Eni Faleomavaega

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, last October 2013, because of complications due to Agent Orange exposure during my service in Vietnam, I was airlifted from American Samoa to Hawaii where I was not expected to live. Thanks to the prayers offered and the assistance provided on my behalf at a time when I needed it most, I am here today. And so, for historical purposes, I rise to express my gratitude for all those involved in making my evacuation and recovery possible, and to say thank you to the people of American Samoa for giving me the opportunity to serve them in the U.S. House of Representatives from the time they first elected me in 1988 until 2014. At about 2:30 p.m. Washington, DC time (7:30 a.m. in Pago Pago), on October 24, 2013, my staff in Washington, DC released an official statement informing the people of American Samoa that I had been hospitalized at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center (LBJ) on October 22, 2013. My Washington team learned of my hospitalization on October 23, 2013 through Fili Sagapolutele, a local reporter in American Samoa. Upon learning of my hospitalization, my staff in Washington, DC immediately sought a first-hand assessment of my condition and facilitated a conference call on October 23, 2013 between Dr. Rahim Remtulla of the Office of Attending Physician at the U.S. House of Representatives and medical officer (M.O.) Jerome Amoa who was supervising my care at LBJ. In American Samoa, medical officers are spoken of as doctors and, out of respect and appreciation for the care he provided me, I also use the local terminology when referring to Dr. Amoa, who recently passed away. Dr. Amoa was a true servant of our people and I am forever thankful for him. During his conference call with my staff, Dr. Amoa reported that LBJ did not have the equipment necessary to provide further evaluation of my condition and that a medical evacuation (medevac) was needed. He also reported that I was stable for travel and was not in a life-threatening situation. Because commercial flights from American Samoa only fly to and from Hawaii twice a week, Dr. Amoa stated that he had requested medevac services through the American Samoa Government (ASG) and the local Veterans Administration (VA) in the Territory but that no action had yet been taken due to some confusion about whether or not ASG should request the medevac or if the local VA should since I am a Vietnam veteran. Due to these delays, my Washington staff contacted General Robert Lee, former Adjutant General of the State of Hawaii, who contacted Major General Darryll Wong, the Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii who oversees the Hawaii Air National Guard and who provides direct support to the Office of Veterans Affairs. Based on letters my office obtained from Dr. Amoa and the Office of Attending Physician, which stated that medevac services were essential, my Washington staff registered a request for medevac services through Colonel Ronald Han, Director of the State of Hawaii's Office of Veterans Services. Colonel Han, General Wong and Governor Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii acted with urgency and immediacy. Within 30 minutes of receiving the request, General Wong and his team put a crew into crew rest to prepare for the medevac flight. In less than 2 hours, General Wong informed my Washington staff that an aircraft would leave Honolulu (HNL) at approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2013, with a doctor, nurse and aero-medical evacuation team in place. My Washington office then began the process of linking the Office of Attending Physician to the aero-medical evacuation team as well as to physicians at Tripler Army Medical Center (Tripler) so that I could be treated in the air and upon arrival at Tripler without delay. After taking these actions on October 23, 2013 and October 24, it was then that my office issued a press release on October 24, 2013 at about 2:30 p.m. Washington, DC time (7:30 a.m. in Pago Pago) announcing that a medevac team would depart from Hawaii at about 8 a.m. Honolulu time on Thursday, October 24, 2013, with scheduled landing in American Samoa the same day at about 1:00 p.m. Pago Pago time. On October 24, 2013, at approximately 5 p.m. DC time (10 a.m. in Pago Pago), while the medevac was already en route to American Samoa, my Washington staff learned in another conference call between Dr. Amoa and Dr. Remtulla that my condition had worsened and that my situation was now critical. When the medevac team reached me, they did not know if I would make it to Tripler alive, but I did and, on behalf of my family, I want to thank everyone involved in my rescue. I thank Governor Lolo Moliga and Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga for the measures they instituted to provide me with the best chance for evacuation and recovery. I also thank the local police department in American Samoa for their fine work, and the late Dr. Amoa and his staff for the care they provided. I also express appreciation to the Office of Attending Physician, including Dr. Brian Monahan and Dr. Rahim Remtulla, who offered extraordinary assistance and support. I thank the Pacific Air Force's 613th Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division and all its components and especially its Aero-medical Evacuation Team, Theatre Patient Movement Requirements Center, and Joint Patient Liaison Office, and the Hawaii Air National Guard maintenance and flight crew for their professionalism and expertise. These heroic men and women went for broke to rescue me. From the planning, execution, coordination down to the aircrew and maintenance personnel and everyone involved, they delivered me to Tripler in better condition than they found me. Upon my arrival at the HNL airport, a true Joint Force team of Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel was on the tarmac ready to transfer me from the airport to Tripler. Even after I was offloaded, the aircraft maintenance men and women worked into the night to offload equipment and bed down the jet. Neither my office nor I expected or requested this kind of outpouring of support. But given the care and love shown for me by our military men and women, I salute the service of all involved. Although words can never express how grateful I am, I would like to honor those who assisted by including their names in the Congressional Record: 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Aero-Medical Evacuation Team: Lt Col Christine Thrasher, MSgt Gregory Moore, TSgt Christine Hill, TSgt Eric Hammerstrom, SSgt Jerry Marquez, SSgt Brittani McClure; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division: Senior Director Lt Col Henry Fairtlough, Major John Lewis, Mr. Paul