MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Full video of the hearing can be found HERE.

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, today hosted a hearing titled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Attack on Our Children. 

“Today, I hosted the seventh hearing in my series Kidnapped and Disappeared, focusing on the immense trauma that Trump and his Department of Homeland Security have caused to our children. In the first seven months of Donald Trump’s term, more than 11,000 US citizen children have had a parent detained.  That means that every single day, 50 US citizen children, on average, have had a parent detained,” said Jayapal. “Having a parent kidnapped and disappeared is bad enough. But too often, ICE is using violence to arrest parents right in front of their children or even as “bait” as we saw with the horrific case of 5-year old Liam Ramos — the young child with the bunny ears hat that galvanized attention across the country. I thank our incredible witnesses for being here today to shine a light on the pain that Trump is causing.”

“Over the past 20 years, I have watched children in immigration custody go from being a largely invisible population with few legal protections to a highly politicized population of children whose rights are being systematically dismantled.  This is part of a calculated effort, outlined in Project 2025, to reverse decades of hard-fought protections for some of the most vulnerable children in this country,” said Neha Desai, Managing Director of Children’s Human Rights & Dignity, National Center for Youth Law. 

“Unaccompanied children shouldn’t be used as bait, they shouldn’t be used as political pawns, and they’re not ‘invaders’ as Stephen Miller would have us believe. They’re children, and they deserve to be treated like children and afforded protection and safety, not detention and deportation,” said Marion (“Mickey”) Donovan-Kaloust, Director of Legal Services, Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef).

“When children miss out on healthcare, it can turn routine pediatric issues into emergencies. Detaining caregivers and separating them from their children causes stress and removes a child’s primary source of safety and comfort. The experience of separation or the threat of separation creates fear, anxiety, and stress. No amount of time spent in ICE detention is safe for a child,” said Dr. Tania Caballero, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at John’s Hopkins Medicine.

“Our students and their families are deliberately terrorizing and traumatizing our neighbors and their children. It’s a massive letdown that there are no checks and balances to stop a hateful administration trying to erase minority races. These stories aren’t being covered in the news. The stories are deeply painful and personal and most of the country doesn’t know the extent and consistency of the damage. I feel heartache, absorbing all these traumatic stories, I cannot even comprehend the suffering those at higher risk must feel. I am grateful I was able to share just some of those stories today, and more people and leaders will hear these life changing issues,” said Nicole Isern, Educator.

“At 16, I never thought I would ever need to attend my local city council meeting, but I summoned the courage, with God’s and my family’s help, to share the pain we were feeling in our community and to fight for our rights. Today, I’m 17-years-old, and never would I have imagined being in the most powerful building in the country, to share the pain that our town is experiencing, and to plead for your help,” said Manny, a 17-year-old US citizen and student activist.

This was the seventh shadow hearing in this series, each of which has focused on a different aspect of immigration oversight. The others have focused on Trump’s assault on Minnesota, detention abuses, Trump’s assault on Chicago, families that have been torn apart, unlawful third-country deportations, and efforts to undermine due process.

Jayapal was joined by Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Christian Menefee (TX-18), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06).

Issues: Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta joined his Democratic colleagues in sponsoring H.R. 3045, the West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025.  With this legislation, Rep. Panetta continues to reaffirm his commitment to the stability in the Middle East, security of our allies, protection of civilians, and preservation of a two-state solution.

The bill authorizes targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for violence in the West Bank that threatens regional stability and undermines U.S. national security interests and prospects for a negotiated resolution. 

“Escalating violence in the West Bank is not an isolated issue, it is a direct threat to regional stability at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East, including with Iran,” said Representative Panetta. “Unchecked violence against civilians fuels extremism, undermines diplomacy, and risks drawing the United States deeper into broader regional conflict.”

Recent reporting and international monitoring have documented a sharp rise in violence against civilians and property in the West Bank, further destabilizing an already fragile environment and complicating efforts toward peace. 

The West Bank Violence Prevention Act provides the United States with critical tools to hold perpetrators accountable, including sanctions, such as visa bans and asset freezes, for those engaged in or supporting acts of violence targeting civilians. 

Supporting this legislation is essential not only for addressing immediate security concerns, but also for advancing a long-term vision for peace.  As tensions with Iran continue to shape the broader regional security landscape, preventing localized violence from spiraling into wider conflict is a humanitarian and strategic imperative.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), introduced the Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to combat predatory practices used by claim sharks to spam government lines with auto-dialers to collect information about veterans’ benefits.

