June 26, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- SAMOA'S FY99 BUDGET ADVANCES THROUGH APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES; SLIGHT DIFFERENCE IN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS REMAINS

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that federal funding for American Samoa was approved by both the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on June 25, 1998. Funding for construction projects is agreed to at $10.1 million. Funding for the operations of the local government differs by $230,000.

The House Committee on Appropriations approved $23,054,000 to assist ASG with the operations of its government, while the Senate provided $22,824,000. "Assuming the full House and Senate do not make any changes, this difference will have to be resolved in the House-Senate Conference Committee," said Faleomavaega, "and I will do my best to obtain the higher level so ASG will have the larger amount to provide services to the people of Samoa."

Congress has adjourned for the Independence Day Work period, and further legislative action is not expected until the week of July 13th.