McDaniel, Major Patrick McClintock; Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center: Col Michael Martin, Maj Joseph Reno, Maj Cynthia Mandac-Clark, Maj Jacob Smith, Capt Amy Sivils, Lt Stephen Meyers, SSgt Maria Velasquez, Sgt Johnny Reynolds, Maj Ryan Gibbons, Maj Kirk Smith, Maj Jacob Smith; JPLO/Joint Patient Liaison Office (members that met the aircraft and transferred me into the ambulance and then to Tripler): HM2 Morgan Orton, Capt Michael Bringas, HM2 Isaac Kargbo, TSgt Delbert Smith; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Mission: Mangers MS. Mary Ann Chock, Mr. David Avigdor, Mr. Jeffrey Frye; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Airlift: Mr. Mark Salondaka, Mr. Matt Mustafaga; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Flight Managers: Mr. Myron Jones, Ms. Eileen Aina, Mr. Stephen Mather, Mr. Rick Dittmer; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Logistics: Mr. Paul Pang, Mr. Walter You, Mr. Ricky Davis; Hawaii Air National Guard: Major General Darryll Wong, Col Rob Hoffman (109th Air Operations Group Commander), Col Duke A. Pirak (154th Operations Group Commander), flight crew members: Capt Kellen Brede, Capt Liliukekulakamaile ``Kula'' Cummings, Capt William Kealaiki, MSgt Kevin Kalani, MSgt Denny Yoshikawa, TSgt Bronson Abellanida, TSgt Callen Cordeiro, TSgt Sterling Nakamura. I also thank Col Paul A. Friedrichs, Pacific Air Forces Command Surgeon and the medical personnel at Pacific Regional Medical Command and Tripler; including Dr. Osborn, Dr. Donald Helman, Dr. Jone Geimer-Flanders and the many other doctors, nurses and personnel who attended to my well-being. I pay special tribute to General Wong who coordinated every detail of my evacuation. I thank him for his leadership, kindness, expertise, for his calm in the eye of a storm, for his compassion, commitment, and faith. Through emails and phone calls, General Wong stayed in direct contact with my Washington staff every step of the way. He worked around the clock, and I publicly express my appreciation to him. I also publicly thank General Robert Lee, former Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii, whose quick action led to my rescue. Bob Lee is my brother and always will be. I also thank General Dennis Doyle, Commanding General of Tripler; Colonel Ronald Han; M. John Condello, Veterans Services Coordinator for the State of Hawaii; and members of their staff. I also thank Hawaii VA Director Wayne L. Pfeffer for the quality service he provides our veterans in Hawaii and American Samoa. I also thank Protocol Officer Joel Jenkins who cared for my family and worked with my staff on my behalf. I thank Tracey A. Betts, Director of the Honolulu VA Regional Office, for her tireless efforts. I also thank Captain Findley and those involved in my medical evacuation from Tripler to Travis Air Force Base in California, including the flight crew, and the doctors and nurses and medical personnel at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto who also aided in my recovery. I recognize Mr. Scott Skiles who served as Liaison for my Congressional office and family while I was at the VA Palo Alto. I pay special tribute to my dear friends, Chairman Li Ka Shing and Ms. Solina Chau, for their visionary philanthropy that includes the Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge at the Stanford School of Medicine, which provides services for our veterans at the VA Palo Alto. I thank Chairman Li and Ms. Chau for caring about America's veterans and for the quiet service they offered on my behalf, which strengthened my family and me during difficult days. I also thank the Stanford Medical team that worked with me. I am also appreciative of the medical staff and personnel at Walter Reed. I thank my colleagues--both Republicans and Democrats--in the House and Senate for their prayers. We have worked together in close cooperation for many years and I will always be grateful for their steadfast friendship as well as their constant support of the initiatives I put forward for the benefit of the people of American Samoa. I particularly thank Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. We came to know each other through Congressman Phil Burton, who was like a father to me. Leader Pelosi and I have been family since our Burton days, and I am grateful that she has been a part of my life for all these years. I am also very proud that she became the first woman in U.S. history to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. To my friends from around the world, including leaders and diplomats from Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, Korea, China, India, Hong Kong and elsewhere, I also express my gratitude for their support and well wishes. I thank the pastors, priests, parishioners, and also those of my own faith who offered prayers and fasted on my behalf, including Elder Paul Pieper and Elder Gerrit Gong of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Above all, I thank God. I know God loves us. We are His children. From the place of His habitation, He looks down from heaven upon all the inhabitants of the earth (Psalms 33:14), and He hears and answers our prayers. He does so in His own way and in His own time, as the object of prayer ``is not to change the will of God but to secure blessings for ourselves or others that God is already willing to grant but are made conditional on our asking for them.'' I know I am alive today because of prayer and because my appointed days are not yet (Job 14:5). But when my appointed time does come, I will return home to the God who made me with gratitude for the many blessings--especially my family, friends and associates--that He so richly bestowed upon me in this life. I will go, knowing that if a man die he shall live again according to the promise of our Lord (Job 14:14). Whether I go soon or stay for a while, I hope, like Gandhi, my life will be my message. Having grown up in the small village of Vailoatai in American Samoa and having graduated from Kahuku High School in Hawaii, I will always be grateful to the people of American Samoa for the opportunity they gave me to serve them. I thank the late Paramount Chief A.U. Fuimaono, who served as American Samoa's first elected Representative to Washington, DC, for giving me the opportunity to serve as his Chief of Staff from 1973 to 1975. I will always be thankful for all that he taught me. I am also thankful for the late Congressman Phil Burton, former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Territorial and Insular Affairs, who I served with from 1975 to 1981. During my service as his Staff Counsel, he tasked me with drafting legislation providing for an elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor in American Samoa. Congressman