Consumer protection laws already prohibit the use of auto-dialers from making calls to certain numbers, such as 911 and other emergency lines as well as rooms in hospitals and elderly living facilities. The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act would amend current law by prohibiting auto-dialers from making calls to a telephone number assigned to a federal department or agency.

“Unaccredited, for-profit companies are using robocallers and veterans’ personal information to spam VA hotlines about their benefits, identify any increases, and immediately send them a bill for thousands of dollars. It’s outrageous and must be put to a stop,” said Congressman Pappas. “My legislation would prohibit the use of robocallers to spam government lines to shield veterans from this predatory practice. For years I have led the fight against claim sharks breaking the law and exploiting legal loopholes to defraud veterans, and I won’t stop. I will continue to combat these predatory practices, reign in claim sharks, and safeguard the benefits our veterans have earned.”

“Our veterans should never be targeted by bad actors trying to profit off their hard-earned benefits – many at great cost to veterans and their families,” said Congressman Bacon. “The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act takes a commonsense approach to crack down on predatory practices and protect veterans from exploitation. I’m pleased to join Rep. Pappas in introducing this important bipartisan legislation to safeguard the benefits our veterans have earned.”

This bipartisan legislation is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), The American Legion, National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), and National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA).

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauds the bipartisan Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act for closing a critical loophole that currently permits predatory actors to use automated ‘robo’ calls to exploit veterans and overwhelm federal benefit hotlines,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joe Grassi. “This commonsense legislation aligns with our unwavering interest in safeguarding veterans’ personal information, protecting VA claims support, and ensuring veterans remain in control of their earned benefits.”

“The New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) fully supports this legislation, recognizing its importance in safeguarding Veterans from intrusive robo calls and ensuring that federal phone lines remain accessible for those who rely on them.” Darwin Beeman, Commander Department NH VFW.

“As we leverage new technology on behalf of veterans, we must also protect them from bad actors looking to use these same advances to exploit those seeking the benefits they’ve earned through service,” said Lt Gen Brian Kelly, president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America. “The Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act is a strong step forward, one that will make a real difference in the wider fight against claim sharks.”

The bill text is here. 

Background: 

Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years, a troubling development especially as more veterans receive the benefits they’re owed thanks to the Honoring Our PACT Act.

In December, Pappas led a bipartisan group of more than 40 members in sending a letter to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlighting the disturbing and escalatory tactics of claim sharks, including those in reporting from NPR, and demanding the agencies immediately investigate and take meaningful action to curb these practices and protect veterans. 

Pappas has repeatedly called on VA to improve awareness, chairing an oversight hearing on the topic, and has introduced the GUARD VA Benefits Act in the 117th, 118th, and 119th Congresses. His GUARD VA Benefits Act would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for VA disability compensation benefits. This legislation will discourage for-profit companies from operating outside the bounds of federal law, and will give VA and other agencies an additional tool to protect veteran claimants from predatory practices.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

During these events, Granite Staters can receive assistance from National Passport Center staff with their passport application or renewal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Extension of Remarks in in Support of H.R. 7084; Defending American Property Abroad Act:

Mr. Speaker, 

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is acting in response to a situation in which a foreign government shut down an American company’s operations, seized its property, and ignored the rule of law. 

When an American business is targeted in this way, it is not just an attack on one company, it is an attack on American workers, American jobs, and American interests.

Vulcan Materials, an Alabama company, has lawfully operated for 35 years in Mexico. Yet the Mexican government illegally seized its assets. If this can happen to an Alabama company today, it can happen to any American business tomorrow.

That is why this legislation, H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act is so important. It allows the United States to take real action against foreign entities that seize American property.

This is about fairness and accountability. It is about ensuring that American companies and workers are not punished for following the rules while foreign governments face no consequences for breaking them. With this, we are ensuring protection for American companies that operate in the Western Hemisphere. 

The protection of American property rights overseas is essential not only for economic growth but also for our national and economic security. When we stand up for our businesses, we stand up for the workers and communities who depend on them.

I am proud to support H.R. 7084 because it defends American property owners from wrongful seizure and sends a clear message: the United States will stand beside its companies, its workers, and its values.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Hold ICE Accountable Act, legislation to establish an independent Special Prosecutor to investigate unlawful conduct by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In January 2026, ICE agents fatally shot two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis. Neither had a criminal record and public evidence has raised significant questions about the circumstances. In addition, recent reports have raised alarm over DHS and ICE practices, including excessive force, wrongful detention, racial profiling, and more than 40 deaths in ICE custody since the start of the Trump Administration.

