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Amata Honors the Birthday of the U.S. Army  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the U.S. Army’s birthday, which marks the founding of the U.S. Army on June 14, 1775. 

“While last year we celebrated 250 years of service by the U.S. Army, this year we will soon celebrate the sesquicentennial of the great nation that our Army safeguards. We wish a very special happy birthday to the U.S. Army and all our soldiers, including veterans and those currently serving,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The Army happens to share a birthday, although two years apart, with the U.S. Flag that our soldiers defend and cherish.”

The U.S. Army has a proud history beginning in 1775, when the volunteers of the first continental army encamped around British-held Boston, in Massachusetts. The Continental Congress commissioned George Washington of Virginia, who had experience and a prior militia rank of colonel, as the first commanding General in U.S. history. The U.S. Army today is composed of hundreds of thousands of personnel, including the soldiers of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. 

“We are rightfully proud of our Toa o Samoa, and thankful for your service,” Amata continued. “Today we honor our soldiers, wherever they are stationed, including our own Army Reserve right here, and our many Army Veterans.”

“Congress is currently working on the next yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to direct the Pentagon, and yearly appropriations legislation,” she concluded. “I will always support a strong, well-equipped, effectively trained, and properly compensated U.S. Army, ready to preserve peace, defend the country and ensure the cause of freedom.”

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Amata Highlights the Birthday of the U.S. Flag

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Pago Pago – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the June 14th birthday of the United States Flag, known as Flag Day nationally.

“The birthday of the U.S. flag is a yearly flag-flying holiday, and this year it is just 20 days before the historic 250th birthday celebration of the United States. It was on June 14, 1777, that the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, which established the main features of the flag, already in use at the time by General George Washington, who was influential in the permanent U.S. flag’s colors and appearance. Since then, the red and white stripes, and blue field with white stars have been continuously part of the flag, while the pattern of the stars has changed with the growth in the number of states, most recently in 1959 with the Pacific additions of Alaska and Hawai’i.

“Here in American Samoa, we hail the raising of the U.S. flag every year on April 17th, our own wonderful and unique holiday, but we proudly celebrate with the United States on this year’s birthday of the flag,” concluded Amata. “The flag is symbolic throughout the world of the ideals of freedom. On every patriotic day, we think of our Toa o Samoa, past and present, for their service under this great flag, widely known as ‘Old Glory’ and the ‘Star-spangled Banner.’”

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Amata Honors Women Veterans Recognition Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring Women Veterans Recognition Day (June 12), a day specifically recognizing the historical milestone on June 12, 1948, when the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law by President Harry Truman. From this point on, U.S. Servicewomen have had full and permanent membership in the Armed Forces.

“Our women veterans are fully included in our traditional Veterans Day each November, and this is not a separate Veterans Day, rather this historical date honors the acknowledgement and inclusion of women since 1948, and all they mean to our Armed Forces,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata, who is Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC). “This important change took place after the dedicated service of many women in support of the great victory in World War II. Women Veterans have continued to take part in the defense of the United States, and serve in vital missions and duties. This recognition day honors their devoted service, sacrifice, and bravery.”

In this file photo, Amata was at a memorial to Sgt. Tina Safaira Time at the Army Women’s Museum in Virginia.

“In American Samoa, the U.S. military has been an important part of the lives of many of our young women, whether a starting point or their life calling, and a great part of their educational opportunities and success stories, such as the career of my Chief of Staff Leafaina Tavai,” concluded Amata. “As we honor our women veterans of American Samoa we should always have special remembrance for one of our own, Sgt. Tina Safaira Time, who passed in December 2004, serving our nation with honor and dedication in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was 22 years old, and that will be 22 years ago this December.”

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Amata Highlights $12.2 Million Nutrition Support in Agriculture Appropriations

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting progress for American Samoa’s federal nutrition support in 2027, which is set at $12.2 million in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, H.R. 8646. 

Under this bill, which passed the House, American Samoa’s nutrition support increases $500,000 over the prior year, and would be up $2.2 million since 2023. The Senate must also pass the bill to be signed into law.

