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

Headline: Amata Welcomes $600,000 Airport Grants for Fitiuta and Ofu

Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed announcement of two grants, each $300,000, for the airports at Ofu and Fitiuta, Ta’u, from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

“Congratulations to Port Director Barney Sene, and everyone at American Samoa Port Authority for these two important efforts to increase the comfort and improve the experience of our people as they use our airports in Manu’a,” said Congresswoman Amata. 

The focus of the grant is on the improvement of infrastructure to modernize the facilities. Both projects reconstruct 3,000 square feet of existing terminal at each location. These renovations will improve the waiting area at each, including replacement of the restrooms at Fitiuta, and the Ofu grant covers some of the costs of design for the reconstruction. 

“Thank you to my friend and former colleague, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and FAA Administrator Bryan Beford for their support with this grant use of yearly congressional appropriations for FAA,” Amata concluded.

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

Headline: Amata Welcomes $617,640 for OVW Services                           

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice this week of $617,640 in federal funds for the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. 

The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (STOP Formula Grant Program) was authorized by the historic Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, then reauthorized and funded currently by Congress through yearly appropriations. 

“Thank you to our Criminal Justice Planning Agency for their important work in American Samoa and their efforts that go into obtaining grants to support these critical services, and thank you to Deputy Director Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you also to the U.S. Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the national OVW offices for this federal support to protect and provide resources in domestic violence cases.”

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women, administer justice, and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The STOP Formula Grant Program encourages partnerships between law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim services organizations to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The goal of the grant program is to develop and strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services, including community based, culturally specific services, in these cases.

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

Headline: Amata Welcomes Over $625,000 in Federal Energy Funds for American Samoa

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the announcement of an investment from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from congressionally authorized and appropriated funding that will benefit families and communities throughout American Samoa.

For Fiscal Year 2025, DOE is providing more than $625,000 to the territory through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Weatherization Readiness Fund (WRF), and State Energy Program (SEP). These funds will help low-income households reduce energy costs, improve home safety, and strengthen local energy reliability.

American Samoa’s allocations include:

• $136,098 for the WAP Retrofit Program
• $77,449 for WAP Training & Technical Assistance
• $64,615 from the WRF to prepare homes for weatherization
• $347,080 through the SEP for efficiency, reliability, and cost-saving initiatives for residents and businesses

The Weatherization Assistance Program has a proven record of making homes more energy efficient, lowering utility bills, and addressing health and safety concerns. The State Energy Program supports local energy priorities, including improving grid stability and long-term planning.

“I am grateful for this vital funding which will provide direct help to families in need and strengthen American Samoa’s energy systems,” Congresswoman Amata stated. “These resources will make a difference in people’s lives. In addition, the removal of an unnecessary policy requirement by DOE will help ensure that assistance reaches households faster.”

This funding continues Congresswoman Amata’s ongoing commitment to securing federal programs that address the territory’s unique needs, support economic opportunity, and improve the daily lives of the people of American Samoa.

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

Headline: Congressional Funding Secured for New Manuʻa Inter-Island Ferry

Pago Pago, American Samoa – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced today that the U.S. Congress has approved $2,437,602 in funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program to support a new inter-island ferry for the Manuʻa Islands. This grant will fund the design, construction, and delivery of a modern ferry to replace aging vessels, ensuring safe, reliable, and consistent transportation for passengers and cargo within the Manuʻa Islands.

“This funding is a critical step forward for the people of Manuʻa,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Residents of Taʻū, Ofu, and Olosega will now have more dependable access to medical services, education, and essential goods, supporting both daily life and the economic vitality of our islands.”

Congresswoman Amata extended her sincere thanks to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy for the Department’s support and leadership in prioritizing inter-island transportation for American Samoa.

Congresswoman Amata has advocated for this funding through letters and budget requests emphasizing:

• Safety concerns of the old ferry.
• Economic necessity for consistent shipping.
• Federal legal obligations under U.S. maritime law for insular territories.

Port Director Barney Sene added, “This project represents a historic improvement for our maritime operations. We are excited to work closely with Congresswoman Amata and federal partners to bring a safe, reliable ferry to the Manuʻa Islands.”