The legislation creates a clear process to appoint an independent Special Prosecutor to investigate alleged illegal conduct by DHS personnel that occurred after January 19, 2025.

“No one is above the law. Period,” said Rep. Stevens. “The American people deserve confidence that ICE officers will be investigated fairly and thoroughly, no matter who is involved. Every single one of Trump’s ICE officials, from the very bottom to the very top, including senior leadership, must face justice for the crimes they commit. ”

Following the model of the 1978 Ethics in Government Act, the Hold ICE Accountable Act would:

• Allow the U.S. Attorney General or any State Attorney General to request a Special Prosecutor with the authority to investigate alleged illegal activity by DHS officers and employees occurring after January 19, 2025.
• Establish a process to appoint the Special Prosecutor, who must be independent, have no ties to the current administration, and demonstrate integrity, impartial judgment, and relevant experience.
• Grant full investigative and prosecutorial authority, equivalent to that of a United States Attorney, including the power to pursue related offenses such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and witness intimidation.
• Authorize the Special Prosecutor to hire staff necessary to carry out their duties.
• Ensure independence from Trump’s Department of Justice while maintaining oversight by Congress and the courts.
• Protect the Special Prosecutor from political retribution, allowing for removal by the Attorney General only for good cause—such as misconduct or incapacity—with any removal subject to judicial review. A Special Prosecutor improperly removed may be reinstated.
• Eliminate qualified immunity for any DHS officer or employee indicted by the Special Prosecutor, allowing for civil actions against ICE officers and strengthening accountability.

Stevens has been leading the fight to hold ICE accountable in Congress and to rein in Donald Trump’s repeated abuses of power during his Administration.

• Stevens called for the immediate removal of Secretary Kristi Noem and cosponsored an effort to impeach her in the House of Representatives.
• Following Secretary Noem’s removal, Stevens called on the Senate to delay confirmation of Noem’s successor unless ICE reforms were secured.
• Stevens and her Michigan colleague, Rep. Hillary Scholten visited an ICE detention facility in Baldwin, Michigan, to tour conditions and demand answers to their letter over the death of detainee Nenko Gantchev in ICE custody in December. Following their visit, Stevens and Scholten doubled down on their demands for answers from ICE and Secretary Noem.
• Stevens cosponsored H.R. 7163, a proposal to divert ICE’s $75 billion slush fund to state and local law enforcement agencies. Stevens also voted against the “One Big Beautiful Bill” which authorized the slush fund in the first place.
• Last year, Stevens cosponsored the VISIBLE Act to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and concealing their identities.
• Stevens joined over 150 of her colleagues in demanding that ICE end its surge of officers in Minnesota and conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of an ICE agent.
• Stevens introduced the Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act, legislation to prevent the President from deploying the military against Americans without express consent from state officials, an authoritarian tactic this President has used repeatedly to fuel fear and intimidation during aggressive ICE crackdowns.
• Stevens voted against the Laken Riley Act, which would sweep thousands of people into jails and detention centers at enormous taxpayer expense while diverting key law enforcement resources and potentially violating civil liberties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to an inquiry led by U.S. Congresswomen Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Senator Jeff Merkley and signed by Senator Wyden and U.S. Congresswomen Bonamici, Dexter, and Bynum, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons confirmed that, “ICE is not currently planning to expand current detention facilities or open any new long or short-term detention facilities in Oregon.”

“Oregonians never wanted an ICE detention facility in our state, especially as ICE and DHS have repeatedly abused their power and terrorized our communities,” said Salinas. “I am glad that the Administration confirmed they currently have no plans to build or expand any ICE detention facility in Oregon. I have consistently demanded full transparency and accountability from ICE and the Trump Administration for their misconduct, and I will keep using every avenue available to call out ICE’s overreach and keep our communities safe.”

“Again and again, ICE has been caught lying to the American people, so we should be skeptical of anything they tell us,” said Merkley. “Trump is hellbent on deploying his secret police across Oregon, and we won’t stand for it. I say HELL NO to any plans to expand ICE facilities or operations in Oregon, whether it’s office space, detention centers, or anything else the Trump Administration cooks up.”

