MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore introduced the Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act. This pro-family legislation significantly increases annual authorized funding levels for the Child Care Development Block Grant, which states disburse via vouchers to working-class families to help finance childcare. The bill also empowers families to choose the childcare option that works best for them, which can include paying a parent directly if they stay home and by eliminating burdensome regulations tied to paying a relative for childcare. Finally, the bill eliminates marriage penalties and codifies existing policy protections for faith-based childcare providers.

Congressmen Clay Higgins of Louisiana and Brandon Gill of Texas joined Rep. Moore in co-sponsoring the bill. Identical legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Jim Banks of Indiana.

The legislation is endorsed by Heritage Action for America, American Principles Project, American Compass, Independent Women’s Forum, CatholicVote, Family Policy Alliance, Students for Life, Susan B. Anthony List, March for Life Action, the Bull Moose Project, and Family Research Council.

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“For decades, conservatives have rallied around being pro-life, but far too often, the policy framework that came with it lacked strong, substantive ideas to reduce the burden on American families. Being pro-life means being pro-family, and with this legislation, we’re empowering families to choose what works best for them.

“This is just the first step I aim to take in ushering in a new era that makes raising a family great again.”

Here’s what others are saying:

“The Biden Administration’s burdensome overregulation increased the cost of childcare and withheld funding from the childcare arrangements many families prefer,” said Senator Jim Banks of Indiana. “Big government never works. The Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act puts families first and gives parents the freedom to choose what works best for them.”

“Parents know what is best for their children. When it comes to childcare, parents shouldn’t be penalized for wanting to choose a provider who aligns with their religious views, or for having a family member willing to step in to help out,” said Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project. “Expanding the qualifying childcare providers to include these resources is a wonderful step in putting hardworking families first in America. APP is grateful to Senator Banks and Congressman Moore for taking the lead.”

“Parents across America need childcare that is accessible, affordable, and trustworthy,” said Janae Stracke, Vice President for Outreach and Advocacy at Heritage Action. “The Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act is a monumental bill that empowers parents with the freedom and flexibility to raise their children how they see fit, without facing penalties that complicate childcare coordination. Heritage Action commends Rep. Moore for putting families first and addressing this important need.”

“Households need greater access to affordable, high-quality childcare options, and the Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act would help to achieve this,” said Carrie Lukas, President of the Independent Women’s Forum. “Moreover, this bill recognizes that childcare is a very personal choice, and families have different preferences for care. Thank you, Senator Banks and Congressman Moore, for your leadership on this issue.”

“The majority of Americans want the federal government to assist working families,” said Oren Cass, Chief Economist for American Compass. “However, they also want assistance to respect their preferences, which vary widely but most often include the flexibility to have a parent or relative provide care at home. This important legislation would provide families the flexibility they need to make the best decisions for their childcare.”

“The first line in the care and education of children is always the parents. Moms and Dads know what is better for their sons and daughters more than bureaucrats,” said Joshua Mercer, Vice President of CatholicVote. “Sen. Banks and Rep. Moore deserve praise for putting the rights of parents above a liberal big government agenda.”

“The Bull Moose Project has consistently advocated for policies that empower rather than restrict American families, which is why we strongly support the Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act. The reforms proposed in this legislation are necessary to give flexibility for families with childcare and encourage family development, which is why the bill delivers a rare combination in Washington: a policy that’s both more effective and more respectful of family autonomy.”  – Aiden Buzzetti, President of the Bull Moose Project. “

“For far too long, government policies have pushed both parents into the workforce by failing to acknowledge or account for stay-at-home parents. Many moms, and some dads, would prefer the flexibility to stay home or work from home in order to care for their children. The Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act gives families that flexibility by removing penalties when parents choose to become caretakers and by allowing low-income families to use state block grants to compensate a parent or family member who provides in-home care. It also ensures that parents that marry will not immediately lose the support for which they would have otherwise been eligible, thereby encouraging family formation. Representative Riley Moore is to be commended for this outstanding bill in support of America’s families.”  – Quena Gozalez, Senior Director of Government Relations, Family Research Council

“To equip young families as they do the vital work of raising the people – the next generation — whom we will all depend on, Students for Life Action supports the Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act. This measure helps empower families to make choices about who is best to care for their children, without forcing government daycare. The people most devoted to their children should have the freedom to decide who will best protect and love them, while parents are at work. Students for Life Action thanks Rep. Moore for his leadership on this bill.”  – Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America & Students for Life Action.

