Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Headline: Amata Honors American Samoa’s Esteemed Elders
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata was humbled and appreciative to be invited to deliver remarks to our seniors, and communicate how valued, trusted, and respected they are in American Samoa. She thanked Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, as they both joined the Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) at the TAOA Center in celebrating Older Americans Month 2026, highlighting the importance of seniors in communities, as well as the necessity of dependable government services that honor their lifetime of service to their loved ones, jobs, churches and more.
TAOA Center event
“Longevity of life stands as a testament to divine grace for those who revere God. Your careful guidance protects and shapes the next generation. Thank you for your continuous prayers and unwavering support to our country’s collective responsibilities,” said Congresswoman Amata in her remarks in the Samoan language. “Our senior citizens are a profound gift, anchoring our nations and lighting up the entire world with their lifelong wisdom. Led by wisdom they approach, shielded by prudence they find refuge, and stilled by patience they dwell in peace.”
She continued, “We extend our sincere congratulations to Director Paopao, Deputy Director Seumanutafa, Reverend Fetaia’i Fui, and particularly the staff of TAOA. We are deeply grateful for your exemplary service and compassionate dedication to our elderly community.”
Amata appreciates the desire for renewed vouchers in relation to the hot meal program, and will continue working that issue in Washington while collaborating with Director Paopao and ASG, as she supports program funding for TAOA.
Throughout the year, if you have questions about these or other issues, Congresswoman Amata’s staff will often be able to provide that answer, or look into it, so reach out to our office in Fagatogo.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Headline: Amata Highlights $96,750 HHS Grant Supporting Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen is highlighting a federal grant award of $96,750 to the American Samoa Department of Health through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Congresswoman Amata with RFK jr and wife
The grant is awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Family Professional Partnership for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program. The funding supports efforts to strengthen communication and coordination among families, health care providers, and community organizations, helping ensure that children and youth with special health care needs receive responsive care and improved access to services and resources.
“Congratulations to Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, Project Director Ipuniuesea Eliapo-Unutoa, and the entire Department of Health team upon this grant award,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and strong partnerships between families, medical providers, educators, and community organizations play an important role in helping children receive the care and support they need.”
The Family Professional Partnership program encourages family engagement in health care planning and decision-making while helping improve access to services, information, and resources for families of children and youth with special health care needs.
“This grant reflects the importance of supporting families as active partners in health care,” Amata continued. “I appreciate the work of Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, Project Director Ipuniuesea Eliapo-Unutoa, the Department of Health team, and the many professionals, caregivers, and advocates who serve children and families every day in the territory.”
The grant, identified as H84 – Family Professional Partnership/CSHCN, was awarded to the American Samoa Department of Health for the current project period.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Headline: Amata Update on Deep Seabed Mining Opposition
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, in response to several questions from constituents, is providing the following update that continues her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, and her ongoing reasons for opposing.
“I want to emphasize several key points as the federal government is currently conducting the environmental review required by law under the DOI/BOEM process that controls the Federal waters outside of American Samoa from 3-to-200 miles offshore.
“First, federal officials must follow the law and not contemplate any shortcuts just because we are a territory and not a state.
“Second, there cannot be a rush to potential destructive consequences for our oceans, so we need a full and thorough environmental impact statement (EIS) completely based on science, not politics.
“Third, there are many unresolved scientific questions surrounding deep-sea mineral activity, including the potential impacts beyond the mineral extraction sites through sediment movement — known as sediment ‘plumes.’ Since the impact of these are unknown, we have reasonable concerns that this could be catastrophic to fish stocks. Not only does American Samoa rely on healthy fish stocks for our economy, but they are a part of national and even global food security.
“Fourth, I don’t see how the Feds can analyze these new mining processes and their impacts on us in just a few weeks, so I will work to make sure there is a diligent and environmentally thorough process. Further, I will do everything in my power to stop this in its tracks if all legal and environmental hurdles are not well cleared. I don’t see how any legitimate environmental review can ever be done in mere weeks, so that may well become the best case for a challenge once we see the environmental review results, which are expected in a few months according to BOEM and DOI.
“Finally, vigilance by all is required now more than ever, and I will as always keep you posted to any new developments.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)
WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Trump administration proposed a new 25 percent tariff on Brazil:
“This confirms what we knew from the start: President Trump’s Section 301 investigation was never about assessing the facts. It was a sham to impose more tariffs on Brazil.
“Trump has been threatening tariffs to pressure Brazil since returning to office. This is not about trade disputes. This is to undermine democracy and free his ally, former President Bolsonaro, after his own failed coup attempt. Even last week, Trump hosted Bolsonaro’s son at the White House who is running to oust President Lula’s government in Brazil’s upcoming election.