Congresswoman Amata recently in her office building in DC

“Once again, American Samoa’s nutrition funds would be secured and increased under this bill, even though there are nationwide efforts to restrain costs throughout the rest of the bill,” said Congresswoman Amata. “This is the highest priority for us in the Agriculture bill. Our nutrition plan is important to our people and I give it my support in Washington. Thank you again to Chairman Tom Cole, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, as well as Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris and Subcommittee Ranking Member Sanford Bishop for ensuring that our funding, including the growth of the last several years, is protected in this legislation, so it can continue to serve our people.”

Nationally, the overall bill trims discretionary funding by 1.4 percent. The bill funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and important programs like SNAP and WIC. The bill supports Rural Development programs that support water, wastewater, and electrical infrastructure grants, boosts “Buy American” policies, invests in food, drug, and medical device safety and inspections, and adds oversight to foreign purchases of U.S. agricultural land and foreign-manufactured drug imports.

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Amata’s Four Requests Advance Including $1 Million Boost for American Samoa Operations and $1 Million for Port

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Bills Designate $3 Million for ASCC, New Report on Pago Pago Port Improvements 

Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming advancement of four of her legislative priorities in two bills, as the House is moving forward another $1 million increase for American Samoa’s OIA Operations fund, at Amata’s request. Further, that same bill includes her requests to designate $3 million to ASCC, and to direct DOI to provide Congress with a federally funded report on Pago Pago Port improvements planning. 

Congresswoman Amata with Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole

Another bill includes Amata’s additional $1 million earmark for the Port of Pago Pago for use in 2027 – separate from the report on future improvements. On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee passed both the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill by a vote of 35-27, and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill by a vote of 34-27.

Upon full House and Senate passage, the $1 million addition would boost American Samoa’s operations fund to a record $30 million for the year. The separate $1 million earmark for the Port was obtained working cooperatively with American Samoa Government, and repeats the FY2026 $1 million earmark, also for port improvement.

“These four priorities are great news, continuing to build up our funding, with two separate $1 million increases, another round of $3 million backing for ASCC, and a report to Congress to make clear the next steps in more Port improvements,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “The upkeep and modernization of the Port of Pago Pago is absolutely critical to our shipping and supply, our fishing industry, and our future economy. It’s a pleasure to work on our appropriations with my friend, Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, and on these bills respectively with Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree on one, and Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack and Ranking Member James Clyburn on the other.”

Since Fiscal Year 2018, Congresswoman Amata’s yearly requests in the Interior bill have increased the Operations fund substantially after prior years of level funding. This $1 million increase would bring that total up to $7.3 million in new growth over that time. Importantly, Amata’s requests for American Samoa are advancing despite slowed growth and cutbacks to the nationwide OIA budget in some of those years, including 2026 and 2027.

In the second of Amata’s Interior requests, the bill once again has $3 million designated for the year to American Samoa Community College (ASCC). This would direct one-tenth of the Operations Fund to ASCC, however, the Fund has grown by well more than twice that designated amount.

Finally, the bill has a third of Amata’s Interior requests, directing DOI to complete a new report within 90 days of final passage on proposals to modernize ports in the four smaller territories, and notably, it singles out only the Port of Pago Pago by name, making certain Pago Pago is featured in the DOI information gathering and planning on port renovation efforts. This report will be funded by the federal government through the OIA’s Maintenance Assistance Fund. 

Next steps for both bills include full House consideration followed by likely reconciliation efforts with a Senate bill. These bills support all federal interior and insular grants and services for FY2027, as well as highways and ports.

For Fiscal Year 2026, which is last year legislatively, Amata secured $900,000 for a new total of $29 million in American Samoa’s fund through Interior. Additionally, from 2018-2025, Amata secured increases of $250,000, $718,000, $400,000, $500,000, $2.5 million, and $1 million, all accumulated in this legislation.

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Ranking Member Huffman Statement on Trump’s Order to Destroy Fragile Marine Monuments

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

June 12, 2026

Washington,D.C – Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement on Trump’s Executive Proclamation to open marine monuments in the Pacific Ocean to fishing operations:

“Again and again, Trump has broken the law to exploit our oceans, whether it’s to drill, kill offshore wind, or use American fishermen as pawns in his political games. This is another one of his grifts. The tuna fleet already catches its quota every year; this announcement doesn’t provide a single additional fish. Instead, it puts the nation’s most pristine, most sensitive ocean habitats at risk, disrupting marine food webs for the birds, corals, whales, sharks, and sea turtles that depend on these healthy habitats.

