Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]
Republican · AS · 7 bills sponsored
American Samoa Statutory Nationality and Citizenship Act
# American Samoa Statutory Nationality and Citizenship Act (HR 6158) Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would grant U.S. citizenship at birth to people born in American Samoa. Currently, people born in American Samoa are considered U.S. nationals but not automatic U.S. citizens—a unique status that requires them to go through a naturalization process to become citizens. This bill would change that by making birthright citizenship the default for American Samoa, bringing it into line with other U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly affects American Samoa's population (approximately 55,000 people), particularly children born there who would automatically receive citizenship instead of national status. It also affects American Samoans who currently hold only national status and may want to pursue citizenship. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee as of the 119th Congress. It was introduced by Delegate Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, the elected representative from American Samoa. The bill has not yet advanced to a full House vote.
To protect collective self-determination and individual rights under Federal statutes conferring nationality on persons born and residing in the territory of American Samoa, to enable subsequent elective United States citizenship upon application of such persons residing in a State or in a territory subject to sections 301 through 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes.
# HR 5976 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would change citizenship rules for people born in American Samoa. Currently, people born there are U.S. nationals but not automatically U.S. citizens—a unique status that requires them to go through additional steps to become citizens if they move to the mainland U.S. or other U.S. territories. This bill would allow American Samoans to become U.S. citizens by application once they relocate to a U.S. state or certain U.S. territories, making it easier for them to gain full citizenship status. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects American Samoans and their descendants. American Samoa is a U.S. territory in the South Pacific with its own government and cultural traditions. Currently, about 55,000 people live there, and many more American Samoans live on the mainland U.S. The bill aims to balance these individuals' desire for U.S. citizenship while respecting American Samoa's collective self-determination and ability to control its own citizenship rules. **Current Status:** HR 5976 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress. It was introduced by Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, the delegate from American Samoa, in the 119th Congress.
South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2025
# South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill updates U.S. federal laws to match changes made to an international fishing agreement called the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. The treaty, updated in December 2016, governs how American commercial fishing vessels can operate in the South Pacific Ocean and sets out rules that both the U.S. and 16 Pacific Island nations must follow. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects U.S. commercial fishing companies and vessels operating in the South Pacific, as well as Pacific Island nations that are party to the treaty (including countries like Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, and others). The changes cover licensing requirements, law enforcement, liability rules, and how fishing operations are regulated in the region. **Current Status:** The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is moving through the legislative process. It was sponsored by Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, a Republican from American Samoa, whose constituent region has a direct interest in Pacific fishing operations.
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals, and for other purposes.
# HR 449 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would make it easier for certain people to become U.S. citizens. Currently, people born in American Samoa or Swains Island are considered U.S. nationals but are not automatically citizens. The bill would allow these nationals to become citizens by living in these U.S. territories, rather than having to move to one of the 50 states as they must do now. It would also waive some naturalization requirements for long-time residents of these areas, including the need to pass an English language test or participate in a citizenship ceremony. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects U.S. nationals from American Samoa and Swains Island who want to become citizens, as well as children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. These groups currently face additional requirements that this bill would remove. **Current Status:** HR 449 was introduced by Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
To permanently extend the American Samoa economic development tax credit.
# Summary of HR 399 **What the Bill Does** This bill would make permanent a tax credit designed to encourage business investment and economic development in American Samoa. Currently, this tax credit is temporary and set to expire. If passed, the bill would remove the expiration date, allowing the credit to continue indefinitely. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects businesses operating in or investing in American Samoa, as well as the U.S. territory itself. Companies that qualify for the credit would gain long-term certainty about the tax incentive, potentially encouraging more investment in the island's economy. Taxpayers who benefit from the credit would also be affected. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, the Congressional Delegate from American Samoa.
To waive certain provisions in the case of an emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
# HR 315 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would allow Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to bypass "Buy American" requirements during emergencies. Normally, when the federal government provides disaster relief funds, agencies must prioritize purchasing American-made goods and materials. This bill would exempt these four U.S. territories and the capital from that rule during declared emergencies, allowing them to purchase supplies and materials from anywhere to respond more quickly to disasters. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects residents of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. during natural disasters or emergencies. It could also impact American manufacturers who might lose out on contracts during disaster relief efforts in these areas. The bill was introduced by a Republican delegate from American Samoa. **Current Status** HR 315 is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced to a vote and remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Empowering Nonprofits Act
# Empowering Nonprofits Act (HR 314) Summary **What the Bill Does** The Empowering Nonprofits Act would reduce financial requirements that nonprofits must contribute when receiving federal grants. Specifically, it would lower "cost-sharing" requirements—the amount nonprofits must pay out of pocket to match federal funding—by 25% for five years after the bill becomes law. This means if a nonprofit currently needs to contribute $25 for every $100 in federal grant money, they would only need to contribute about $19 instead. **Who It Affects** The bill targets nonprofits located in high-poverty areas: any U.S. state, territory, possession, the District of Columbia, or federally recognized Indian tribe where more than 20% of residents live below the poverty line. By reducing their financial burden, the bill aims to help nonprofits in economically struggling communities access federal funding more easily, allowing them to direct more resources toward their missions rather than matching grant requirements. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.