“The President has taken us into war, gas and grocery prices are skyrocketing and people can’t afford health care,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “We need leadership that actually puts the needs of Americans first instead of spending taxpayer dollars to militarize our streets. We don’t need more money wasted on having a larger ICE presence here to harass, intimidate and detain hardworking Oregonians based on the color of their skin. Thanks, but no thanks.”

On February 12, 2026, Congresswoman Salinas and Senator Merkley led their democratic Oregon delegation colleagues and ten additional House Members in a letter opposing any plans to open or expand ICE detention facilities in Oregon, including a potential facility in Newport. They also demanded details about the safety and standards of “soft-sided” facilities. 

On March 26, 2026, Acting Director Lyons responded to confirm that ICE currently does not have plans to build or expand any ICE facility in Oregon. The response indicates that ICE does not plan to move forward with a soft-sided detention facility in Newport, as had previously been reported. The response also provided details about the conditions of their soft-sided facilities. It claims that detainees are provided with three nutritious meals a day, that facilities are subject to inspections and audits conducted by the DHS Office of Inspector General, and that detainees are provided with sufficient clean clothing. These claims are contrary to many reports from detainees inside ICE facilities, and the Members will continue pushing for the truth about conditions in ICE facilities.

“Oregonians do not want or need ICE in our state,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “ICE has confirmed that they do not plan to open any additional detention facilities in Oregon, and we will hold them to that while we work to make our communities safer by getting masked, armed ICE agents off our streets.”

“ICE should be defunded and dismantled—and it should not be allowed to build new detention facilities anywhere. I’m grateful that in our home state of Oregon, ICE has said there are no plans to expand or build any new detention facilities. Oregonians are united in rejecting the cruelty this agency brings to our communities,” said Dexter.

“ICE has already caused so much damage in our community. From tear-gassing kids to tearing families apart, this agency is out of line and has no place in our cities,” Rep. Bynum said. “I’m glad that ICE confirmed that they do not have any plans right now to add detention facilities in Oregon. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues to keep them out of our city and our state.”

Click here or see below for the full letter response from Acting Director Todd Lyons:

Thank you for your February 13, 2026 letter to the Department of Homeland Security(DHS). I am responding on behalf of the Department. 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is committed to safe, secure, and humane environments for all of those in its custody. ICE continues to evaluate bedspace requirements and availability and is committed to strategically using existing detention beds in a fiscally responsible manner. As part of its detention operations, aliens in ICE custody are housed at a variety of facilities across the United States, including ICE owned and operated facilities; federal, state, county, or local facilities contracted through intergovernmental service agreements; and contractor owned and operated facilities. ICE constantly evaluates its detention needs and contract structures based on changes in immigration patterns, the operational needs of the agency, and the availability of resources.

ICE’s enhanced enforcement operations have resulted in a significant number of arrests of criminal aliens, requiring greater detention capacity. As part of these efforts, ICE is exploring various options to increase bedspace capacity nationwide working in collaboration with federal partners such as the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of War, and the Bureau of Prisons.ICE will continue to prioritize its resources and work closely with its network of federal, state, local, and private sector partners to ensure the agency can acquire sufficient bedspace to fully achieve its mission.

Regarding potential detention facilities in Oregon, ICE is not currently planning to expand current detention facilities or open any new long or short-term detention facilities in Oregon. As for detention expansion outside of Oregon, ICE issued a solicitation under the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command’s Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract vehicle to identify vendors to provide comprehensive detention operations and wraparound services including facility, grounds maintenance, and operations services at all newly acquired facilities. ICE anticipates making awards under this solicitation in the coming months and plans to onboard facilities by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. All detention facilities are acquired, constructed, and operated in accordance with federal regulations, court orders, and national detention standards. Unfortunately, ICE cannot provide additional details due to law enforcement sensitivity and operational security maintenance.

Additionally, you request information regarding the capacities of ICE’s soft-sided facilities. Camp East Montana, located in El Paso, Texas, is an over 72-hour facility with an average length of stay of 10 days. The Krome North Service Processing Center, which includes a soft-sided facility, in Miami, Florida, is an over 72-hour facility with an average length of stay of 23 days.

All of ICE’s detention facilities, including soft-sided facilities, are contractually obligated to operate in accordance with one of several sets of detention standards. The detention standards describe a facility’s immigration detention responsibilities, explain what detainee services a facility must provide, and identify what a facility must do to ensure a safe and secure detention environment for staff and detainees.