“These monuments took decades to build, and they protect life found nowhere else on Earth. Past Presidents from both parties permanently protected these areas because of their importance to seabirds, corals, and unique marine life, as well as the deep cultural connection Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have to these areas. Coastal families and Indigenous communities depend on these waters for food and their future.

“This won’t help a single fisherman. All this does is deliver on Project 2025 promises to strip protections for these special places. These waters mean too much for us to let this happen. We’re going to fight for them.”

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SCHNEIDER, YAKYM INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN CONCRETE PUMP TAX FAIRNESS ACT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02), members of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Concrete Pump Tax Fairness Act. This bipartisan legislation would replace the current fuel tax on mobile mounted concrete boom pumps with a mileage-based user fee.
 

“Concrete pumps shouldn’t face unfair double taxation – leading to stalled construction sites nationwide,” said Schneider. “As fuel and equipment costs rise, I’m glad to work with my colleague Rep. Yakym on a bipartisan commonsense solution to right this wrong and ensure concrete pumping is treated fairly under the tax code like other pieces of mobile machinery in the construction industry. Our concrete pump operators must be able to continue to provide the essential services that ensure our communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive.” 
 

“Concrete pump operators are the backbone of American construction. Many of the buildings you walk into was built by these hardworking men and women,” said Yakym. “This commonsense bill ensures that this vital construction equipment that builds America receives the same tax treatment as other mobile machinery.” 
 

“Concrete pumping is how America builds — hospitals, schools, bridges, homes. Without concrete pump operators, job sites simply don’t move,” said Christi Collins, Executive Director, American Concrete Pumping Association. “At a time when our industry facing significant fuel and equipment costs, our industry deserves to be treated fairly under the tax laws. The Concrete Pump Tax Fairness Act does that. It recognizes the essential role the concrete pump industry plays in the American economy and takes a commonsense step toward ensuring our businesses receive fair tax treatment extended to other mobile machinery in the construction industry. The bill will make a real difference for the many concrete pump businesses and the jobs they support in South Bend, North Chicago, and throughout the Country. We’re grateful to Representatives Yakym and Schneider for their leadership in championing this bill and for standing up for the hardworking men and women who build this country every day.”  
 

“Concrete pump operators are essential to construction across Chicagoland and throughout this country, and we’ve long deserved the same fair tax treatment that other industries take for granted,” said Jordan Hanson, President & CEO, Yard 1 LLC Concrete Pumping. “Small businesses in this industry are working hard to stay competitive in a tough environment, and unnecessary tax burdens make that harder. This legislation is a meaningful step forward, and it will be felt by concrete pumping companies and their employees across the Midwest and beyond. We’re grateful to Representatives Schneider and Yakym for standing up for our industry and for understanding what it takes to keep American construction moving.” 

“For too long, concrete pumpers have been paying fuel tax that was never intended for equipment that doesn’t operate only on public roads. The taxes paid have added to a real unnecessary cost burden for business across the Midwest and the entire country. This legislation corrects that and sends a message that Washington recognizes the essential role our industry plays in building America. I’m proud to support it and deeply grateful to Representatives Yakym and Schneider for their leadership in making it happen,” said Gary Brown, Operation Manager, R.L. McCoy Concrete Pumping; Midwest Regional Director, Past President for the American Concrete Pumping Association. 
 

Mobile mounted concrete boom pumps are the workhorses of American construction, yet under current law, they’re taxed differently than virtually every other piece of comparable mobile machinery on job sites across the country. While similar construction equipment benefits from alternative tax treatment, concrete pump operators are stuck paying a fuel tax that doesn’t reflect how their equipment is actually used. 

The Concrete Pump Tax Fairness Act levels the playing field by: 

  • Replacing the existing fuel tax with a mileage-based user fee — $0.05 per mile for vehicles under 60,000 pounds and $0.07 per mile for vehicles over 60,000 pounds — so operators are taxed on road use, not fuel consumption; 
     

You can read more about the Concrete Pump Tax Fairness Act here.  

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SCHNEIDER, BIPARTISAN LAWMAKERS REINTRODUCE RISE ACT TO EXPAND RETIREMENT ACCESS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

Washington, DC — Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, alongside Representatives Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Adrian Smith (NE-3), and Linda Sánchez (CA-38) today reintroduced the Retirement Investment in Small Employers (RISE) Act, legislation to help micro-businesses and service providers offer retirement plans and expand access to savings opportunities for American workers.

