Eni Faleomavaega

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Speaker, years ago it was my privilege to have been invited by the famous native Hawaiian navigator Nainoa Thompson to be a member of the crew of the famous Hawaiian voyaging canoe Hokule`a. We sailed from Tahiti, and it took us about 27 days until finally we sighted the famous mountains of Mauna Kea. Part of our traveling along the Hawaiian chain of islands was that we also visited the famous peninsula called Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai where we visited and stayed there, resting before we went on to the island of Oahu. It was there, Mr. Speaker, that I saw the legacy of Father Damien's work in dealing with the native Hawaiian people, or anybody who contracted leprosy who was sent to that island to remain there for the rest of their lives. The unfortunate stories that I have heard in the treatment of these people is that they were just dropped off, not even on the wharf. They were just simply taken there, and they had to swim to the islands in order to get there. What a terrible way of treating those people that were screened or realized that they had Hansen's disease. But I just wanted to describe the memory of seeing the school and the grave sites and the little community that was built, for which Father Damien was very responsible in helping those who were in need and the people who contracted Hansen's disease on the island of Molokai on this particular peninsula, the beautiful, beautiful peninsula of Kalaupapa, very, very historical; and I know this is true also to our native Hawaiian community. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the distinguished author of this legislation, the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono).

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 786) commemorating the canonization of Father Damien de Veuster, SS.CC. to sainthood, as amended.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this resolution commemorates the canonization of Father Damien de Veuster for his selfless works ministering to those suffering from Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. I would also like to thank my good friend Ms. Hirono from the State of Hawaii for sponsoring and authoring this resolution and for working to ensure that Father Damien's legacy is never forgotten. Many of us here and our colleagues who walk the Halls of the Congress have oftentimes passed by the distinctive statue of Father Damien in the Capitol, yet few of us understood that this was a man who essentially gave his life in order to help others. In 1863, at the age of 23, Father Damien left his home in Belgium, sailing to Hawaii to perform missionary work. At that time, the Hawaiian Government deported those who had contracted Hansen's disease to a place called Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai to prevent the spread of the disease. Though he was aware of the risks of contracting leprosy, Father Damien decided to move to Molokai permanently in order to be with those who suffered there. Isolated from society on the Kalaupapa peninsula on the island of Molokai, Father Damien and those to whom he ministered had many remarkable achievements: building schools and hospitals, constructing churches and homes, and attending to the spiritual and physical needs of those suffering from Hansen's disease, or leprosy. For 16 years, Father Damien served as a voice of hope and a source of consolation and encouragement for individuals afflicted with Hansen's disease, until he died on April 15, 1889, after contracting the disease himself. In 1977, recognizing his life of good works and the sacrifice he made in helping others, Pope Paul VI began the process that would ultimately lead to sainthood for Father Damien. Mr. Speaker, just last Sunday, Father Damien was finally canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI. I urge all my colleagues to honor the life and accomplishments of Father Damien and his legacy of self-sacrifice by supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have left?

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono).

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I do thank the gentlewoman and the author of this resolution, Ms. Speier, for her most eloquent statement. I thank her also for her offered help concerning what happened in my own district in American Samoa. At this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan).