The Daily Wire first covered the bill’s introduction, read about it here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

March 25, 2025

ICYMI This Week: Rep. Meeks Defends Medicaid and Honors Political Legend

Reps. Meeks and Meng Hold Medicaid Action Day at Queens Hospital

My colleague, Representative Grace Meng (NY-06), and I held a Medicaid Day of Action on Tuesday at Queens Hospital. We met with the hospital’s CEO, toured the facility, and ended the event with a press conference to discuss the Republican budget plan and the Medicaid scam that will upend the lives of thousands of Queens residents. Specifically in NY-05, these cuts will impact more than 300,000 people. Democrats are fighting everyday against Trump’s reckless attacks on Medicaid and our most essential federal assistance programs. View event photos, here. Read more, here.

Reps. Meeks and Barrett Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Protecting Martin Luther King Jr., Day and Inauguration Day

My Republican colleague, Tom Barrett and I introduced the Proper Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day Act. The purpose of the bill is to amend US Code so that if MLK Day and Inauguration Day fall on the same date, MLK Day will be observed on the Tuesday following the third Monday in January. MLK Day honors the legacy of Dr. King and encourages a day of service and reflection on the ideals that guided his work during the civil rights movement. Read more on the bill, here.

Rep. Meeks Honors Constance Baker Motley’s New Stamp

I joined USPS to honor the late Constance Baker Motley at the unveiling ceremony of her postal stamp in Southeast Queens. Motley was the first African American woman appointed to the federal judiciary, elected to the New York State Senate, and first woman to serve as the Manhattan Borough President. I was proud to meet with my constituents to celebrate her remarkable legacy. View event photos, here. Read more, here.

Share Your Story: How Have You Been Impacted by President Trump’s Executive Orders?

I’d like to hear from my constituents about how the Trump administration’s actions have affected you and your loved ones. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed mass layoffs across government agencies, executive orders impacting various issues, threats against immigrants, potential tariffs on neighboring countries, and much more.    My office is working with state and local officials to learn more about how these actions could affect our district and provide resources for people who have been affected.  Please complete the form here to explain how these actions are affecting you and the organizations, nonprofits and businesses you support.

Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others!

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also concurrently serving as Acting Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Acting Archivist of the United States. The Ranking Members’ letter identifies serious concerns of conflicts of interest stemming from this “triple-hatted appointment,” exemplified by a recent directive to dispose of classified documents and personnel records at USAID in a potential violation of the Federal Records Act, which Mr. Rubio would concurrently enforce as Acting Archivist. 
 
“We write to determine whether the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) complied with federal law when it conducted a rushed disposal of classified and personnel records on March 11, 2025, and in any subsequent disposals. We are alarmed that the nature of your appointment to concurrently serve as the Secretary of State, Acting USAID Administrator, and Acting Archivist of the United States presents a fundamental conflict of interest that harms the political and functional independence of federal agencies and the integrity of their missions, with concerning implications for federal records management practices. We request documents and information related to any and all disposal directives related to USAID and additional documentation of your compliance with all federal laws governing the retention of records,” wrote the Ranking Members.  
 
On March 11, 2025, public reports detailed that a senior USAID official issued a memo to staff to conduct a document disposal of components in “classified safes and personnel documents” located in USAID’s headquarters. This event was reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. and the directive stated that employees must “[s]hred as many documents first, and reserve the burn bags for when the shredder becomes unavailable or needs a break.”  If any such records were destroyed in violation of the Federal Records Act, which governs preservation and handling of federal records, USAID Acting Administrator Rubio would be required to report such violations to himself as Acting Archivist.
 
“This situation highlights the grossly inappropriate nature of your appointment as Acting Archivist of the United States while you concurrently serve as a Senate-confirmed Secretary of State and Acting USAID Administrator and deepens our concerns about the haphazard way in which the Trump Administration has recklessly dismantled USAID despite its establishment in law as an independent agency. As you know, the Archivist of the United States is chiefly responsible for overseeing federal government records management and preservation, including the planning, development, and administration of federal policies and procedures for such federal records. Your temporary appointment to NARA presents a fundamental conflict of interest that undermines Congress’s intent with the Federal Records Act and the integrity of NARA,” concluded the Ranking Members. 
 
The Federal Records Act is the primary statute governing record-keeping and disposition requirements for federal agencies and establishments. The Federal Records Act ensures official business of the federal government, including classified information, is appropriately preserved and accessible to the American public.  
 
