Washington, DC — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata attended the State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, and highlighted President Joe Biden’s statements on China, as well as needs like healthcare and food prices.

 “I especially appreciate that Brittany Alkonis, wife of U.S. Navy Lt. Ridge Alkonis, was there as the guest of Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, as many Members of Congress are urging that Lt. Alkonis be returned to the United States,” said Congresswoman Amata.

 “U.S. policy continues to pivot more toward the Pacific in light of China’s strategic moves,” continued Aumua Amata. “I look forward to Committee work pertaining to the Pacific, and I will remind policy leaders in Washington that American Samoa has a sensible role to play in placement of Coast Guard cutters that could make a statement of U.S. commitment to the region and the preservation of U.S. fishing rights.”

 “As expected, the President talked about Ukraine,” noted Amata. “The country stands together against Russia’s aggression and supports Ukraine within the established framework of working with others in the region for supplies, diplomacy, economic and humanitarian aid that doesn’t put the U.S. on a war footing.”

 “Food security is national security, and more needs to be done in response to escalating food prices and fuel prices,” she said. “This includes examination of U.S. regulatory handling of the chicken population, so that important foods like eggs remain available and affordable.”

She concluded, “Healthcare policy is an ongoing topic in American Samoa and our Veterans’ care, and we will always seek ways forward for modernized healthcare facilities to serve the people of American Samoa.”