Burton introduced the legislation on June 10, 1976, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed by a landslide vote of 377 to 1. The historical proceedings and debates of the 94th Congress, Second Session related to this legislation were made part of the Congressional Record in Volume 122-Part 18, July 1, 1976 to July 21, 1976 (Pages 21785 to 23276). After the legislation passed the House, instead of sending the bill to the Senate for a vote, Chairman Burton consulted with Secretary of the Interior Rogers C.B. Morton and the two agreed that a Secretariat Order should be issued authorizing the American Samoa Government to pass enabling legislation to provide for an elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Secretariat Order No. 3009 was issued on September 13, 1977 in accordance with the will of the majority of voters in American Samoa who voted in favor of electing their own Governor and Lieutenant Governor in a plebiscite that was held on August 31, 1976. Chairman Burton also tasked me with drafting legislation providing for American Samoa to be represented in the U.S. Congress by a Delegate to the House of Representatives. Chairman Burton introduced this legislation, which later became Public Law 95-556, Oct. 31, 1978-92 Stat. 2078. The historical proceedings and debates of the 95th Congress, Second Session related to this legislation were made part of the Congressional Record in Volume 124-Part 25, October 3, 1978 to October 6, 1978 (Pages 33129 to 34486). I will always be thankful for the opportunity I had to participate in such an historic undertaking for and on behalf of the people of American Samoa. After I completed my service with Congressman Phil Burton, the late Senate President Paramount Chief Letuli Toloa encouraged me to come home and ``eat the dust and walk on the rocks'' or, as he put it, ai le pefu ma savali le ma'ama'a, meaning come home and more fully feel the suffering and pain of our people so that I might serve them more completely. I followed his advice and served the people of American Samoa as Deputy Attorney General from 1981 to 1984, and as Lieutenant Governor from 1985 to 1988. As I look back over my life, had I not returned to American Samoa to live and serve among our people, it would have been impossible for the people to have entrusted me to represent their interests for nearly four decades. Because of their faith in me, I became the first Asian Pacific American in U.S. history to serve as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. This was an unexpected honor and an honor that belongs only to the people of American Samoa, not to me. When I left for Vietnam in 1967, I was uncertain if I would return alive. By the grace of God, I did return and went on to serve in the Army Reserve as a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps and as a proud member of the 100 Battalion 442 Infantry Reserve Unit, Honolulu, Hawaii. By God's grace, I returned to Vietnam in 2007, for the first time in nearly 40 years after having served in Nha Trang as a young soldier at the height of the Tet Offensive. I returned in my official capacity as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment and, in returning, I found a people I love. This is why I have repeatedly called for the United States to clean up the mess it left behind and do right by the victims of Agent Orange. I was not aware of the many side effects caused by Agent Orange exposure but, now that I know, I urge anyone exposed to seek treatment. Agent Orange is a silent killer. From 1961 to 1971, the U.S. military sprayed more than 11 million gallons of Agent Orange in Vietnam, exposing millions of civilians and soldiers to dioxin, a toxic contaminant known to be one of the deadliest chemicals made by man. I was exposed during my service in Nha Trang. Like hundreds of thousands of veterans in the U.S. and Vietnam, I suffer from the side effects of Agent Orange, including heart and kidney disease. Sadly, many veterans and civilians have lost their lives because of Agent Orange exposure, and many more continue to suffer from its debilitating effects. Before it is too late, it is my sincere hope that the U.S. government will do its part to rectify this problem, and I hope that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will lead the way. After serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for all these years, I now go forward with faith. In doing so, I again express my love for the people of American Samoa. I thank them for the opportunity they gave me to wear out my life in their service, and I hope I will be remembered for doing my best. As I begin a new chapter, I thank my staff in American Samoa, especially Faiivae Alex Godinet, as well as my Washington, DC staff, including Dr. Lisa Williams, Vili Le'i, Tavita Richmond, Leilani Pimentel, Ta'afili Sagapolutele and Jennifer Elliott. I thank them for their loyalty and dedication to me, to this institution and to the people of American Samoa. I also thank other members of my staff who served with me in the past and present, and I also recognize Cari Schemm and Cathy Barnhardt whose work I have relied on and appreciated. At this time, I pay special tribute to my wife, Antonina Hinanui Cave Hunkin. I am forever grateful that Hina is my companion in this life and in the life to come. I thank her for standing by my side during my recovery and throughout my many years of service. I love and appreciate her, and I always will. Hina and I express our profound love for our children and their spouses: Temanuata Jessie Tuilua'ai Hunkin and her husband Michael Laussen, Taualaitufanuaimeaatamali'i O'rereao Hunkin and her husband Fredrick Kolotau Vaitu'ulala, Nifae Ra'imana David Hunkin and his wife Malia Ana Jacqueline Rivera, Vaimoana Kealoha Hunkin, Leonne Lia'ina Hunkin and her husband Taufui-e-valu Vakapuna. We also express our love for our grandchildren: Tutehau Jeremiah Torres Hunkin, Leonne Kilisitinakolokiholeva Leigoanaimanuifa'alava Vaitu'ulala, Tamatoa Eni Nakita Vaitu'ulala, Feletiliki Kolotau Sebastiani Vaitu'ulala, Kenzo Kiyozo Nagashima Banno Vaitu'ulala, Taimana Kenese Rivera Hunkin, Taiatea Hinanui Rivera Hunkin, Maiana Vei Hina Taimalietane Vakapuna, and those yet to come. We pay tribute to our late parents, Eni Fa'auaa Hunkin and Taualaitufanuaimeaatamali'i Manu, and David Montague Cave and Georgina Popoua Bambridge. We also extend our love to my sisters, Dr. Salusalumalomamealeleimoleatunu'u Hunkin-Finau, Masinaatoa Magalei, my brother Albert, as well as my siblings Tuilua'ai, Arlene, and Taulauniumaituitagata who have since passed away. We also express our love for my sister Diane, my late sister Suzie, my late brother Felise, and Hina's brothers--Victor Dwight Cave and the late Dexter Buton Cave--as well as our extended families on this side and the other side of the veil. Hina and I believe that the best is yet to come. Until we meet again, Fa'afetai ma ia Soifua.