If the directive to shred classified and personnel documents held in USAID offices constituted any change in the retention period for those files, the Federal Records Act would require agency officials to obtain approval from NARA and publish such changes to any records schedule in the federal register. The Committee is not aware of any such notice.
 
Ranking Members Meeks and Connolly requested documents and information relevant to this matter, and an internal investigation of all records disposal activities conducted on or after March 11, 2025, be completed no later than April 7, 2025. 
 
Click here to read the letter to Secretary Marco Rubio.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today called on Chairman Mast to hold a public committee hearing on the bombshell reporting of senior Trump administration officials communicating U.S. military operations in Yemen in a Signal messaging app group chat, in which they unknowingly included a journalist from the Atlantic:

“I am immediately calling on Chairman Mast to hold a hearing on what might be the most astonishing breach of our national security in recent history, where top leadership from DOD, State, Treasury, the CIA and even the VP himself used a commercial messaging app – Signal – to communicate U.S. war plans, all the while unaware that a journalist was included in the group chat.

“Republicans have regularly contrived security ‘scandals’ to attack their political opponents with years of nakedly partisan hearings and investigations. This administration proves yet again that hypocrisy and cynical politics aren’t the only defining characteristics of today’s GOP; rank incompetence is front and center.” 

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

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has sent a letter to the United States Trade Representative, the Honorable Jamieson Greer, as well as submitted her message via the public comment portal, and Monday she attended the USTR hearing, in support  of her call for a local exemption from expected USTR shipping fees on Chinese ships, as American Samoa relies on certain vessels that serve the port of Pago Pago without reasonable possibility of alternative shipping services. The USTR is considering increased service fees to $1.5 million or $1,000 per net ton for Chinese-built vessels per entry, based on China’s targeting of Maritime Logistics, and Shipbuilding sectors for dominance. 

“I respectfully urge the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to reconsider its approach to countering Chinese dominance in the global shipbuilding industry by narrowing the scope of the proposed fees or reversing course until a more comprehensive strategy can be developed as it relates to American Samoa. The only U.S. territory south of the Equator, American Samoa is 7,000 miles from Washington, D.C. and over 4,000 miles from the California coast. We are unique in our geography and location and accordingly limited in our alternatives. Therefore, an exemption is necessary especially as we are outside the U.S. Customs Zone,” stated Congresswoman Amata in her letter addressing Ambassador Greer. 

“This action seeks to increase service fees to $1.5 million or $1,000 per net ton for Chinese-built vessels per entry. This change would be severely detrimental to American Samoa, as both vessels currently servicing our US-American Samoa trade route are Chinese-built. The proposed fee increase could cripple our supply chain and lead to a catastrophic economic impact.Most concerningly for American Samoa’s port, the proposed fees would incentivize ocean carriers to consolidate traffic to the nation’s largest ports, while cutting out small ports like ours from their routes and leave us stranded for service,” said Amata. “This would not only cause significant congestion at large ports but the collapse of business lines at small ports like ours would be devastating. The results would be terrible inflation, high unemployment, and a higher dependence on subsidies from the Federal government to our local economy so please help us with a hand-up and not a hand-out by granting an exemption or other appropriate work around.”

Amata made clear, “While I fully support the President and his goal of long-term revitalization of U.S. manufacturing and shipbuilding, the proposed language that applies to vessels constructed in the past- when U.S. options were not available in the remote area of American Samoa-would be a devastating shock to our local economy and threaten the livelihood to our tuna cannery workers and suppliers. We are a limited industry area with a single tuna cannery as our largest private sector job creator with over 25% of jobs related to it.  Over 80% of our economy, imports, and exports are also tied to our cannery.”

“Our ability to combat Chinese influence in the Pacific region is first predicated on maintaining a stable economy. Any interruptions caused by the proposed fees would damage and possibly kill our small business supply chain, undermining our ability to prioritize and grow local American businesses,” Amata continued. 

 “The Deeds of Cession refer to the treaties by which the Samoan chiefs ceded the islands of Tutuila and Manu’a to the United States, establishing American Samoa as a U.S. territory, with the Tutuila Deed of Cession signed on April 17, 1900, and the Manu’a Deed of Cession on July 16, 1904.  These Deeds are codified in 48 USC Chapter 13 as 48 USC § 1661, which accepts, ratifies, and confirms these cessions, including the requirement of economic development,” Amata concluded. “The United States has and should continue to recognize that the territories require a more nuanced approach when it comes to protecting American interests. I urge you to find an exemption for American Smaoa given its unique location and status as a protected territory wherein the United States is charged with aiding the development of the economy of American Samoa under the codified Deeds of Cession.”

