Update on Deep Seabed Mining Opposition

May 29, 2026

Washington, D.C. - In response to several questions from constituents, I am providing an update on my continued call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa and my ongoing concerns regarding its potential environmental impacts.

I want to emphasize several key points as the federal government continues the environmental review required by law under the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (DOI/BOEM) process, which governs federal waters from 3 to 200 miles offshore of American Samoa.

First, federal officials must follow the law and must not consider shortcuts simply because American Samoa is a territory and not a state.

Second, there cannot be a rush toward potentially destructive consequences for our oceans. We need a full and thorough environmental impact statement that is grounded in science, not politics.

Third, there remain many unresolved scientific questions surrounding deep-sea mineral activities, including the potential impacts beyond extraction sites due to sediment movement, often referred to as sediment "plumes." Because the impacts of these plumes are not fully understood, there are legitimate concerns that they could be catastrophic to fish stocks. American Samoa relies on healthy fish stocks not only for our local economy, but also as part of broader national and global food security.

Fourth, I do not see how federal agencies can properly evaluate these new mining processes and their impacts in just a few weeks. I will work to ensure a diligent and environmentally thorough review process. I will also do everything in my power to stop this effort if all legal and environmental requirements are not fully met. A credible environmental review cannot be completed in a matter of weeks, and that may become a basis for challenge once the review is released, which is expected in the coming months according to BOEM and DOI.

Finally, continued vigilance is required. I will, as always, keep the public informed of any new developments.

$3.25 Million HHS Grant for Health Services in American Samoa

May 26, 2026

Washington, D.C. - I am highlighting a $3,252,225 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the American Samoa Department of Health for continued health center services.

With HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The grant is awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Center Program. This funding supports health care services that local families rely on, including primary care, preventive care, and other community-based health services.

"Congratulations to Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, Project Director Abigail Poyer, and everyone at the American Samoa Department of Health on this important grant," I said. "This funding helps support the front-line health services our people rely on, especially in a remote island community where access to care is so important. Our families need dependable health services close to home, and these federal resources help strengthen that care for our people. Thank you to HHS, HRSA, and all those locally who work to meet federal requirements and keep these important health resources flowing to American Samoa."

The grant award is listed as a competing continuation for health services, with a grant budget period of June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. The project is titled Pacific Basin, with the American Samoa Department of Health listed as the grantee.

Health centers play an important role in helping communities receive routine care, preventive services, and other basic health support. For American Samoa, where distance and limited access to specialized care can create additional challenges, continued support for local health services is especially important.

House Passes Briley/Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Bill

May 22, 2026

Washington, D.C. - As Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am hailing House passage of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, H.R. 6047. I am an original cosponsor of this bipartisan bill, which was introduced by 12 Members working together in December and passed out of Committee in February. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Discussing Veterans' issues in 2025 with VA Secretary Collins, HVAC Chairman Bost and other key Members

This legislation would increase Department of Veterans Affairs monthly compensation benefits for service-connected catastrophically disabled veterans, as well as for the surviving families of veterans who are 100 percent disabled or deceased. This tax-free benefit, which supports families who have experienced the loss of a disabled veteran, has not been increased in decades.

This bill affects hundreds of thousands of veterans' families, including many of those most in need or who have made the greatest sacrifices. It is important in recognizing those sacrifices, honoring Gold Star families, and showing continued support for all who have served.

The House-passed bill makes two key changes. First, it increases the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefit, which currently provides $1,650 per month, by an additional 1 percent each year above inflation for the next five years, helping more than 500,000 veterans' families with living expenses.

Second, it significantly increases monthly benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans with traumatic brain injury or other severe disabilities requiring round-the-clock in-home care, providing an additional $10,000 annually to more than 7,000 veterans who require such care. This represents the first major increase for this group in decades.

H.R. 6047 is supported by the individuals for whom it is named: Sharri Briley, the surviving spouse of Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donovan "Bull" Briley, a Black Hawk pilot who was killed in Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Gothic Serpent in 1993; and Sergeant Eric Edmundson, an Army veteran who sustained life-changing injuries after his Humvee was struck by an IED in Iraq in 2005.

This bill has broad support from numerous veterans service organizations, including the American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Independence Fund, National Military Family Association, Gold Star Wives, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Quality of Life Foundation, and Veterans MS Alliance.

FEMA BRIC Grant for American Samoa Preparedness Efforts

May 19, 2026

Washington, D.C. - I am welcoming a federal funding notice for American Samoa from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), announcing $220,542 through FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.

