Senate Passes Amata's Provision For $18 Million Nutrition Assistance For American Samoa, And 100% Match For Medicaid

Press Release

Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is pleased to inform her constituents that the U.S. Senate has passed a disaster relief bill containing Amata's $18 million provision for nutrition assistance in American Samoa, and her request for a 100 percent match for Medicaid. Under the new compromise bill, the Medicaid full match would last for nine months and will provide significant additional savings to the Territory.

"This is great news for American Samoa, and will make a big difference for our Territory and our people," said Aumua Amata. "This bill is now very likely to become law soon based on President Trump's public backing and successful negotiations among House and Senate leaders. The new bill includes the legislative provision I wrote for $18 million in food assistance, along with the 100 percent Medicaid coverage for ASG that I also requested. Together, these two steps will help our people in the most important ways, food and healthcare, while strengthening the Territory's financial footing. I appreciate the support of so many Senators and Members of the House for listening as I repeatedly expressed the needs of our people and the impact of Storm Gita."

After extended negotiations for a bipartisan and bicameral agreement, there was a breakthrough in the effort this week resulting in the Senate vote late Thursday. The House is now expected to vote on the same bill in early June, which would send it to the President to be signed into law. President Trump has already publicly expressed approval of the compromise effort.

Congresswoman Amata offered the provision for $18 million total nutrition assistance (a $13 million increase in the $5 million she secured in the bill with an earlier amendment) this month as an amendment in the House bill to increase American Samoa's Storm Gita-related nutrition assistance. At the time, the House passed Amata's amendment by voice vote. This week, the Senate picked up Amata's provision as they worked to align the House and Senate versions and find agreement.

In a second breakthrough, the Senate included most of the House provision for Medicaid. This includes Amata's request for a 100 percent Medicaid match, which was in the House legislation for the rest of 2019. The Senate agreed to that 100 percent match for nine months.

Congresswoman Amata spoke publicly to Congress multiple times regarding Storm Gita and the need for this funding, and successfully offered amendments twice in the process that were approved by House votes. This effort including her testimony before the House Rules Committee, and her speech on the floor of the House in May.

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