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank our fellow Americans and the people of American Samoa for the opportunity they gave me to serve them. Having grown up in the small village of Vailoatai in American Samoa and having graduated from Kahuku High School in Hawaii, I never expected that the people of American Samoa would choose me to serve them in the U.S. House of Representatives from the time they first elected me in 1988 until 2014. I pay special tribute to them and to the late Paramount Chief A.U. Fuimaono, who served as American Samoa's first elected representative to Washington, D.C. Paramount Chief Fuimaono gave me the opportunity to serve as his chief of staff from 1973 to 1975, and I am grateful for all he taught me. From 1975 to 1981, it was my honor to serve with the late Congressman Phillip Burton, who was chairman of the House Subcommittee on Territorial and Insular Affairs. During my service as his chief counsel, he instructed me with drafting legislation providing for the first elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa and for American Samoa to be represented by a Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. I will always be grateful and thankful for the opportunity that I had to participate in such an historic undertaking for and on behalf of the people of American Samoa. After my service with Chairman Burton, the late Senate President, Paramount Chief Letuli Toloa encouraged me to come home and ai le pefu ma savali le ma`ama`a, which means, come back home to ``eat the dust and walk on the rocks'' so that I could feel the people's pains and sufferings and so that I might be able to serve them with more meaningful purpose. I followed his advice, and as I look back over my life of service, had I not returned to American Samoa to live among our people, it would have been impossible for the people of American Samoa to have entrusted me to serve them for nearly four decades at home and abroad. As I now leave this great institution, Mr. Speaker, I once more express my love for the people of American Samoa and to all my fellow Americans. I also want to express my love to my dear wife, Antonina Hinanui, who is from Tahiti, and our children for standing beside me throughout my years of service. I express my love for my late father, Eni Fa`aua`a, Sr., and my dear mother, Taualaitufanuaimeaatamali`i. I also want to thank my siblings for their unwavering support. Again, Mr. Speaker, I publicly want to thank my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, in the House and the U.S. Senate. We have worked together in close cooperation for many years, and I will always be grateful for their steadfast friendship, as well as their constant support for the initiatives I put forward on behalf of the people of American Samoa. I especially want to thank our fellow Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. My service with the late Congressman Phillip Burton, who was like a father to me, led to my friendship with Congresswoman Pelosi. Congresswoman Pelosi and I have been family since our Burton days, and I am grateful that she has been a part of my life for all these years. I am also proud that Congresswoman Pelosi became the first woman in U.S. history to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congresswoman Pelosi will always hold a special place in my heart. I thank my friends from around the world, including diplomats and world leaders from Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, both North and South Korea, China, India, Hong Kong, and elsewhere, for their friendship and support. I also want to thank my staff in Washington, D.C., and in American Samoa for their loyalty and dedication to me, to our Nation, and to the people of American Samoa. Above all, I thank my Heavenly Father for his guidance and protection. I go forward, Mr. Speaker, knowing that the best is yet to come and hoping that I will be remembered for trying my best. For the times I fell short, I ask for forgiveness. To each of my colleagues and to you, Mr. Speaker, I extend my kindest and highest regards. May God be with you always. Fa`afetai ma ia Soifua, meaning, in the Samoan language, thank you, and may peace be with you always.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and certainly want to thank him for his most eloquent statements towards me. I feel a little embarrassed by it, but I do want to thank him. I do want to note, also, that it has been my honor to have served with him and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle very well, on affairs affecting our national interests, our government. The gentlelady from Florida will note that I have a relative who happens to live in her district. His name happens to be Dwayne Johnson, and if you haven't seen his latest movie, ``Hercules,'' I suggest to my colleagues that you should see the movie ``Hercules'' and see what Samoans are like. I do want to thank the gentleman again for yielding.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to especially thank my good friend from New York and the gentlewoman from Florida for their leadership and their support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 714, a resolution I introduced calling for the peaceful and collaborative resolution of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. I thank my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, who have stood with me since 2012 on this issue. I want to especially thank again Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Chairman Steve Chabot for their leadership and support. I also thank Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel for their support and help. I am so serious about this matter that I have introduced this language as a resolution, as a bill, and now again as a resolution in hopes that the House will take a stand in response to China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to China, I consider myself a fair broker, but it is time for China to stop provoking its neighbors and pursue a course of peace. This is the last resolution I have introduced that the House will consider, and I am proud that this resolution calls for peace in the Asia-Pacific region. Also, as a matter of observation, Mr. Speaker, two-thirds of the world's population is in the Asia-Pacific region. For years, I have always had a little sense of complaint that it seems that our focus has always been toward Europe and the Middle East. Not that they are not important, but the fact is that issues coming out of the Asia-Pacific region should be given our proper attention. I have served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee since I first came to the U.S. Congress in 1989. For as long as I have served, it has always been, and continues to be, my belief that the United States should pay more attention to the Asia-Pacific region. As of now, we should pay particular attention to the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. Also, although the United States Government is not a claimant in maritime disputes in either the East China Sea or the South China Sea, the United States has an interest in the peaceful diplomatic resolution of disputed claims in accordance with international law; in freedom of navigation and overflight; and in the free flow of commerce that is free of coercion, intimidation, or the use of force. