The U.S. House advanced key funding legislation for American Samoa this week. KHJ News Washington D.C., correspondent Matt Kaye has the details.
The FY 2026 Interior Appropriations bill is finally moving.
And while more than three months late, if the Senate follows the House, passage will mark the end several years of funding stagnation for ASG, as Congress fought over spending.
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says the new spending bill will increase funding for local government operations while preserving an earlier boost for the community college…
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[Transc.] Amata: “For American Samoa directly, we added 900-thousand dollars in new money for ASG operations, with a new total from DOI of $29 million. And then, within that, $3 million is designated specifically for American Samoa Community College.”
The FY ’26 Interior bill makes no change to the 83-percent federal Medicaid match and gives the Governor flexibility to use some of the $29 million for hospital construction…a figure that continues years of spending improvements for ASG…
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[Transc.] Amata: “When it comes to spending in Washington, the tide is moving the other way toward reducing new funds. So, it’s a blessing to secure more and avoid a cut. This will be the 7th increase since fiscal year 2018. So the fund is up $6.3 million since then.”
The next hurdle is the Senate, where unrelated issues have stymied passing more spending bills after enacting Agriculture, Veteran Affairs, military construction, and legislative branch last year.
Up next, in addition to Interior and Environment, are energy and water, and Commerce, Justice, and Science.