With Secretary Markwayne Mullin

The funding supports management costs for American Samoa's Fiscal Year 2022 BRIC project and is provided at a 100 percent federal cost share.

I am also recognizing the continued work of the Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM), under Director Lologa Olo, for its coordination with FEMA and ongoing preparedness, recovery, and mitigation efforts in the Territory.

Although my first priority when announcing grant notices is to inform our people about new funding, it is also important to recognize the work taking place here at home that makes these efforts possible. I thank ODAPM and everyone involved in helping American Samoa remain prepared and strengthening our readiness for future needs.

The BRIC program helps communities improve disaster preparedness, strengthen resilience, and support long-term planning before emergencies occur.

This funding supports the planning, coordination, reporting, oversight, and administrative work needed to manage preparedness and mitigation activities. While it is not direct public assistance or construction funding, it helps support the work behind disaster readiness efforts across the Territory.

This award is categorized as a Hazard Mitigation grant under FEMA's BRIC program and is authorized under Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. FEMA provides the funding directly to American Samoa for administration and eligible use.

ASCC Graduates and Funding Efforts

May 17, 2026

Washington, D.C. - I am congratulating the 75 graduates of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC). The college held its 84th Commencement Ceremony on Friday in the Taeaoafua Gymnasium at Kanana Fou.

Congratulating ASCC Graduates

I want to thank President Dr. Rosevonne Pato, as well as those who took part in officiating the ceremony, including Pastor Francis Lolesio and keynote speaker Agriculture Director Daniel Elisara Helsham, an ASCC alumnus who also holds a Bachelor's degree from Chaminade University in Honolulu and a Master's degree from Texas Tech University.

I am delighted to have been able to attend the ASCC Commencement in honor of our graduates and their proud families. Congratulations to each graduate on this wonderful accomplishment as you now have an education that will serve you for a lifetime and support your future success. I also extend congratulations to each parent, family member, and mentor who helped guide these graduates along their journey.

I thank President Dr. Rosevonne Pato and all the faculty and staff of the college for their work in providing an education for these graduates and for all current and future students. I also appreciate the planners and staff who ensured the commencement ceremony went smoothly, and I especially thank keynote speaker Director Helsham and Pastor Lolesio for their participation. Their words and example provide strong guidance for these graduates as they move forward.

To each graduate, you earned your applause at commencement, and we are all cheering you on as you take your next steps. I know your Samoan values, including family, faith, and prayer, will remain a strong foundation for your continued growth.

For 2026, I secured $3 million for ASCC, specified by Congress through the annual ASG Operations Fund under the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA). This fund receives $29 million for American Samoa in 2026 through Interior Appropriations, and I have again requested continued support for 2027, including testimony before the Appropriations Committee in March.

At my request, Congress has increased the annual funding for this program seven times, resulting in more than $6.3 million in growth since fiscal year 2018. This supports ASCC with designated funding while allowing additional resources for other territorial priorities.

In March, the U.S. House of Representatives also passed the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act, H.R. 6472, a bipartisan bill I am co-leading. This policy, which I have championed in previous Congresses, would guarantee in-state tuition rates for students from U.S. territories, including ASCC graduates and high school graduates who choose to pursue four-year degrees in the United States. The U.S. Senate must also pass this legislation for it to become law.

Veterans Bills Advance

May 17, 2026

Washington, D.C. - As Vice Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am welcoming Committee passage this past week of another slate of 16 veterans' bills, including several that I cosponsor.

I am an original cosponsor of the bipartisan U.S. Vets of the FAS Act, H.R. 6652; a cosponsor of the RECOVER Act, H.R. 2283, led by Chairman Mike Bost; and a cosponsor of the Blast Overpressure Research and Mitigation Task Force Act, H.R. 6444. The next step for these bills is consideration by the full House.

The U.S. Vets of the FAS Act fulfills U.S. commitments to veterans in the Freely Associated States (FAS) by expanding access to telehealth and mail-order pharmacy services. I previously led passage of COFA-related legislation in 2024, serving as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee's Indo-Pacific Task Force. This bipartisan effort reflects cooperation among the three Pacific territories and the Hawaii House delegation.

The RECOVER Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a three-year pilot program providing grants to established nonprofit mental health care providers to deliver culturally competent, evidence-based mental health care for veterans.