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the leadership of Vietnam in standing for peace--even when China violated its sovereignty by planting its oil rig, HD-981, in the waters of Vietnam's Exclusive Economic Zone. I also commend Taiwan and Japan for peacefully reaching an agreement to jointly share fishing resources in their overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones through the East China Sea Initiative, which demonstrates that resolutions can be achieved through peaceful means. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that we should earnestly seek ways to promote peace, and I thank you for the opportunity I have had to associate with you and our colleagues to carry out our responsibilities in this great Nation. It has been my distinct honor to serve the people of American Samoa in the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 25 years. I thank them for giving me the opportunity to serve them and this great Nation. I believe I did my best, and I hope I will be remembered for giving all I could to American Samoa and to our great Nation, especially to the Asia-Pacific region, a region that has been too long neglected by our national government. To borrow the words of Mahatma Gandhi: I hope my life will be my message. Mr. Speaker, we will meet again, hopefully, and I extend to each of my colleagues my fondest aloha.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on the passage of the Affordable Care Act and related healthcare funding in American Samoa. [Press Release, Mar. 25, 2010] House Passes Final Version of Health Care Legislation, Includes Increase in Medicaid and Health Insurance Exchange for American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that by a vote of 220-207 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. The bill now goes to President Obama for signature. ``As a result of this historic legislation, for the next 9 years American Samoa will receive an increase of $180 million in its total Medicaid spending cap for a total of $285.5 million,'' Faleomavaega said. ``American Samoa will continue to receive the 5% increase in its Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that was signed into law by the President this past Tuesday. This means that the American Samoa Government (ASG) will pay 45% of the Medicaid costs while the federal government pays 55%.'' ``This legislation continues to provide $1 billion for the Territories to participate in the Health Insurance Exchange program. Each of the Territories will be afforded the option to participate or transfer their allocation to their Medicaid program. In this case, if American Samoa chooses not to participate in the Exchange by 2014, the Territory will receive an additional $18.75 million for its Medicaid program.'' ``Between 2004 and 2008, ASG has received an estimated $106 million in direct and indirect federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As you may know, ASG receives an additional $23 million per year from the federal government for the operations of its local government. ASG continues to be the only State or Territory that receives federal funding for the operation of its local government and more than $7 million per year of these operating funds, provided by the Department of Interior, are allocated for LBJ and healthcare in the Territory.'' ``With the hundreds of millions provided to ASG from the federal government for healthcare in American Samoa, I have every confidence that the Fono, together with the local administration, will work to establish a solid program in place for our residents who deserve affordable quality healthcare under the law.'' ``Again, I want to thank President Obama and those involved for making health care affordable for all Americans and for working with the Congressional Delegates to make certain that the Territories were included in this historic legislation,'' Faleomavaega concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information on the passage of legislation to increase the number of military academy appointments from American Samoa. [Press Release, Nov. 24, 2003] President Signs into Law Legislation Faleomavaega Introduced to Increase the Number of Military Academy Appointments from American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega announced that President Bush signed into law today the National Defense Authorization Act for FY04 which included language Faleomavaega offered to increase the number of military academy appointments from American Samoa. On May 7, 2003, the House Subcommittee on Total Force unanimously voted in favor of my amendment to increase the number of military academy appointments from America Samoa to the U.S. Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy, Congressman Faleomavaega said. On May 9, 2003, the Armed Services Committee also agreed to include this language in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004. This legislation passed the House on May 22, 2003 and the Senate and the House agreed to the conference report as of November 12, 2004. I am now pleased that President Bush has signed this historic legislation into law. As a result of this new law, American Samoa will be able to send two students to each service academy. Prior to this law being passed, American Samoa was only able to send one student to each academy. This also means that I will be able to nominate up to twenty students per academy. Each academy scholarship is worth approximately $250,000 and each service academy is ranked among the top rated educational institutions in the U.S. Given that American Samoa has a population of about 60,000, a per capita income of less than $4,500 and almost 5,000 men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Services, I am pleased that we may be able to offer more students the opportunity to attend one of our nations prestigious military academies. At this time, I want to thank my colleagues, both Democratic and Republican, for supporting my initiative to increase American Samoa's academy appointments