The SECURE 2.0 Act expanded retirement plan startup tax credits for small businesses, covering up to 100 percent of administrative and startup costs for new plans. However, many micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees were unable to fully benefit due to the credit formula. The RISE Act fixes this gap, ensuring the smallest employers can access the full value of these incentives while also expanding eligibility to include service providers and other independent businesses that help deliver affordable retirement plan options.

“Nearly half of America’s workers are employed by small businesses and therefore lack access to employee sponsored retirement plans. The RISE Act helps break down these barriers by addressing the costs and administrative complexity that often prevent small businesses from offering retirement benefits. Small businesses are a key driver of American innovation and a cornerstone of the American economy, yet too many small businesses face barriers to success that larger corporations often do not. We must ensure that the millions of Americans helping small businesses and their local communities thrive, also have the chance to ensure their own their financial security,” said Congressman Schneider. 

“Main street is the lifeblood of Upstate New York communities, but too many lack the tools to offer retirement benefits to their employees. The RISE Act ensures that micro-businesses can fully access the retirement plan tax credits already available under current law and expands eligibility so more employers can participate. This commonsense fix will help workers save for the future, strengthen small businesses, and support long-term economic stability in communities like those across NY-24,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

“Everyone deserves a secure retirement, regardless of where they work. Our bill ensures that the more than half of Americans employed by small businesses have access to the same quality retirement plans as employees at large corporations,” said Congresswoman Sanchez.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and the driving force behind our local economies employing nearly half of Nebraska’s workforce. They are more than storefronts and services — they are our neighbors, friends, and the familiar faces on Main Street. But rising costs and administrative burdens make it difficult for many small businesses to offer retirement savings plans, putting workers’ financial futures at risk. Our RISE Act will level the playing field by helping small businesses remain competitive and empowering them to provide hardworking employees with the retirement security they deserve,” said Congressman Smith. 

This legislation is also supported by the American Retirement Association:

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, yet too many still lack access to the tools and incentives needed to offer retirement plans to their workers. The RISE Act takes a smart, targeted approach to expanding retirement coverage by strengthening the startup tax credit for the smallest employers and reducing the administrative burdens that often stand in the way of offering a plan. By making it easier and more affordable for small businesses to provide workplace retirement benefits, Representatives Tenney, Schneider, Sánchez, and Smith are helping more Americans build long-term financial security through the workplace retirement system,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association.

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Trahan Celebrates Opening of Acton Community Center

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) celebrated the ribbon cutting of Acton’s new Community Center at 17 Woodbury Lane. Trahan secured $750,000 Community Project Funding and the Town of Acton used $600,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to complete the project. 
“Unique projects like this don’t have one straight forward funding source. They need leaders to work together and find different funding sources to get them across the finish line, and today we can say we got it done,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Thank you to all our local and state leaders for years of hard work and partnership to bring this vision of a new community center to life. I hope this new Center brings the community together and serves as a place of joy and unity for all.”
“We thank Congresswoman Trahan for her leadership and strong support for this project,” said Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti. “The historic Asaph Parlin House at 17 Woodbury Lane had been deteriorating after decades of debate over use and lack of available funding. The $750,000 federal earmark was the catalyst that helped move this project forward along with additional funding from ARPA. With this federal support we were able resolve a local blight and preserve the historic structure in a functional and unique new community space.”
The space, 17 Woodbury Lane, was locally referred to as the Asaph Parlin House after early Acton settlers. Built in the 1860s, the wood-frame house is part of the Historic Acton Centre District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. In 1996, the Town purchased the house with the intent of creating additional space for library events and potentially accommodating a cultural center. The new community center is intended to support municipal and community programming, meetings, and workshops.
During the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process, Trahan secured $750,000 in federal funding for the project. She also cast her vote to pass ARPA in 2021, which delivered unprecedented federal investments in states and towns like Acton. The Town of Acton utilized $600,000 of their federal ARPA allotment to complete the long overdue project.
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Rep. Al Green Addresses How the President’s Racist Commentary Is Normalizing Racism

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor addressing how the president’s racist commentary is normalizing racism. 

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).