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.
Key claim: Public Law 118-232 repeals the statute that required an Act of Congress to amend the American Samoa constitution, restoring the territory’s ability to approve constitutional amendments by majority rule.
Abstract
(HR6062 · 118th Congress) This act 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. Latest action (2025-01-04): Became Public Law No: 118-232.
Why this matters
Residents of American Samoa have long occupied an ambiguous status under the Territorial Clause, with limited avenues to shape their own governing charter. By removing the congressional-approval bottleneck on constitutional amendments, this law shifts practical control over territorial self-governance toward American Samoans themselves via majority-rule ratification, while preserving Congress’s ultimate constitutional authority. It is a narrow but concrete expansion of democratic self-determination for one U.S. territory.