and, again, I commend President Bush for signing this important legislation into law, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on the closure of Samoa Packing in American Samoa. [Press Release, May 7, 2009] Faleomavaega Informs Governor That Minimum Wage Is Not the Reason for Samoa Packing Relocating to Georgia Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that, in a letter dated May 7, 2009 and in response to Governor Togiola's letter of May 1, he has informed the Governor that minimum wage is not the reason for Samoa Packing relocating to Georgia. The full text of the Congressman's letter, which was copied to the President and Senators, and the Speaker and Representatives, is included below. ``Dear Governor Togiola: I am writing in response to the recent announcement by Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing that it will close operations in American Samoa effective September of this year. I am also writing in response to your letter of May 1, 2009. Enclosed for your information is a copy of my letter of May 7 to Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which explains my position regarding the plant's closure, and my request for his assistance. While you have suggested that the cannery is leaving due to minimum wage increases, the company has made it clear that minimum wage is only one of many reasons that influenced its decision and, frankly speaking, I believe minimum wage was the least of its reasons, especially considering that the company is relocating to Lyons, Georgia where effective July 24, 2009, minimum wage rates are $7.25 per hour, compared to American Samoa's current rate of $4.26 and American Samoa's projected rate of $4.76 per hour effective July 2009. That Chicken of the Sea would relocate and immediately pay workers in Georgia double the moneys is not fair to our Samoan workers who spent the last 50 years making Chicken of the Sea one of the most profitable brands of canned tuna in America. It is also not fair that our cannery workers have been paid way below the national average when the vast majority of ASG workers have salaries comparable to national minimum wage standards. If it is possible to increase salaries of departments by as much as $10,000, why would ASG leaders not support an increase of 50-cents per hour for private sector tuna cannery workers? Regardless of what your position is about the poorest among us, now is not the time to be pointing fingers. We need to work together to find a solution, and my office has already had discussions with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Enclosed for your information is a point of contact to assist you with ASG's application for national emergency funds to provide job training for our workers. According to the DOL, the request for this assistance must be made by you, and must originate from the Governor's office. Your staff may contact Adri Jayaratne at jayaratne.adri@dol.gov for further information on how to apply for a national emergency grant. This information may also be accessed at http:// www.doleta.gov/neg/eligibility.cfm. I will send a letter of support to the U.S. Secretary of Labor prior to the submission of ASG's application. However, before any action can be taken by Congress or the DOL, I have been informed that ASG will need to provide the DOL and Congress with documentation showing the legal status of our cannery workers. Samoa Packing's current workforce consists of 2,172 active employees of which 274, or 13%, are American Samoans, 87%, or 1,821 workers are Western Samoans, and 3.5%, or 77 employees, are other foreign nationals. The total payroll for all workers for the cannery including benefits annually is approximately $22-$23 million. I have been informed that ASG will have to certify the legal status of our workers at Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing before we can expect federal assistance. Even though most of our tuna cannery workers are from Western Samoa, many of them are married to U.S. nationals and U.S. citizens and, for purposes of helping these families, I am hopeful that you will send me the necessary immigration documentation showing that these workers do have legal status so that we may move forward with assisting them. I am also hopeful that ASG will inform my office of what kind of trust fund is in place for our local workers in the case of unemployment. As you know, after all these years, ASG has chosen not to participate in the federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. Under terms of the UI program, when eligible workers lose their jobs, the UI program may provide them with income support for 6 months based on certain calculations. These unemployment benefits are paid out of a federal trust fund. However, the money for the trust fund comes from taxes States impose on employers. The State of Hawaii, for example, has protected its workers by taxing employers like Hawaiian Air. The State of Hawaii then sends a portion of those taxes to the federal government to hold in trust for workers who may become unemployed should Hawaiian Air lay off some of its workers. Once a worker is laid off, that worker can apply for unemployment benefits and the federal government will send that worker a check from the trust fund. When workers in American Samoa get laid off, they are not eligible for UI benefits because ASG has not sent any money to the federal government to hold in trust for our local workers. Since ASG chose not to have the federal government hold money in trust, I am hopeful that ASG has held those funds in trust at the local level from the taxes it has collected from StarKist and Chicken of the Sea so that our workers can seek immediate relief and unemployment checks come September. In the case of layoffs or closures, unemployment compensation should have been at the heart of ASG's lease agreements with the canneries. If ASG has no local trust fund in place, I would hope that ASG would support my efforts to bring ASG under the federal umbrella. My office has contacted the House Ways and Means Committee and I have every intention of working closely with Chairman Charles Rangel to devise a program that will require ASG to set aside a portion of the taxes it collects either in a local or federal trust fund so that future workers will be protected in the case of layoffs or plant closures. Like every American, our workers deserve protection, and they are entitled to peace of mind in knowing that their local government reserved a portion of taxes for them, in case of their unemployment. Every State plus Puerto Rico, DC, and the Virgin Islands provide their workers with this kind of safety net, and Guam established a modified program It is time for ASG to follow suit, if it has not done so already. While I am seeking a $20 million emergency set aside in the supplemental appropriations bill, and while I will also ask to increase operations and CIP funding for ASG, I am not sure how successful federal efforts might be, especially given our tuna canneries were recently provided with a $33 million federal income tax break at a time when the United States is faced with an unprecedented financial crisis. Prior to this extension, each cannery received over $5 million per year in federal tax breaks for almost 20 years, which equates to well over $200 million, not to mention the tax breaks they got for the 20 or so years preceding this. Also, in 1999, at cost of $600,000 from the U.S. Congress, a U.S. Department of the Interior Secretarial Commission was established to examine American Samoa's economic condition and make recommendations to ASG and the Department of the Interior on how to diversify and expand American Samoa's economy. This was the first time in American Samoa's 100- year relationship with the United States that a Secretarial Commission was established. This Secretarial Commission was supported by Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, chaired by the former Governor of Hawaii John Waihee, and administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior. You served as a commission member. I served as an ex officio member. In conjunction with the people of American Samoa, the Commission, over about a two-year time period, developed an economic plan which offered specific recommendations on how to diversify the Territory's local economy based on the will of the people. In fact, over 8,000 people were surveyed at the request of the Commission by the American Samoa Community College. In April 2002, the Secretarial Commission issued its final report. To date, the U.S. Department of the Interior has failed to move forward on this plan and I must say our local government officials also have not acted. I will continue to update you regarding my efforts at the federal level, and I look forward to working with you and the Fono to discuss possible options and new steps forward. The Congressman concluded his letter by stating, ``Next week, I will be meeting with Bumble Bee's top executive, Mr. Chris Lischewski, and I will keep you apprised of his insights and interests in American Samoa. Until then, I continue to wish you the very best.''

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark S. Myerson for his extraordinary care and skill. Dr. Myerson is one of the world's foremost experts for foot and ankle surgery. Orthopedic surgeons from around the world turn to him for direction. Dr. Myerson studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. He did his residency in orthopedics at Sinai Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland. He completed a Fellowship for foot and ankle surgery at the Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York. He founded The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at the Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and now serves as its Medical Director. He is rated among the best doctors in the world. Dr. Mark Myerson's research and dedication to finding the best solutions for foot and ankle injuries has led to his authoring two foot and ankle textbooks. He also has authored various chapters in scientific textbooks and is published in numerous professional and medical journals. Dr. Myerson has pioneered surgical techniques that have revolutionized the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of disorders of the foot and ankle. He provides one-of-a-kind treatment options for foot and ankle injuries ranging from the routine to the complex. From football players to ice skaters, professional athletes have trusted Dr. Myerson to help them return to their elite level of play. Parents have trusted Dr. Myerson's skills in relieving their children's foot and ankle pain associated with rare birth defects. Others, injured in traumatic accidents that crush the foot or ankle, have trusted Dr. Myerson to help them recover from their debilitating injuries. Dr. Myerson has performed many surgeries that have saved and prolonged careers, and led to patients being able to once again enjoy their daily activities. Many patients believe Dr. Myerson is the best of the best, and so do I. I can never thank Dr. Myerson enough for what he has done for me. Because of his skills, I am able to walk again, and I will always be grateful to God for bringing Dr. Myerson into my life. On a personal level, I am honored to know Dr. Myerson and his son, Lucas, who interned for me years ago. Both father and son are exceptional men. They share their talents with underprivileged communities and impact lives at home and abroad. I wish Dr. Myerson and his family the very best, and I thank him and his staff for all they do to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on the timeline regarding the federal minimum wage issue affecting American Samoa as debated and discussed in the U.S. Congress. When the Democratic Party took control of both houses of Congress following the 2006 elections, it promised to increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour in its ``first 100 hours'' on the floor. On January 10, 2007, the House passes H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, by a vote of 315-116. CNMI was included in the bill and subject to annual increases until the Territory reached a rate of $7.25 per hour. American Samoa was excluded from the bill, meaning Special Industry Committees would continue to determine increases in American Samoa. False media reports begin to circulate suggesting Speaker Pelosi excluded American Samoa from H.R. 2 because Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (EF) is a Democrat, and because Del Monte is contributing to the Speaker's campaign. The media also implies that the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not apply to American Samoa. A campaign begins to make American Samoa subject to the $7.25 federal minimum wage standard. On January 16, EF responds by informing the press and Members of Congress that the FLSA has applied to American Samoa since 1938 and that since 1956, under Section 5 and 8 of the FLSA, Special Industry Committees administered by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor have determined wage rates in American Samoa. EF asks for Special Industry Committees to continue and for CNMI to be brought under the Special Industry umbrella. EF also writes to Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Daniel Akaka and the following Senators from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP): Senator Lamar Alexander, Senator Wayne Allard, Senator Jeff Bingaman, Senator Sherrod Brown, Senator Richard Burr, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Tom