Amata’s Statement on Partial Shutdown, Highlights Critical Services

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata released the following statement and informational update on the partial government shutdown:

"First of all, I absolutely opposed this needless government shutdown. The best scenario for American Samoa is steady, secure federal funding that preserves our services. That said, I am always optimistic, and I remain optimistic that this interruption will not last long. Negotiators will continue to work, and I will monitor closely and keep our people informed.

"It's important to remember that we've endured these partial government shutdowns before, and we live by faith. The good news is critical services continue, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans' services, national security, weather forecasts, and disaster aid. However, delays can affect our grants, passports and visas, and long-term projects.

"Chairman Tom Cole of the House Appropriations Committee, my good friend, did his job. We've avoided government shutdowns since 2018 by passing clean Continuing Resolutions that are not partisan. That's what the House passed. In fact, it carries forward effectively the funding at the close of the Biden administration, rather than being a partisan bill. The seven-week Continuing Resolution would have kept the government open, allowing time for the House and Senate to work toward agreement on the 12 major funding bills. The House Appropriations Committee has passed all 12 of those bills, and the Senate has completed work on eight of the 12, so taking these weeks made good sense. Instead, the Senate vote of 55-45 was five votes short of the 60 votes needed to keep the government open. More votes are expected.

"My Democratic friends in Congress are urging more than a trillion in new spending to open the government for seven weeks. I would likely support some of this funding, in regards to health care, but this shutdown is the wrong time and place. It is costly and inconvenient to millions of American families, puts pressure on many thousands of public servants with mortgages and rents, and introduces uncertainty to small businesses. I am encouraged that Senator Fetterman of Pennsylvania has been outspoken in urging to keep the government open and several senators did cross party lines. I will do all I can to ensure American Samoa's services are available for our people."

Understanding the Shutdown:

The House-passed Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, H.R. 5371, would have prevented this government shutdown, which officially began at midnight Eastern time as the calendar changed from September 30 to October 1, but it did not pass the Senate, which requires 60 votes to advance. The House bill was intended to allow time for ongoing negotiations on 12 major bills by extending government funding through Nov. 21st of this year. A clean extension of current funds is the traditional compromise that prevents shutdowns during most years when full-year appropriations have not passed in time.

Critical Services Update:

• Social Security and SSI: Benefit checks will continue to be sent out. However, customer service may be limited, and processing new applications, benefit verifications, and other requests may be delayed.
• Medicare and Medicaid: Benefits will continue, though some administrative support services and communications from the agencies may be disrupted.
• U.S. Postal Service (USPS): The Postal Service is self-funded and will operate normally, with no change to mail delivery.
• Veteran services: 97 percent of Veterans' services will proceed. Medical facilities and clinics run by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will remain open and operational.
• Most services related to national security and public safety continue, but as pay periods pass by, those working may be required to do so with delayed pay until the shutdown is over, when it will be reimbursed.
• Federal law enforcement, including the FBI and DEA, will remain on the job. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will also continue their work.
• Air travel safety: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, air traffic controllers, and other essential personnel will continue to work, though travelers may experience delays or longer lines.
• Military operations: Active-duty military personnel and those on active-duty orders will continue to report to work.
• Disaster assistance: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will respond to emergencies, but long-term projects could be delayed.
• Weather forecasting: The National Weather Service will continue to provide forecasts, watches, and warnings.
• Passport and visa services: These are typically fee-funded and continue operating. However, processing times could slow down if a shutdown is prolonged.

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