Uifa’atali backs a unified stance by governors

US Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is in support of a unified stance and combined bipartisan efforts of the governors of American Samoa, CNMI, and Guam.

In a statement released this week, Uifaatali noted that as Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga is visiting Washington, D.C., requested a meeting with President Biden to discuss the effect of his announced plan to place 777,000 square miles of Pacific waters off limits to fishing.

According to Uifaatali, when she received word of the President’s announced plan to further limit the commercial fishing that is the cornerstone of our local island economy, she immediately took action and urgently responded publicly, voicing strong concerns in Congress, and in a letter jointly to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior,” said Congresswoman Amata.

Adding that it is helpful and beneficial that the Governors of three island territories in the Pacific stand together, and that she will continue to amplify our islands’ concerns in Washington. Uifattali also acknowledged the unity and commitment of the governors, which strengthens the islands' position.”

According to the Congresswoman, a decision of this magnitude affects our islands directly, and the President should take time to meet and discuss their viewpoint directly.