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this resolution extends our profound sympathies and condolences to the good people of the Philippines for the terrible losses they suffered as a result of Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma. I would like to thank my good friend and colleague, Representative Jackie Speier from California, for her leadership in introducing this important legislation. On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana brought the heaviest rainfall in 40 years, leaving 80 percent of Manila under water. The storm killed more than 330 people, left nearly 40 missing, forced more than 135,000 families into evacuation centers, and destroyed or badly damaged nearly 40,000 houses. Eight days later, Typhoon Parma hit the Philippines, causing further destruction in areas that were still saturated by the previous storm and resulting in the loss of an additional 28 lives. I certainly would like to express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones in the storms and to those who were injured and displaced from their homes. It is my sincere hope that the good people of the Philippines will find strength and solace knowing that the world stands by them in these very trying times. The United States and the Philippines continue to maintain close ties based upon historical relations, common interests, and shared values. The Filipino American community is the second largest Asian American group in the United States, and they make an invaluable contribution to our own country here in America. This resolution reflects our steadfast commitment to this relationship, as well as our strong desire for a speedy recovery of our friends in the Philippines who are suffering from the aftermaths of these two major natural disasters. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am in strong support of House Resolution 266, which celebrates 90 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Poland. I wish to thank my good friend, the distinguished gentleman from the State of Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) for his authorship and introduction of this bill that enables the House to join the Senate in marking this significant anniversary and reaffirming our friendship with an important ally. It is remarkable to think that it has been only 20 years since Poland began to emerge from a period marked by war, Communist rule and occupation. On June 4, 1989, the good people of Poland voted in semi- democratic parliamentary elections. They resulted in a landslide victory for opposition candidates fielded by the Solidarity trade union over the ruling Communists. The new government moved swiftly to re- establish democratic practices and a free market economy. This election marked a turning point in the region, as other Soviet satellite states in Central and Eastern Europe regained their freedom by the end of 1989. Poland undertook internal reforms that enabled its rapid integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. Indeed, 2009 marks the fifth anniversary of Poland's membership with the European Union and the 10th anniversary of its accession to NATO. Poland has since been playing an active role in the international community, helping to secure peace and stability through its contributions to civilian and military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, Poland has been a strong ally of the United States. This year we are marking 90 years of diplomatic relations, with the United States being the first country to recognize the newly independent Second Polish Republic in January 1919. This was particularly fitting given the key role played by President Woodrow Wilson in demanding that an independent Poland be included in the Treaty of Versailles. Since that time, there has continued to be a close friendship between our two peoples and countries. The estimated 10 million of our fellow Polish Americans who comprise 3 percent of the U.S. population have made considerable contributions to the cultural, economic, social, and political fabric of our great Nation. I welcome the planned visit by Vice President Biden to Poland later this month, as it provides an excellent opportunity to affirm our strong bilateral relationship. I strongly support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank my good friend from Washington for his assistance and partnering with me in putting this resolution before our colleagues. I also have a proverbial expression, going along with what my good friend from Texas has said, that, yes, there truly is only one race, and that's the human race. That's what makes this country so great. I also believe that this country is but a microcosm of the whole world in itself, and the fact that it seeks no race or creed or boundaries to the extent that we are all fellow human beings, and whenever there is a need, it's our moral responsibility to do all that we can to give assistance. There is also a saying among the Chinese people that says there are many acquaintances but very view friends. I will say, Mr. Speaker, to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to my colleagues who truly are my friends, when I am in need, just from the fact that many of our colleagues have had occasions of having to appear before the floor and expressing and asking for assistance when disasters occur in their States and their territories, this is what the Congress is all about. This is what democracy is all about in this great country. Again, Mr. Speaker, I cannot say enough words to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for the offered help from the administration, from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, from everybody in the Congress, knowing of the difficulties that we are going through. I am going to say, our people are in good spirits. The prayer services, all that has been offered has been tremendous. I just want to say again, thank you to my colleagues.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 816) mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa and Samoa, as amended.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank my good friend Congressman Dan Burton of Indiana, distinguished member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and co-Chair of the Indonesia Caucus, for his leadership in introducing this resolution. This resolution extends our profound sympathy and condolences to the people of Indonesia for the terrible losses they suffered as a result of the massive earthquake that struck the island of Sumatra on September 30, 2009. Landslides triggered by the quake wiped out three villages in the province of West Sumatra. Nearly 700 lives were lost. Thousands have been injured and displaced, and a staggering number of houses, schools, and public buildings were destroyed or seriously damaged. I want to extend my deepest sympathy and support to the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who has been working tirelessly to deliver assistance to victims in response to this catastrophic event. As a representative of American Samoa, a place that has also recently experienced calamity caused by a natural disaster, I know firsthand how difficult it is to see the people who elected you facing such profound losses. I also know how much it means to have support from friends and allies during these times of crisis. Indeed, Indonesia has many friends around the world, as seen by the outpouring of international support for the earthquake relief efforts, which currently stands at about $16 million in financial commitments from more than 20 countries. For our part, the United States has released $300,000 for earthquake relief and has set aside an additional $3 million for recovery operations. In addition, the Secretary of Defense has authorized $7 million for relief operations in Indonesia, which includes setting up a field hospital, sending three U.S. Navy ships with helicopters and lift capability, and 45 metric tons of emergency relief commodities. These are all signs of enduring friendship between our two countries. Time and time again, Indonesia has shown the world that democracy can not only survive, but thrive in a vibrant, multiethnic, moderate Islamic country. This resolution reflects our commitment to maintain a strong U.S.-Indonesia relationship and expresses our solidarity with the good people of Indonesia during these difficult times. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono).

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will say that Indonesia has come a long way in establishing its democracy, being the largest democratic country. It happens to be a Muslim country with a population of some 225 million people. I want to also commend President SBY for all that he is trying to do in helping the good people of West Papua. There have been some difficulties along the way, but I suspect that every effort is being made to address the needs of the people of West Papua. Certainly I congratulate them on the recent national elections that were done in such a way that it was again demonstrated that democracy can happen in a Muslim country like Indonesia. So I want us to realize that only 5 years ago we had a tsunami that also impacted Indonesia, that some 220,000 people died as a result of that terrible disaster, and for which I am very grateful that our country responded in such a way that I think the people of Indonesia deeply appreciated our assistance. So we are at this again. Another disaster struck Indonesia, and I thank the administration for all the efforts that are being made to give assistance to the good people of Indonesia.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I submit the following message of support from Chairman Howard L. Berman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in response to the massive tsunami that struck American Samoa on Tuesday, September 29, 2009: I want to express my deepest condolences to the people of American Samoa and Samoa who have suffered great losses from the tsunami that swept the islands. The losses are staggering. The sympathy of the Foreign Affairs Committee is with our good friend and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Eni Faleomavaega, the delegate from American Samoa. We commend him for his efforts and extend our fullest support during this trying time.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I submit the following message of support from House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer in response to the massive tsunami that struck American Samoa on Tuesday, September 29, 2009: I want to offer my deepest sympathy to all those in American Samoa and Samoa who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy. We are all saddened by the loss of life and the scope of damage done. Our thoughts are with Eni Faleomavaega, American Samoa's delegate to the House of Representatives, and we will keep him and everyone affected in our prayers.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I submit the following message of support from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in response to the massive tsunami that struck American Samoa on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. The thoughts of the entire Congress are with the people of American Samoa as they grapple with the terrible loss of life as a result of today's tsunami. As the island works to rebuild, all levels of the government, including Congress, will move quickly to address the needs of American Samoa and the Americans who live there.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I submit the following message of support from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu, Myung-hwan of the Republic of Korea in response to the massive tsunami that struck American Samoa on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Washington, DC, October 5, 2009. Hon. Eni Faleomavaega, Chairman, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Dear Mr. Chairman: It was with deep grief that I learned of the heavy loss of life and the disastrous property damages caused by the tsunami that swept your hometown, and would like to express my most profound sympathy and condolences to you and the people in the American Samoa, particularly to those who have lost their loved ones. I earnestly hope for speedy relief and rehabilitation under your leadership. Sincerely yours, Yu, Myung-hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.