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

Washington, D.C. — On Monday, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen of American Samoa along with sponsor Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS-04), and other original cosponsors Reps. Bonamici (D-OR-01), Weber (R-TX-14), Dingell (R-MI-06), and David (D-IL-07), introduced legislation to reauthorize the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) for the next five fiscal years, maintaining its authorized funding level at $56 million annually. The bill ensures continued support for critical ocean monitoring efforts that benefit coastal communities, fisheries, and maritime industries.

“In American Samoa, we depend on the science of ocean observations for important data, such as wave measurements, leading to better services and decision-making in development or storm readiness. Quality IOOS data is important to all U.S. coastlines and all the U.S. territories,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We have a buoy that gathers ocean information that is specially named in memory of longtime Port Director Chris King, who served American Samoa for many years.”

“IOOS is essential to keeping coastal economies strong and resilient, especially in Mississippi,” Ezell said. “This reauthorization ensures we maintain vital ocean monitoring resources while modernizing the program to maximize its impact. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to support jobs, commerce, and our nation’s leadership in ocean science.”

 “Ensuring we have accurate and up to date ocean monitoring data is vitally important for coastal communities and the great lakes,” Chairman Westerman said. “Reauthorizing the IOOS will help us continue to support healthy fisheries, boost maritime commerce, support the United States’ coastal communities and make informed decisions for various maritime operations. I’d like to thank Congressman Ezell for his work on this important legislation.”

 “In Michigan, the Great Lakes are central to our way of life and protecting them is personal to many of us,” Dingell said. “This bill reauthorizes the United States Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which oversees the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) that is headquartered in Ann Arbor. GLOS provides vital data for public health, safety, ecosystem monitoring, weather, and maritime operations. Reauthorizing this critical system will culminate into improved safety, boosts in the economy, and promote a cleaner environment, benefiting everyone.”

 “Access to accurate data and monitoring is essential for Oregonians on the North Coast, for coastal communities everywhere, and for the entire Great Lakes region,” Bonamici said. “The high quality tools and forecasts from NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) help people make informed decisions that protect people’s lives and livelihoods as well as the environment. This data supports secure shipping supply chains, sustainable fisheries, and research to understand how changes in the ocean and Great Lakes affect our daily lives. I’m grateful to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to update and improve the IOOS System.”

 “Sustained ocean observations provide the information we need for a strong maritime economy, public safety, and national security. The Integrated Ocean Observing System authorization creates a public-private partnership that provides freely accessible information to meet the tailored needs of local and regional ocean and Great Lakes users while simultaneously generating data that fortifies our national models and forecasts and supports the missions of all the ocean-related agencies” – Kristen Yarincik, IOOS Association Executive Director

 “While coastal residents may not always realize it, data collected and disseminated by GCOOS and the nation’s 10 other IOOS regional associations impact their lives in large and small ways almost every day. The data we and our partners collect and disseminate are crucial for things such as predicting hurricane and tropical storm intensification, supporting a safe offshore energy industry, supporting safe ship navigation within ports, and even keeping people safe from toxic algal blooms. Through the ICOOS Act, associations like GCOOS can develop these regional public-private partnerships that minimize cost while maximizing data collection and dissemination for the public benefit.” – Jorge Brenner, Executive Director of the Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS)

 “NANOOS hears from Oregon and Washington residents who depend on our reliable delivery of data, information products, and forecasts to help them make decisions affecting their safety and livelihoods. We must sustain IOOS as a national, regionally-distributed, partnership because it is trusted, cost-effective, and needed. Fishermen stress it helps them plan safe journeys, shellfish growers cite its value to their ability to maintain seafood competitiveness, managers rely on our forecasts to protect human health from harmful algal blooms while not hampering coastal economies, and planners and residents alike rave about the utility of tsunami preparedness information on their phones. ” – Jan Newton, Executive Director of the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing System (NANOOS)

 The IOOS Reauthorization Act of 2025 includes important updates to improve the program’s effectiveness, including:

• Clarifying the type of data IOOS provides as operational oceanographic information;
• Updating statutory references to reflect current law by replacing the National Ocean Research Leadership Council with the Ocean Policy Committee;
• Enhancing the role of the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to ensure IOOS is used to its full capacity as an integrated system.

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

 Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming the return of the Miss ASCC pageant for the first time since 2019, and is congratulating the winner and all three finalists who made Saturday a success. 

