Washington, D.C— Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming House passage late Monday of revised economic legislation, H Res 904, in direct response to the Coronavirus and helping people during its impact on economic conditions. This Resolution updated the bill, H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which initially passed Friday of last week. This allows the Senate to now take up the bill.

“This is the second major legislation in direct response to the coronavirus, and there’s early talk of a third bill, because these health steps will impact small businesses and put some people out of work,” said Aumua Amata. “The Families First Coronavirus Response Act addresses food assistance, Medicaid, sick leave and unemployment insurance. This is in addition to the $8 billion Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, signed into law already. That first act has already resulted in a $370,000 health grant for American Samoa. That new law is focused on the medical side supporting vaccine development, treatment research, mass production of tests, along with acquiring medical supplies and equipment.”

Senate leaders have publicly stated their support for the economic bill that is under consideration, so it is expected to pass, although with the possibility of changes that would require another vote by the House. These legislative steps are in addition to the President’s major announcement Friday of a national emergency declaration, which frees up another $50 billion to respond in various ways to the effort.

Congresswoman Amata said. “I will continue doing my best to keep you updated on actions in Washington and how they might affect American Samoa.”

HHS/CDC GRANT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE

Aumua Amata is welcoming $370,247 in federal health services funds for the American Samoa Department of Health for public health crisis response.

This is a discretionary grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) designated for the Cooperative Agreement for Emergency Response: Public Health Crisis Response. Specifically, the funds are through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and their Coordinating Office for Preparedness & Emergency Response.

“These are timely funds for American Samoa,” said Aumua Amata. “Departments like HHS and agencies like CDC now have helpful added flexibility of knowing new health and emergency funds are on the way, since Congress passed the $8 billion coronavirus package, along with ongoing legislative efforts.”

“Thank you to Emergency Preparedness Director Ben Sili for his work on this program, and congratulations to Health Director Motusa Nua,” said Amata. “Most of all, thank you to our medical professionals and first responders for their readiness in this time of heightened awareness. Finally, I appreciate this financial action by the Trump administration and HHS Secretary Alex Azar.”

On Friday, March 6, the President signed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. The supplemental contains $8.3 billion government-wide, with resources directed for grants or cooperative agreements to states, localities, and territories to accelerate planning and operational readiness for COVID-19 preparedness and response, as well as develop tools and strategies, provide technical assistance and program support, as well as ensure ongoing communication and coordination among public health agencies and partners throughout the response. 

“Our state, local, tribal and territorial public health partners are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. The action we are taking today will continue to support their efforts to increase public health capacity where it’s needed most,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “These funds will allow public health leaders to implement critical steps necessary to contain and mitigate spread of the virus in communities across the country.”