The Blast Overpressure Research and Mitigation Task Force Act creates a task force of experts to study and address issues including sleep therapy, blast-related gut health, mobile diagnostics, vestibular dysfunction and balance impairment, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, cumulative mild traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation and glial activation. It also directs monitoring of veterans' declines in vision, hearing, and other functions, and requires recommendations and reports to Congress and the VA to improve care and services.

These bills are important ways to keep our commitment to our veterans and honor their sacrifice. The legislation I cosponsor focuses on expanding VA services in the Pacific, improving mental health research and care, and addressing blast-related injuries and conditions. I strongly support this package of veterans' bills, many of which have bipartisan backing.

$300,000 HHS Grant for LBJ

May 15, 2026

Washington, D.C. - I am highlighting a federal funding notification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the American Samoa Medical Center Authority.

With Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole

This discretionary grant of $306,604 for programs under the American Samoa Department of Health at LBJ Tropical Medical Center supports family planning services and covers one year of a five-year project. The funding is provided through the federal Office of Family Planning within the HHS Office of Public Health and Science. HHS is led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

"Thank you especially to Bethel Mussau-Howard for her work on this grant and effort, and to all those involved. We are always grateful to the health professionals at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center and our Health Department for the care they provide to our people," I said. "I also thank HHS for supporting our hospital programs, and I congratulate ASG for its role in helping ensure these federal funds are secured."

$1.3 Million FEMA Award

May 14, 2026

Washington, D.C. - I am highlighting nearly $1.3 million in new federal support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) for COVID-19 response efforts carried out during the pandemic. I also want to thank the Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM) and ASDOH for their efforts to qualify for and secure this reimbursement.

The FEMA award, totaling $1,290,403.07, helps reimburse emergency protective measures taken across the Territory during the COVID-19 public health emergency, including public health response activities such as vaccination operations, testing support, outreach efforts, communications, and expanded vaccine access in villages throughout American Samoa.

"I appreciate FEMA continuing to support American Samoa's public health response and reimbursing the significant work carried out by our Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic," I said. "Our healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and support personnel worked tirelessly to protect our people during an unprecedented public health emergency. This funding helps recognize and support those efforts, especially the outreach to villages and families throughout the Territory."

According to FEMA, the reimbursement also includes eligible costs tied to overtime labor, materials, rented equipment, and contracted services necessary during the public health emergency.

FEMA approved the project under its Public Assistance program at a 100 percent federal cost share.

Close Up Students Visit U.S. Capitol

May 6, 2026

Washington, D.C. - I was delighted, along with my Washington office staff, to host American Samoa's Close Up student delegation on Wednesday for a luncheon in my congressional office and a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol.

With 2026 Close-up Students

Thank you to our students, who are happy, respectful, and a pleasure to have in the office. They are always a credit to American Samoa, as well as to their parents, teachers, and mentors.

This trip is a very worthwhile opportunity for our students to see the United States Capitol firsthand, along with the many other educational experiences they have while visiting Washington. I also want to thank the Close Up Foundation and its leadership for organizing this excellent civic education program and for planning this valuable educational visit each year.

The students are in the nation's capital with the Close Up Foundation civic program as part of its annual extended visit to historical and educational sites in the Washington, D.C. area.

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 4, 2026

Washington, D.C. - As Teacher Appreciation Week begins, May 4-8, I want to thank all of our dedicated teachers for the important work they do every day on behalf of our students and families.

With 2025 Teacher of the Year Mikaela Saelua and parents Rep Fiu and Catherine Saelua

Thank you so much to all our dedicated teachers. I am usually able to attend most of our graduations, and I'm always appreciative of everyone who helps make those joyful days possible for our students and parents each year. Many of us can look back to an excellent teacher who made a difference in our lives. Often, teachers do not even realize the potentially life-changing impact they are having at the time.

Teaching is often a calling and a life's work. The best teachers have a special ability to explain their subject, recognize the efforts of young people, and inspire students to reach their potential. They also seem to maintain a lifelong youthful spirit, sense of humor, and enthusiasm from spending their days working with our youth.

I will always support federal investment in education, school infrastructure, and technology. Our students deserve the best start in life that we can provide, along with opportunities to pursue higher education and career goals. The Members of Congress from the Pacific territories have introduced legislation to establish in-state tuition opportunities for island students. Here at home, I secured a $3 million designation for the American Samoa Community College through increases to the ASG/OIA operations fund.

The Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process has just begun, and I will continue to keep you informed regarding the next round of funding opportunities and investments in education.

During this Teacher Appreciation Week, I want our teachers to know they have our respect, appreciation, and love. Thank you for all that you do for our students, families, and future generations.