Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that President Obama has submitted to Congress his proposed FY 2013 budget for the federal government, which includes $575.3 million for the Office of Insular Affairs, Department of Interior (OIA). The total OIA budget, an increase of $4.7 million from the FY2012 enacted level, is divided into discretionary and mandatory spending for activities in the Territories.

 For total assistance to the Territories, the proposed OIA budget includes $84.946 million, a net loss of $3.097 million from enacted levels in FY 2012. Through this program, $22.75 million, an increase of $35,000 from FY 2012, is proposed for the American Samoa Government (ASG) Operations, which includes $14.240 million for Basic Operations, $7.657 million for LBJ operations, and $855,000 for the High Court.
 
 Under OIA’s mandatory Covenant Grants, ASG will receive $9.964 million, a net reduction of $125,000 from FY 2012. These mandatory funds will fund construction projects in American Samoa. Under the discretionary General Technical Assistance program, OIA is proposing $34.474 million, a net reduction of $2.955 million from FY 2012. In the past, OIA has been able to fund several technical assistance projects for ASG through this discretionary funding.

 “I am pleased that the President’s budget request underscores a sustained commitment by the federal government to the interest of the people of American Samoa,” Faleomavaega said.

 “As Congress proceeds with its vetting process, I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” Faleomavaega concluded.