Amata Announces Natural Resources Committee Roles

Wednesday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata announced her roles in the Natural Resources Committee for the 117th Congress. In a new role, she is Vice Ranking Member for Insular Affairs, which applies to the full Committee when the proceeding is focused on Insular issues.

Additionally, she will continue to serve on two Natural Resources Subcommittees -- the Subcommittee on Oceans, Waters, and Wildlife, which is her number one choice in this Committee because of its application to ocean and shoreline issues that concern American Samoa, and the Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples.

"I'm delighted to serve as Vice Ranking Member for Insular Affairs allowing me to emphasize the issues of utmost importance to American Samoa," Amata said. "I appreciate the opportunity from Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman to work in this direct way on these priorities, and look forward to working with Ranking Member for Insular Affairs Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, a good friend who represents Puerto Rico. I'm happy to continue on these subcommittees, and keep my primary focus on the issue areas that matter to American Samoa."

Ranking Member Westerman of Arkansas has been to American Samoa as part of a congressional delegation, and Amata has been to his state. Rep. Westerman also has experience with Pacific Islander issues through a substantial community of Marshallese in his state.

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