Specifically, soft-sided facilities operate in accordance with National Detention Standards 2025. To ensure compliance with each contract’s terms and conditions and the applicable detention standards, DHS and ICE employ a robust, multilevel oversight and compliance program. At the agency level, Detention Service Managers and Detention Standards Compliance Officers monitor detention conditions through daily on-site compliance reviews to identify deficiencies, areas of concern, contract and facility issues, and to facilitate corrective actions. Additionally, facilities are subject to inspections and audits conducted by the DHS Office of Inspector General, the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the DHS Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the ICE Office of Detention Oversight within ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility.

During their immigration proceedings, detainees are afforded numerous procedural protections that ensure they are provided with notice and an opportunity to be heard. In removal proceedings, these protections include, but are not limited to, the right to be represented by an attorney, to contest any charges of removal, to present evidence, and generally to examine evidence against them. While the government does not provide attorneys at the government’s expense, all those arrested by ICE and placed into removal proceedings are provided with a list of free legal services and aid resources, including pro bono providers. 

Additionally, ICE facilities continue to provide detainees with opportunities to meet privately with their current or prospective legal representatives, legal assistants, interpreters, and consular officials. While in-person contact visits remain available at the request of legal representatives, non-contact legal visitation (e.g., video teleconference) is available, wherever possible. This offers an alternative for attorneys to communicate with detained clients in a timely and efficient manner, especially when in-person visitation is not possible or practical.

While in detention, detainees reside in temperature-controlled environments at all times. Furthermore, detainees are provided with three nutritious meals a day and meals that support specialized diets, including religious diets and more than a dozen therapeutic diets, as well as cultural preferences. Menus are reviewed and approved on a regular basis by a registered dietitian to ensure appropriate nutrition is provided. Additionally, detainees are provided with clean bedding and “sufficient clean clothing” during their time in detention.

Currently, the Office of Professional Responsibility does not inspect state-owned and operated facilities such as the soft-sided facility in Miami, Florida. The Office of Detention Oversight conducts congressionally mandated compliance inspections of ICE detention facilities that house ICE detainees pursuant to contractual obligations. Camp East Montana is currently the only soft-sided facility subject to Office of Detention Oversight inspection. The Office of Detention Oversight inspected Camp East Montana, which is contractually obligated to the National Detention Standards 2025 inspection standard, from February 10 to 12, 2026. The report is currently being drafted. ICE will publish the final report by April 13, 2026, 60 days after the inspection.

In your letter, you request “a detailed list of every detention standard that has been waived for a soft-sided facility in CY 2025.” As previously mentioned, all of ICE’s detention facilities operate in accordance with national detention standards. ICE has not approved any waivers of detention standards for any of the soft-sided facilities.

Thank you again for your letter. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Emphasizes Congressional Intent for $3 Million ASCC Funding She Requested

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is emphasizing Congress’s intent that $3 million go to American Samoa Community College (ASCC) out of the yearly ASG Operations Fund from the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), which receives $29 million for American Samoa from Congress through Interior Appropriations.

Group picture at ASCC with educators and congressional staff

These funds have been secured for fiscal year 2026, and Congresswoman Amata has testified about these funds, requesting an overall increase, for the upcoming fiscal year 2027 appropriations process. 

For the past three years, at Congresswoman Amata’s request, $3 million of the Operations Fund is to be allocated to ASCC, as passed by Congress. The fund is currently $29 million, so the remaining $26 million of the fund is still an increase of several million over past funding. The fund has been boosted by Congress most years since fiscal year 2018, due to Amata’s yearly efforts.

“I greatly appreciate Chairman Tom Cole of the Appropriations Committee ensuring that our ASCC report language was included, and accompanies the final version passed into law,” said Congresswoman Amata. “This expresses clear congressional intent, worded in the manner common to Washington legislative report language, conveying the spending instructions and expectations of the Appropriations Act.”

“I know our college personnel and faculty are doing good work with their limited resources,” continued Aumua Amata. “These funds should make a visible difference for our campus, classrooms, equipment and scholarship efforts – all to help our students take their next step.”

“In making these funding requests to influential Chairmen and senior Members of Congress, I always emphasize our islands’ record of service, our population of veterans and military families, and the realities of our island economy, and these considerations are the underlying basis for this appropriation to benefit our college,” said Aumua Amata. “ASCC is a major priority as accessing college education can be a real financial and geographic challenge for our students.”

“What better way to make use of operations funds than by investing in our territory’s college and students?” Amata concluded. “We want to empower every high school graduate with achievable options to consider here in our own islands.”

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