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Acting Governor appreciates Congressional support for new hospital

Lt. Governor Talauega Ale
compiled by Samoa News staff

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — When the U.S. House of Representatives passed a “minibus” appropriations bill on July 29, 2021, the legislation took funding approved to various federal government agencies, including The Department of Interior one step closer to reality.

Of particular importance to American Samoa, it contains an increase of $2.5 million to the Dept. of Interior — and thanks to Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata — it has been approved for the planning efforts toward a new and improved hospital for American Samoa.

In a press release issued by the Governor’s Office, Acting Governor Talauega Ale said, “Improving healthcare has been a priority for this administration since taking oath, and this legislation will allow for the American Samoa Government to move forward in our efforts to begin planning for a new hospital.

“I want to commend Cong. Amata and her staff for their continuous support of this initiative as promised during Governor Lemanu’s initial testimony before the U.S. House Committee of Natural Resources earlier this year — as well as the unwavering support of the Congressman Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, shown during the same committee hearing.”

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga said in his statement to the House Committee of Natural Resources, “We are interested in building a new hospital in a new location versus renovating the old hospital. A new hospital will allow American Samoa to save lots of money sending off patients off the island while treating them here locally.”

U.S. Congressional members “Amata and Westerman have been supportive of efforts for a new Hospital. However, we will need to pull back to move forward. Meaning, we need to focus on other areas of government that need to be improved for all citizens to enjoy the new hospital. We need to improve the modes of sea and air transportation, seashore protection, and critical infrastructure,” the governor concluded.

According to the press release this bill and its support is a step forward in improved healthcare as promised to territory’s people. Acting Governor Talauega expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Congresswoman Amata for her leadership and commitment to the people of American Samoa.

The bill is now in the U.S. Senate where it must either pass a Senate vote on its own or more likely be reconciled to legislation produced there.

(Sources: Gov. Office press release, SN archives)