the Natural Resources’ Committee on Insular and Indian Affairs should current chair Harriet Hageman move to a new assignment and the GOP keep the majority—or even be vice-ranking, if not.
Amata would also likely in a GOP-led House, retain her post as Vice-Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, where Pacific security is key amid China’s increasing military threats.
Guam GOP Secretary Shelly Gibson says the US build-up there is noticeable and the Republican sweep in Guam, the CNMI and American Samoa will bolster island unity behind defense…
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Meanwhile, Amata may stay on as Vice-Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee—also key for American Samoa.
The Congresswoman plans to push next year for her Pacific healthcare initiative, with LBJ hospital the central spoke in a regionwide hub system to improve care and avoid expensive off-island medical travel.
Amata will also continue to seek fishing exemptions for American Samoa’s tuna fleet in the expanded Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.
Also on tap in the 119th Congress: completing action on the South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act, 30A tax credit renewal key for the local cannery, and port, hospital and other infrastructure funding.
Separately, Congresswoman Amata will again try to boost Coast Guard presence in American Samoa to counter China’s security and economic threats, including illegal fishing.