“Trump is using tariffs to settle political scores and Americans are paying the price. He is raising costs for working families while damaging American credibility abroad. Congress created the Section 301 process to protect American workers, not to settle the president’s personal grievances.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress,issued the following statement to mark the start of Pride Month:
“Pride month marks the hard-fought progress that we’ve achieved as a community and brings people together in support of full equality and a future where everyone can live as their authentic selves. We must confront hate and intolerance and keep marching forward to ensure all Americans have the same freedoms, rights, and responsibilities.”
Pappas serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and is New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress. In his role as Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus, he has helped to introduce and passthe Equality Actthrough the House of Representatives and enact the Respect for Marriage Actinto law. Pappas also leads the LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act, which would ban the use of panic defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in federal courts; the SERVE Act, which would guarantee and protect VA benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under discriminatory policies; and led successful callsfor the Food and Drug Administration to reassess policy that blocked members of the LGBTQ+ community from donating blood. He is advocating for the administration to restore funding for the LGBTQ+ 988 Lifeline.
In response to President Trump’s Executive Order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, Pappas has been an outspokenadvocatefor trans servicemembers, including leading an appropriations request to prohibit any funding for the Department of Defense to implement the ban, and he is a cosponsor of the Fit to Serve Act, legislation to prohibit discrimination in the Armed Forces on the basis of gender identity.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)
Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) participated in a business roundtable on Wednesday, co-hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Beaumont.
The discussion brought together business leaders, community stakeholders, and industry representatives from across Southeast Texas to discuss key issues impacting economic growth, including tax policy, infrastructure investment, permitting reform, workforce development, and international trade.
“Southeast Texas helps power the American economy,” said Congressman Babin. “From the Port of Beaumont to our small businesses, manufacturers, energy producers, and job creators, our region plays a critical role in keeping our nation competitive. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from local business leaders about the challenges and opportunities they face. Congress must continue advancing policies that keep taxes low, streamline burdensome regulations, improve infrastructure, strengthen our supply chains, and ensure American businesses can compete and win.”
As Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Babin emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong business climate that encourages investment, innovation, and job creation.
The Port of Beaumont remains one of the nation’s most important strategic and economic assets, serving as a critical gateway for trade, energy exports, and military readiness. Combined with the region’s manufacturing base, petrochemical industry, transportation networks, and small-business community, Southeast Texas continues to be a major driver of economic growth in Texas and across the country.
Congressman Babin thanked the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, and the Port of Beaumont for convening the discussion and providing a valuable forum for local employers to share their perspectives.
“I will continue working with business leaders, community partners, and stakeholders across Southeast Texas to advance policies that strengthen our economy, create opportunity, and ensure our region remains a leader in American industry and commerce,” Babin said.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced his upcoming telephone town hall to help Pennsylvanians fight fraud, stop scams, and ways to protect their personal information.
The town hall, set for Wednesday, June 3, will include a panel of experts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), FBI, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.
“My office often receives numerous calls from constituents who are incredibly concerned about, or have even fallen victim to, scams and fraud,” said Rep. Kelly. “Our goal with this live telephone town hall is to give Pennsylvanians the tools necessary to protect their personal information at a time when scams and fraud are on the rise. We hope you can join us!”
DETAILS
Who: Rep. Mike Kelly & Experts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office What: Live Telephone Town Hall — “Fight Fraud, Stop Scams, & How to Protect Your Personal Information” When: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 6:00p.m. ET Pinless Participant Dial-In: 855-531-1063 Livestream:Facebook.com/MikeKellyPA
BACKGROUND
In April, the FTCannouncedscammers stole $2.1 billion from Americans via social media alone, an eightfold increase since 2020.
Also in April, Butler County officialswarnedresidents of a phone scam and “spoofing” scams.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after President Trump named Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence:
“President Trump’s decision to name Bill Pulte, a housing finance official with no national security experience, as Acting Director of National Intelligence puts political loyalty ahead of national security while our country is at war. At a moment of growing threats around the world, America needs experienced intelligence leadership, not political loyalty tests. Mr. Pulte’s record in government has centered on investigations targeting the President’s political enemies, efforts that crumbled when they faced legal scrutiny. Americans need intelligence leadership focused on protecting our nation, not pursuing President Trump’s political revenge tour.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)
Dingell Raises Concerns Over Administration’s Decision to Allow Chinese-Owned Connected Vehicles in U.S.
Washington, June 2, 2026
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) raised concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to permit Chinese connected vehicles to enter the United States, warning that allowing this poses a serious threat to American national security, driver privacy, and the competitiveness of the domestic auto industry.
In January 2025, the previous administration finalized rules effectively barring nearly all Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market, as part of a crackdown on vehicle software and hardware from China. Congresswoman Dingell helped spearhead a bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort alongside Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, to put these rules into law. The duo introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, legislation that would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.