The ferry will primarily serve:

• Taʻū Island – The largest of the Manuʻa group.
• Ofu Island – Providing critical cargo and passenger services.
• Olosega Island – Connected to Ofu by bridge but still requiring ferry transport for larger goods and supplies.

The design and engineering phase is expected to begin within the next 6–12 months, with construction following shortly after. The ferry is projected to start service by 2027, transforming inter-island travel and commerce for the Manuʻa Islands.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he introduced three gun safety reform bills to help end the gun violence epidemic – the Local Gun Violence Reduction Act (H.R. 4883), the Gun Safety Board and Research Act (H.R. 4882), and the Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act (H.R. 4918). 

“We are not powerless in the face of the gun violence epidemic – research and science prove that commonsense gun safety reforms save lives. I am proud to again introduce these bills that follow the science, remove politics from solving this public health crisis, and put the wellbeing of the American people over the interests of the gun lobby,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.

Local Gun Violence Reduction Act (H.R. 4883)
The Local Gun Violence Reduction Act (H.R. 4883) would create a local gun violence prevention effort database at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This database would allow state and local governments to enter information on policies their communities have implemented that have reduced gun violence for the purpose of sharing these solutions with other states and localities to end the public health crisis of gun violence nationwide. Currently, no such database exists at the federal level, leaving states and localities without an efficient, reliable means of identifying and implementing proven solutions. This bill is supported by Brady, Everytown, and Giffords.

Gun Safety Board and Research Act (H.R. 4882)
The Gun Safety Board and Research Act (H.R. 4882), would establish a board of experts at the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for funding research on gun violence, evaluating federal and state policy proposals, and recommending best practices for reducing firearm deaths. This bill is supported by Brady and Everytown.

Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act (H.R. 4918)
Finally, the Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act (H.R. 4918) would help bring life-saving technology to the market by creating a $10 million pilot program at the Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice to support private-sector commercialization of gun safety technology. Gun safety technology includes any devices that decrease the likelihood that a gun can be used accidentally or by unauthorized users, such as smart guns, user-authorized guns, childproof guns, and personalized safes and locking devices. H.R. 4918 is co-led by Congressmembers Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Don Beyer (D-VA), and is supported by Brady, Everytown, and Giffords.

“Gun safety technology has the potential to save some of the tens of thousands of American lives lost to gun violence each year,” said Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08). “I specifically think about those accidental child-involved shootings which gun safety technology would be instrumental to help prevent. Our legislation would help spur innovation to develop these technologies and bring products incorporating them to market. I appreciate my colleagues Rep. DeSaulnier and Rep. Lofgren for their leadership on this legislation, and look forward to building a coalition to advance it so we can prevent gun violence and save lives.”

“As the only advanced nation in the world that suffers from a gun violence crisis, it is clear Congress should act to ensure our communities are safe. That includes by passing our Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act to boost innovators’ ability to market technology that can save Americans’ lives,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18). “My district suffered mass shootings at the Gilroy Garlic Festival and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority yard. I am proud to collaborate with Rep. DeSaulnier and Rep. Beyer to do more to end the scourge of gun violence in America. This legislation is focused on safety and reducing harm, and non-gun owners and gun owners alike should support this sensible bill.”

“Since 2020, gun violence has remained the leading cause of death for children and teens. It’s time that changes. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to help keep our schools, streets and communities safe. I’m thankful for Representative DeSaulnier for advancing sensible solutions to our gun violence epidemic and I remain committed to continuing to lead the fight to keep our friends, family members, and neighbors safe,” said Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

“California has long been a national leader in gun violence prevention, and with the reintroduction of the Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act, the Gun Safety Board and Research Act, and the Local Gun Violence Reduction Act, Congressman DeSaulnier is upholding that legacy. To end the gun violence epidemic in our country, we must continue to support research that exposes both the true impact of gun violence and the best, data-driven ways to prevent it. Together, these three bills will bolster funding for firearm safety and research and equip us with the knowledge to save lives, and we applaud Congressman DeSaulnier for reintroducing these important bills,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady.

