Congresswoman in the territory this week after observing U.S. border issues
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata returned to American Samoa on Thursday’s flight, following taking part in U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s visit to the border in the southwestern United States.
“In American Samoa, we are blessed with God-given natural borders. I accompanied the Speaker and a total of 60 Members of Congress visiting the Texas border to see it firsthand. The trip included a number of key colleagues, as well as the Speaker, and I constantly work on building those relationships through opportunities like this one.
“As a Vice Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I know these issues greatly impact some of my colleagues’ districts. It’s not my first time seeing the U.S. border efforts, and each time, I’m impressed with the professional Border Patrol officers I meet and the enormous challenges they face.
“Just as my first focus will always be American Samoa, I understand how many of my colleagues from the southwest see these issues as their major focus because it affects their constituents directly. The U.S. southern border presents serious issues across the board including national security, pressure on resources in federal and state assistance programs, and other ongoing challenges.”
“I’m delighted to be able to be home in American Samoa this week, and will be back in Washington soon for committee hearings and votes.”