Amata Highlights $1.3 million FEMA Award

May 14, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting nearly $1.3 million in new federal support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse the American Samoa Department of Health for COVID-19 response efforts carried out during the pandemic. The FEMA award, totaling $1,290,403.07, helps reimburse emergency protective measures taken across the Territory during the COVID-19 public health emergency, including public health response activities such as vaccination operations, testing support, outreach efforts, communications, and expanded vaccine access in villages throughout American Samoa. “I appreciate FEMA continuing to support American Samoa’s public health response and reimbursing the significant work carried out by our Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Our healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and support personnel worked tirelessly to protect our people during an unprecedented public health emergency. This funding helps recognize and support those efforts, especially the outreach to villages and families throughout the Territory.” According to FEMA, the reimbursement also includes eligible costs tied to overtime labor, materials, rented equipment, and contracted services necessary during the public health emergency. FEMA approved the project under its Public Assistance program at a 100 percent federal cost share. ### Issues : Budget