“We applaud Congressman DeSaulnier for stepping up and introducing legislation to address our gun violence crisis, which has touched nearly every American. Gun violence is a national problem that requires national solutions, so we need more Washington lawmakers to follow Congressman DeSaulnier’s lead and champion common-sense gun safety laws,” John Feinblatt, President, Everytown for Gun Safety.

Congressman DeSaulnier is a longtime advocate for gun violence prevention and a proud recipient of an “F” rating from the NRA. He has authored several bills to reduce gun thefts and increase community safety throughout his time in elected office. He is also a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

Congressman David Kustoff released the following statement regarding Hitachi Energy’s $106 million investment in Alamo, Tennessee:

WASHINGTON, D.C. —“This historic $100 million investment in Crockett County demonstrates Hitachi Energy’s transformational commitment to our community and the future of American energy production. Beyond the creation of 100 new jobs, this project strengthens our nation’s energy infrastructure and ensures grid stability as we meet growing energy demand. West Tennessee continues to see significant economic growth because of our business-friendly environment. I am grateful to Hitachi Energy for their continued investment in our community, and to our state and local leaders who worked hard to secure this investment.”

Background:
Hitachi Energy will invest $106 million to expand its transformer component manufacturing facility in Alamo, Tennessee. The project includes a 60,000-square-foot expansion to accommodate additional production lines and meet growing demand for transformer components, including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and dry-type bushings.

The expansion is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs in Crockett County and positions the Alamo facility as the largest bushings manufacturing hub in North America.

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

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Vindman Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Track & Combat Antisemitism in Extremist Movements

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Toledo, OH – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that the Williams County Regional Airport Authority is being awarded $264,931 and the Fulton County Board of Commissioners will receive $33,250 in federal Airport Improvement Grant (AIG) funds from the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. The awards will enable the purchase of a new carrier vehicle equipped with a blower attachment and expand access to hangar development areas—vital equipment that will enhance the airports’ capacities to keep priority areas of the airfield clear during severe weather. This is now part of more than $2 Million Congresswoman Kaptur has secured in aviation infrastructure funding in 2025, underscoring her unwavering commitment to ensuring local airports across Northwest Ohio remain safe, modern, and competitive.

“Northwest Ohio’s airports are essential gateways for commerce, travel, and emergency response,” said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). “These new investments in Williams and Fulton Counties are about more than equipment and design they are about safeguarding lives, protecting the flow of goods, and ensuring our communities remain connected. When our airports succeed, our entire region takes flight. 

These latest awards builds on a series of major aviation investments Rep. Kaptur has delivered in 2025 alone including over $1.4 Million in FAA funding for four Northwest Ohio airports to modernize infrastructure and bolster safety. In July, she announced $342,000 for Fulton County Airport to improve runway conditions. Earlier this year, she brought home $400,000 in FAA funds to strengthen aviation upgrades across multiple airports in the district.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) has joined a number of House Democrats in demanding the Trump administration release nearly $300 million in congressionally obligated funds for core public health programs. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez, Rep. Cleaver, Congressman Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), and other House Democrats underline the impact this action has on state and local health departments and public health organizations in communities across the country.

“As you know, the CDC is responsible for executing the federal government’s response for disease prevention and improved public health outcomes through scientific research,” the lawmakers wrote. “Through annual discretionary and mandatory appropriations, CDC funding critical research and development initiatives for disease surveillance, cancer prevention, health education, and public emergency readiness, among others. Many of these funding streams go directly to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments as well as external stakeholders with CDC’s shared goals.”

“These federal funds have been congressionally obligated and are depended upon by the local health departments that execute lifesaving initiatives,” the lawmakers continued. “Funding delays directly harm our constituents who depend on these services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.”

“As Members of Congress, we have constituents and local organizations impacted by these irresponsible funding freezes and have received urgent outreach expressing deep concern about the impact of this administration’s actions. Without reliable, regular, and renewed public health investments from the federal government, this administration risks undoing decades of advancements in disease prevention. We demand that OMB immediately release obligated CDC funds and continue much-needed investments in our communities,” the lawmakers concluded.

The official letter from lawmakers is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.