Amata Thanks American Samoa’s TSA Employees, Welcomes President’s Emergency Pay Order

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is thanking American Samoa's DHS employees, who have worked for weeks without pay due to the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during legislative and policy disputes in Washington. President Trump has announced an emergency pay order to send them paychecks.

Pictured in Committee work Thursday

"I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our TSA agents who have worked diligently in American Samoa under strenuous financial conditions. Thank you to each of you for your patience, and know that your service is appreciated," Amata said. "I appreciate President Trump ordering that pay be sent out. That's good news and these dedicated employees deserve to be paid."

"Thank you to all our nation's Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA and others of the 100,000 DHS employees. My urgent prayer for you is prompt resolution to restore your regular pay."

"I remain hopeful that each bill passed by one side of the Capitol brings us closer to a resolution very soon. Nothing is certain until final passage by both chambers and a bill is signed into law. Until then, I continue to urge leadership to find the best way to rapid resolution and will do my best to work with everyone and keep you informed."

"I have always disagreed with shutdowns because they cause pay worries for families and can delay services. In this case, the goal is to restore pay for 100,000 DHS employees, renew full operations for the Coast Guard, FEMA, and airport security personnel, and allow any delayed DHS grants to move forward."

Competing Legislation

On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), to reopen and fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and deliver backpay.

The Senate did not take up that bill but instead passed their amended version of H.R. 7147, introduced by House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, which had initially passed the House in January; however their version did not include funding ICE and Border Patrol and Customs.

The House, in disagreement with partial funding of DHS, then countered Friday with passage of an eight-week extension of funding to allow the chambers to continue work resolving their differences. During those eight weeks employees would have their pay and backpay restored. That is where the legislative process stands, but the President has issued an executive order to pay TSA.

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