 The new Miss ASCC is Lolomaletaiotumua Faolui of Nu’uuli and Leone; 1st Runner Up is Glorious Tuigamala-Lisala of Leone and others; and 2nd Runner Up is Anastasia Leutele of Fagaitua.

 As announced by ASCC, under the college’s leadership of Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato, the pageant was due to the efforts of the ASCC Student Government Association (SGA), led by SGA Coordinator Ms. Falaileato Suiaunoa, with many others using their time and abilities to make a great event. The theme was Popo’ e i lau Gagana, Popona i lou Fa’asinomaga.

 “Thank you to each of these talented young women for their joy and all the hard work and planning they put into this event,” said Congresswoman Amata. “They reflect well on American Samoa Community College and I know they had great support from students and educators and the community that showed up to cheer them on. I am happy that the pageant is back as it contributes to the traditions and opportunities at ASCC, and I know our Miss ASCC will do a wonderful job with her duties. I know these contestants made their friends and family proud, as each of their five categories was impressive, and all those taking part in the event did so well. I want to join in the chorus of people saying congratulations, especially to our Miss ASCC Lolomaletaiotumua!”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to congratulate the winners of the Malofie Congressional Art Competition for this year, and express appreciation to all the participating students, their teachers, this year’s expert judges, and the sponsors that make this opportunity possible for our students.

This year’s first-place winner is Deborah Vaiotu of Tafuna High School for her beautiful art titled “Motherhood.” This first-place art will be displayed for a year at the U.S. Capitol! She has also won a trip to Washington, D.C. to join all the other winners from the other congressional districts.

Congratulations also to Talanoa Lagafuaina of Tafuna High School, who is both second-place and third-place winner, with his art titled “Grandfather” and “Pale Fuiono.” Talanoa earned the DC trip last year, and shared his experience with the assembled art students.

“I am thrilled to congratulate the winners, and this entire group of 25 wonderful efforts!” said Congresswoman Amata. “I am delighted Congress can take part in promoting art in this way, but the event is made possible by our local generous sponsors and the time of our local artist judges and American Samoa’s educators.”

“I will enjoy seeing this beautiful first-place art displayed in the U.S. Capitol where thousands of people might see it in just one busy week in Washington. I’m so proud of the quality and effort and creativity of this year’s entire group, and every single one deserves praise.”

Each year, Congresswoman Amata and her local office work in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Education to select the top three standouts, and determine one to represent American Samoa in Washington. Any of American Samoa’s public and private high schools are invited to send entries for the competition.

Each participant will receive a plaque from Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, and received various prizes from sponsors. Congresswoman Amata extends her warmest fa’afetai to the many businesses and individuals who donated and helped make this year’s Congressional Art Competition special for the students.

 

Winners for the Congressional Arts Competition

1. Ms. Deborah Vaiotu – Tafuna High School

2. Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina – Tafuna High School

3. Mr. Talanoa Lagafuaina – Tafuna High School

 

 

“Motherhood” 

 

“Grandfather” 

 

“Pale Fuiono” 

 

Congressional Malofie Arts Competition 2025

Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula & Lt. Governor High Chief Pulu Ae Ae Jr

Director Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e – Department of Education

Executive Director Ms. Marion Mageo of the Jean P Haydon Museum

 

Judges

Executive Director Mr. Ammon Fepulea’i – Department of American Samoa Arts Council

Mr. Trevor Kaituu – Local Artist & Coral Reef Education and Outreach Coordinator

OCI Program Director Mr. Voloti Malietoa – Art Department for DOE

 

Award Presenters

Governor’s Chief of Staff, Taito Ali’itasi Afuola-Mauga

Congresswoman’s District Director Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi

 

 

Manumalo Baptist Academy

Director Mr. Papaalii Laulii Alofa

Instructor: Ms. Pearl Mendoza

 

Student

Rachael Park

 

Pacific Horizon School

Director Ms. Veronica Sooto

Instructor Ms. Cassandra Garcia

 

Student

Mikaela Ruth Dane

 

Tafuna High School

Principal Mrs. Tutuila Togilau

Art Instructor: Mr. Raymond Keleti

 

Students

Hina Tuinei

Namelia Leokina Paulo

Deborah Vaiotu

Helen Ah Ping

Talanoa Lagafuaina

 

  

Leone High School

Principal Mr. Patrick Danielson

Art Instructor: Mr. Tony Esau

 

