To restore the ability of the people of American Samoa to approve amendments to the territorial constitution based on majority rule in a democratic act of self-determination, as authorized pursuant to an Act of Congress delegating administration of Federal territorial law in the territory to the President, and to the Secretary of the Interior under Executive Order 10264, dated June 29, 1951, under which the Constitution of American Samoa was approved and may be amended without requirement for further congressional action, subject to the authority of Congress under the Territorial Clause in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.

1/16/2025, 5:26 AM

Summary of Bill HR 6062

Bill 118 hr 6062, also known as the American Samoa Self-Determination Act, aims to restore the ability of the people of American Samoa to approve amendments to their territorial constitution based on majority rule. This act is in line with the democratic principles of self-determination and is authorized by an Act of Congress delegating the administration of Federal territorial law in American Samoa to the President and the Secretary of the Interior.

The Constitution of American Samoa was originally approved under Executive Order 10264, dated June 29, 1951, which allows for the constitution to be amended without the need for further congressional action. However, this authority is subject to the oversight of Congress under the Territorial Clause in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.

In summary, Bill 118 hr 6062 seeks to empower the people of American Samoa to have a greater say in amending their territorial constitution through a democratic process, while still maintaining the necessary oversight and authority of Congress as outlined in the Constitution.

Congressional Summary of HR 6062

This bill repeals the statute that prevents the people of American Samoa from approving amendments or modifications to the constitution of that territory. (Under that statute, an act of Congress is required for such an amendment or modification.)

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Current Status of Bill HR 6062

Bill HR 6062 is currently in the status of Became Public Law since January 4, 2025. Bill HR 6062 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on October 25, 2023. Bill HR 6062's most recent activity was Became Public Law No: 118-232. as of January 4, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 6062

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 6062

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Potential Impact Areas

- American Samoa

- Congressional oversight

- U.S. territories and protectorates

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 6062

To restore the ability of the people of American Samoa to approve amendments to the territorial constitution based on majority rule in a democratic act of self-determination, as authorized pursuant to an Act of Congress delegating administration of Federal territorial law in the territory to the President, and to the Secretary of the Interior under Executive Order 10264, dated June 29, 1951, under which the Constitution of American Samoa was approved and may be amended without requirement for further congressional action, subject to the authority of Congress under the Territorial Clause in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.