Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata will serve on two House Committees for the 118th Congress — the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.

This will be Congresswoman Amata’s first stint on the Foreign Affairs Committee, marking a change for her fifth term in Congress. The Committee is led by Chairman Michael McCaul of Texas, a senior Member serving since being elected in 2004, and the former Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

“After participating in the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders in Honolulu and observing the U.S.-Pacific Islands summit in Washington last year,” said Aumua Amata, “it became clear to me that the threat China poses to the stability of our region, requires the U.S. to become much more active in the region and that a Samoan perspective in congressional oversight and lawmaking would be the best way to protect our interests.

“I am humbled to take on these new responsibilities,” she continued. “I look forward to bringing a viewpoint from the Pacific Islands to the Committee’s duties.”

She will also continue serving on the House Committee on Natural Resources, where she has served since first being sent to Congress eight years ago. The Natural Resources Committee has oversight responsibilities regarding the insular areas and the Department of the Interior. She has also served on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, most recently as Vice Ranking Member.

The Natural Resources Committee is led by Chairman Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, who was Ranking Member in the last Congress. Prior to his time in Congress, he served in the state legislature in Arkansas, including as Majority Leader.

“I’m delighted to welcome Congresswoman Radewagen back to the Committee on Natural Resources.

“Her years of experience and tireless advocacy for American Samoa is vital as we craft our vision for the majority,” said Westerman. “Republicans have the opportunity to show the world that our policies will unlock our resources, revamp our economy, and end our dependence on our adversaries once and for all.

“Our committee is ready to hit the ground running and deliver on these promises and more this Congress. Let’s get to work!”

Amata said, “As a representative of American Samoa, the Natural Resources Committee has a key role for our people, as the Committee has responsibility for all federal areas related to the territories.

“I look forward to continuing our efforts on the Committee to support and strengthen American Samoa, and work together with the other territories for the most effective outcomes.”

Meanwhile, the subcommittee assignments for the various committees and other leadership roles with the various committees have not yet been announced.

Congresswoman Amata also serves as Co-Chair of the Pacific Islands Caucus, and this term, has added a leadership role in the 80-member Western Caucus as a Vice Chair.