Students

Mathew Vui

Logoipulotu Ape

Isileli Taliauli

Princess Vaoga

Evaselita Tevita

Taliloa Ioselani

Heilala Ikuvalu

Faatili Taofinu’u

Tauiai Sooalo

Felix Kuresa

 

 

Samoana High School

Principal Jemima Te’o

Art Instructor: Mr. Barry Patane

 

Students

Vaelani Junior Vaiuta

Baja Schuster

Polito Tatupu

Asherayne J Romero

Stephen Lee

Fiatamalii Esera

 

 

2025 Sponsors

Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines, CEO Mr. Joe Spraque

Starkist Company, CEO Mr. Eunhong (Edward) Min

American Samoa McDonalds, President Tautolo Charlie Tautolo & CEO Mrs. Dolores Tautolo-Galeai

Pago Pago Trading Company, President Mrs. Ella Gurr

Manu’a Store, Mr. Genhall & Mrs. Michelle Chen

American Samoa Telecommunications Authority ( ASTCA), CEO Mr. Chuck Leota

All Star Signs & Graphics, Mr. Case & Mrs. Tuai Mua

Island Business Center, CEO Tuala Kennedy Nofoagatotoa

Mrs. Gingerlei Lady Masina

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming Senate passage of the government funding bill that was passed by the House on Tuesday. This legislation funds the government through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2025, avoiding a shutdown. 

The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, H.R. 1968, will be sent to President Trump to sign into law, keeping current discretionary spending levels for the next six months, which completes the fiscal year. 

“I’m pleased to see a shutdown avoided,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Federal funding is important to American Samoa, and this action ensures there is no gap in funding and provides certainty. Medicaid support and military pay are two factors that are very important to our people. This year’s historic pay raise for our enlisted Service Members is now appropriated by the Congress for these months.”

This bill appropriates the largest pay increase for junior enlisted Service Members in 40 years, which the Congress had already authorized in the most recent National Defense Authorization Act. It also provides a $500 million boost to WIC, which is federal support through the USDA for Women, Infants and Children. In another key addition, the bill increases funding for air traffic control safety efforts. It boosts Veterans health care by $6 billion to prevent a shortfall, adds $330 million to fund pay raises for wildland firefighters, and bolsters HUD funding by $4.5 billion for low-income families’ assistance. It further boosts Defense funding and invests in shipbuilding, and upholds Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other critical services.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis is that the bill provides $1.6 trillion of total base discretionary spending for the remaining part-year time frame, with $893 billion for defense and $708 billion for nondefense programs, which is above FY 2024 spending for the full year.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland
March 13, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S PROPOSED PORT FEES AT U.S. PORTS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following statement on the proposed imposition of punitive service fees and restrictions on shipping companies that could skyrocket costs for Americans, and exponentially for island locations like the Virgin Islands:

“I am deeply concerned by the Trump Administration’s U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposed actions to impose significant port fees on maritime transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels. If implemented, the proposed action will have far reaching economic consequences throughout the United States, including increased shipping costs and shipping delays. I am particularly concerned for coastal and island communities, including the Virgin Islands, where the imposition of these punitive measures will skyrocket costs of food and other everyday items that must be imported by the maritime industry.

“I am working with the Virgin Islands maritime industry to track the implications of USTR’s proposal on ship owners, operators, and builders. Under this proposal, transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels will be charged up to $1.5 million per vessel entrance to an American port, as well as an ‘additional fee’ of up to $1 million per vessel entrance to an American port if the number of foreign-built vessels in the operator’s fleet is equal to or greater than 25 percent. Even vessels under the U.S. flag, operated and owned by a U.S. entity that are Chinese-built would be subject to the fees in USTR’s proposal.

“The impacts will be felt across most industries, given the role ocean transportation plays in virtually all supply chains. American businesses and consumers will be hit with price increases at the grocery store, the gas station, and the hardware store. The Virgin Islands will be disproportionately impacted, given our reliance on the maritime industry to import essential products. The price increases will be directly passed on to consumers in the Virgin Islands, and across our nation. If imposed, USTR’s proposal will have drastic consequences on Americans.

“My office has been working with the shipping industry and members of Congress, particularly in those areas that have large shipping industries and primarily rely on maritime commerce. We are urging the Trump Administration to heed the feedback of elected officials, the maritime industry, and stakeholders before imposing these actions that will have radically negative consequences for our corner of the American experience. I will continue to collaborate in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the Virgin Islands community to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands.”

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