Bridging the Data Divide: The Push for Equal Federal Funding in US Territories

In a significant revelation, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has shed light on profound disparities in the collection and utilization of data within U.S. territories, which substantially affects their access to federal funding. According to the GAO’s findings, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are often left at a disadvantage due to gaps in federal statistical products, disparities in data timeliness and quality, and challenges associated with sampling in smaller jurisdictions.

Delegate Uifaatali Amata Radewagen of American Samoa has been at the forefront of advocating for a more equitable approach to data collection in these territories. The GAO’s report underscores the need for immediate action to ensure that U.S. territories are no longer overlooked in the allocation of federal program funding. Radewagen’s praise for the report highlights its potential to serve as a cornerstone for legislative and policy initiatives aimed at rectifying these disparities.

The collaborative efforts of congressional offices representing the territories and the GAO are paving the way for informed legislative processes. By addressing these critical data gaps, the aim is to level the playing field for U.S. territories in terms of eligibility and access to federal funding, ensuring that policy solutions are grounded in accurate and comprehensive data.