Amata highlights Seniority & Working Relationships in re-election campaign
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Over the weekend Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata confirmed her intention to run for re-election and spoke with Samoa News. Here is a summary of the conversation:
“As you know, I am running for reelection to continue to serve and represent our people in Washington. My purpose is to use my seniority and decades of relationships to ensure American Samoa is treated well and fairly in funding allocations and grant programs. That has not historically been the case until recent years. As the representative from a distant territory, with one of the smallest populations of any Member of Congress, I remind myself of the Scripture (II Cor. 12:10) that ‘when I am weak I am strong.’ That is true because of God's blessing on our efforts, and because of the characteristics God has instilled in our people, to be strong, resilient, patient and persistent.
“Because I represent American Samoa on the Republican National Committee, where I am its most senior member, I have been able over the years to establish firm friendships with colleagues who have gone on to other important leadership positions, including Wyoming national committeeman John Barrasso, now the third highest leader in the Senate, Wyoming national committeewoman Hageman, who is now the Indian and Insular Subcommittee chairman in the House, Utah national committeeman Rep. Rob Bishop, who chaired the House Natural Resources Committee for six years and, most recently, Oklahoma party chairman Tom Cole, who now is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
“But while RNC officers and staff try to elect Republicans to office, its other members and I act as a board of directors, giving general political guidance to RNC and I do not get involved in elections against Democrats in Congress at all.
“Seniority and relationships are especially important in these times of divided government. I expect continued narrow majorities in the next Congress following the nationwide outcome of this election.
“Moreover, American Samoa does not have a senator of our own, making it more essential than ever that our islands have a representative who knows Senators and House leaders personally and can reach them with just a phone call or get a meeting by walking by their office.
“For instance, I started 2023 spending a few days in a small delegation with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, so I know the leadership of either party, and I'm ready to work without pause in every scenario.
“When I speak of seniority and relationships, it's not in pride. These are tools of the job. Instead, I am as humbled by public service as the first time I was elected. It is the honor of my life to represent my home islands and our people.
“My only pride is in American Samoa itself, and talking about our beautiful home islands to people in Washington. Wherever I go, wearing the puletasi — American Samoa is seen and remembered by lawmakers and policy leaders.
“I am committed to bipartisanship whenever possible, and I have a track record of it, to best advance the interests of American Samoa. Other Members know I will take a look at legislation, not just the party of the Member introducing the bill.
“Party lines in Washington don't always mean much to what's best for local funding, the Pacific region, or Veterans' services.
“My overriding goal is an American Samoa with more opportunity for each generation than the one before. I will be persistent and stay the course, knowing that starting all over in the House of Representatives would be a step back.
“I appreciate your prayers that God would continue to lead and bless our efforts so that our islands and our families go forward together.”
BACGROUND
Congresswoman Amata was first elected in 2014 and assumed office on January 3, 2015. Her 5th term ends on January 3, 2025.
In 2012, she became the most senior member of the Republican National Committee. She has served on the Executive Council, the Committee on Arrangements, and the Standing Committee on Rules and was an at-large delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention from American Samoa.
As a delegate, Amata is one of six nonvoting members of Congress. However these six delegates — including Uifa’atali Amata vote in committee
In 2012, the Congresswoman became the most senior member of the Republican National Committee. She has served on the Executive Council, the Committee on Arrangements, and the Standing Committee on Rules.
Amata was an at-large delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention from American Samoa.
She currently serves on the following committees in the U.S. House:
• Committee on Natural Resources
• Indian and Insular Affairs
• Water, Oceans, and Wildlife