Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata took part in the 74th National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning, and participated in the opening singing by the bipartisan House of Representatives Choir.

Prayer Breakfast Members Choir with Congresswoman Amata near the center podium

"In American Samoa we believe in the power of prayer and we are blessed with a strong and beautiful tradition of faith," said Congresswoman Amata. "Scripture invites us to pray for our leaders in order for them to make wise decisions for the flourishing of our people, as well as to express our grateful hearts for all of God's goodness."

The National Prayer Breakfast is a yearly bipartisan tradition, which gained national attention in 1953 when President Eisenhower attended at the suggestion of famous evangelist Billy Graham. President Eisenhower gave remarks, and presidents of both parties have carried on the tradition. President Trump attended and spoke this time.

Bipartisan Co-Chairmen were Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) and Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA). Organized by the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation, the gathering encourages "the spirit of love and reconciliation as Jesus of Nazareth taught 2,000 years ago." The Foundation is led by Chairman J.C. Watts, and years ago, Congresswoman Amata was employed by then-Congressman Watts.

Each year, prayers are led by respected clergy and others. They express thanks and pray for the country and its leaders, for wisdom in decisions, for peace, for the nation's Service Members and their protection.

"I've enjoyed attending the National Prayer Breakfast most of the years that I've been in Congress," continued Aumua Amata. "It's a good reminder of what is most important about public service."

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