A copy of the letter can be foundHEREand text is below:
Dear Secretary Lutnick:
This letter is to express concern regarding the recent decision by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS) to authorize a foreign automaker with significant ties to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to continue importing, selling, and producing connected vehicles in the United States despite the administration’s connected vehicle security restrictions.The Department of Commerce finalized these rules because connected vehicle technologies present clear national security risks. Modern connected vehicles are capable of collecting and transmitting enormous amounts of sensitive information, including geolocation data, driving patterns, infrastructure mapping, operational diagnostics, and personal consumer information. These systems can enable remote access to vehicle functions. As the Department itself recognized, these technologies are vulnerable to exploitation by our adversaries and could be leveraged for surveillance, intelligence gathering, or disruption of critical infrastructure.This authorization appears to create a pathway for entities with substantial ownership, operational, or governance ties to the PRC to continue accessing our market despite the intent of the underlying connected vehicle rule. Congress and multiple administrations have recognized that Chinese companies operate under laws that can compel cooperation with the PRC and their intelligence services. These concerns cannot be mitigated simply through corporate restructuring, branding distinctions, or supply chain adjustments.The decision also raises broader concerns about whether existing authorization and waiver processes may inadvertently create loopholes that undermine the effectiveness of the rule. If entities tied to the PRC are permitted to continue operating in our market through exemptions or special authorizations, it risks weakening the very protections the rule was designed to establish.These concerns extend beyond national security. China’s automotive sector benefits from extensive state support, industrial overcapacity, unfair trade and labor practices, and distorted market conditions that threaten the long-term competitiveness of the American auto industry and our workers, suppliers, and communities that depend on it. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that allowed critical manufacturing sectors to be hollowed out through unfair competition and foreign subsidization.Congress has increasingly recognized the seriousness of these threats. Bipartisan, bicameral legislation that has been introduced would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to foreign adversaries, including entities subject to the control or direction of the PRC. These proposals reflect growing bipartisan concern that current authorities may not be sufficient to fully address evolving national security and economic risks.Accordingly, I request a briefing on the basis for this authorization decision and the broader implications for implementation and enforcement of the connected vehicle rule. Given the significant national security, economic, and supply chain concerns involved, I would welcome either a classified or unclassified briefing, in whichever setting the Department believes is most appropriate to provide a full understanding of the decision, the safeguards in place, and the potential implications for future authorizations. I also request answers to the following questions:
What criteria did OICTS use to determine that this authorization would not pose a national security risk?
What safeguards, mitigation measures, or ongoing compliance requirements were imposed as conditions of the authorization?
How does the Department evaluate ownership structures, governance relationships, board representation, operational control, and technology development ties when assessing whether an entity is subject to the direction or jurisdiction of a foreign adversary of concern?
How does the Department intend to prevent the authorization process from creating broader loopholes that may be used by additional foreign adversary-linked entities seeking entry into the U.S. market?
What coordination occurred between the Department, the intelligence community, and other national security agencies prior to approving this authorization?
Does the Department anticipate granting similar authorizations to additional entities tied to foreign adversaries of concern?
How will the Department ensure that future connected vehicle restrictions are fully enforceable and not circumvented through corporate affiliations, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, or other indirect ownership structures?
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response and continued engagement on efforts to protect our national security, consumer privacy, and the future of the domestic auto industry.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) introduced the bipartisan Community Flood Resilience Act to help communities better prepare for and recover from flooding by allowing certain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation grant funds to be used for community-based flood insurance coverage.
Currently, the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) serves as the primary source of flood insurance for most Americans. However, NFIP coverage is limited and generally capped at $250,000 for residential structures, which can leave homeowners in flood-prone areas like Southeast Queens underinsured. The legislation closes that gap and would allow communities receiving Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grants to use a portion of those funds to purchase community-wide parametric flood insurance policies. These policies provide rapid financial assistance after flooding events based on pre-established flood triggers, rather than lengthy post-disaster damage assessments. This legislation is intended to supplement, not replace, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
“From Southeast Queens to coastal communities that line our borough, families and small businesses continue to face the growing threat of flooding and severe storms,” Rep. Meeks said. “Hurricane Sandy taught us that we must do more to prepare New Yorkers before major weather events occur. Far too often, working families and minority homeowners bear the greatest financial burden when homes are damaged, businesses are forced to close and hardworking families are struggling to rebuild. As floods become more frequent and severe due to climate change, we must explore innovative approaches that help communities recover more quickly and reduce the long-term economic impacts of disasters. This legislation gives communities another option to recover faster, strengthen local resilience, and better support residents when disaster strikes.”
“For Long Island communities that face growing flood risks every year, we need faster and more flexible tools to help families and small businesses recover after major storms,” Rep. Garbarino said. “This bill helps communities access innovative private-sector flood insurance options while reducing administrative burdens on FEMA and strengthening local resilience efforts. Long Islanders know firsthand the devastating impact flooding can have, and this legislation is about helping communities better prepare for the next storm before it happens.”
Under the bill, qualifying community-based parametric flood insurance policies must include flood-related triggers and prompt disbursement requirements to ensure communities receive assistance quickly following a disaster. The legislation also directs FEMA to conduct outreach and education efforts to help communities better understand available flood insurance tools and mitigation resources.