Amata Welcomes $358,519 DOJ Grant for Victim Assistance

September 21, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice from the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs of an award to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA) for victim assistance services. Image Congresswoman Amata and Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix pictured at IGIA 2025 This discretionary federal award, dated September 17th, is titled Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) Fiscal Year 2026 Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant. It is for the ongoing project from FY2026-2029. Congressional authorization originates from the 1984 Victims of Crime Act that is supported by the current Congress through continued yearly DOJ authorizations, appropriations, and updates to that law. “Thank you once again to Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix along with everyone at the Criminal Justice Planning Agency that is part of these efforts to provide services and assistance to people in need, and the work that goes into qualifying for available grants,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you to any local organizations enlisted by CJPA in these efforts, making sure that victims have someone in their corner, and the help and expertise they need.” This program funds local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to crime victims, such as crisis counseling, telephone and onsite information and referrals, criminal justice support and advocacy, shelter, therapy, and additional assistance. The U.S. Department of Justice is led by Attorney General Todd Blanche. ### Issues : Judiciary