Coburn, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator Michael B. Enzi (Ranking Member), Senator Judd Gregg, Senator Tom Harkin, Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator Edward M. Kennedy (Chairman), Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Barack Obama, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Pat Roberts, and Senator Bernie Sanders. EF also writes to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Rep. George Miller, Chairman, House Committee of Education and the Workforce, Rep. Howard Buck McKeon, Ranking Member, House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Speaker Pelosi. On January 18 and January 19, EF speaks out on the House floor. On January 22, EF and Senator Inouye write Senator Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on HELP, in support of using Special Industry Committees to determine wage rates for American Samoa and CNMI. On January 24, in an attempt to make a stink about Democrats' minimum-wage and territorial voting proposals, House Republicans take to the Floor wearing white stickers of Charlie the Tuna with a caption stating ``Something's Fishy!'' EF writes to Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. StarKist and Chicken of the Sea write to EF. On January 30, the Senate passes wage bill. On February 5, EF writes to conferees in support of strengthening Special Industry Committees, including Chairman Kennedy and Ranking Member Enzi of the Senate HELP Committee, and Ranking Member Howard ``Buck'' McKeon and Chairman Miller of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. On March 12, EF writes to Chairman Miller. On March 15, minimum wage bill is attached to Emergency Iraq War Supplemental bill. Republican Mark Kirk also offers an amendment to extend federal minimum wage rates to American Samoa by $0.50 cents per hour every year until the Territory reaches the mainland rate of $7.25 per hour. Amendment is accepted by House Appropriations Committee. On March 15, EF writes to Rep. David Obey, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations in opposition to the Kirk amendment. Obey promises that the issue will be resolved during conference. On May 11, EF writes to Chairman Miller offering compromise amendment to the Kirk proposal in which workers would be provided a one-time increase of $0.50 cents per hour and the U.S. Department of Labor would be empowered to determine future increases, though Special Industry Committees would be abolished. EF writes to Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senator Inouye, Senator Akaka, and Senator Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. EF also writes to Del Monte CEO Richard Wolford, forwarding copy of letter and amendment to House and Senate. EF writes to Chicken of the Sea CEO John Signorino and Del Monte CEO Richard Wolford to set the record straight about comments made by Del Monte's Executive Vice President regarding EF's position on minimum wage. On May 18, EF, Senator Inouye, Senator Bingaman, Senator Akaka and Rep. Donna Christensen write to Chairman David Obey and Ranking Member Jerry Lewis of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman Robert Byrd and Ranking Member Thad Cochran of the Senate Committee on Appropriations urging support of EF's amendment but with an initial increase of $0.35 cents per hour. On May 21, Del Monte CEO Richard Wolford writes to EF in support of his EF's efforts in Congress to resolve the challenges regarding the impact of increased wages on tuna cannery operations in American Samoa. On May 25, conferees do not accept the proposal but do agree to include EF language calling upon the U.S. Department of Labor to conduct a study to determine impact of future increases. Wage hike with automatic escalator clauses is included in the Iraq War supplemental spending bill and President George W. Bush signs it into law on May 25. The first wage increase occurs on June 24. On June 6, EF writes to Rep. Christensen, Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs requesting an oversight hearing on the impact of the federal minimum wage legislation. EF copies his letter to Governor and Legislature. On June 11, Chicken of the Sea President John Signorino writes to EF, enclosing copy of letter COS Senior Vice President Jim Davet wrote to Del Monte and copied to Governor Togiola. On June 21, EF writes to Thai Union President Thiraphong Chansiri and copies his letter to Senator Inouye, Governor Togiola, Lieutenant Governor Sunia, ASG Legislature, COS President John Signorino, and COS Vice President of Operations Jim Davet. EF responds to Davet's comments and requests meeting with Thai Union President Chansiri. Mr. Chansiri agrees to meet. The same day, EF writes to COS President John Signorino and sets the record straight about Mr. Davet's comments. EF encloses a copy of his letter to Chairwoman Christensen as well as his letter to Thai Union President Thiraphong Chansiri. EF also writes to Del Monte CEO Richard Wolford and encloses a copy of his letter to Rep. Christensen requesting a hearing as soon as possible. EF writes to Governor Togiola informing him that he will meet be meeting with StarKist, Chicken of the Sea, Del Monte, Thai Union and boat owners in San Diego, California regarding the impact of federal minimum wage law. EF also informs Governor that he will be meeting with Thai Union President Thiraphong Chansiri on July 1. EF copies his letter to Senator Inouye, Lieutenant Governor, and the American Samoa Legislature. On July 1, EF meets with Thai Union President Thiraphong Chansiri in Bangkok, Thailand. On July 24, EF meets with U.S. Department of Labor officials, including Dr. Ronald Baird, Chief Economist from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, who is tasked to undertake the study mandated by Congress to determine impact of minimum wage increases. On July 25, EF writes to Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne regarding his meeting with the U.S. Department of Labor and requesting support in assisting ASG and CNMI officials in how to collect the necessary data needed to make determinations about both economies. On January 25, 2008, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) releases it report. On January 29, EF introduces H.R. 5154 to condition further increases in minimum wage on a determination by the Secretary of Labor. EF writes to Governor Togiola and provides him with a copy of the DOL report and informs him that he has introduced H.R. 5154. EF copies Senator Inouye, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Lieutenant Governor, ASG Legislature. On February 12, EF writes to Paramount Chief Mauga regarding field hearing to be held in American Samoa regarding impact of minimum wage increases. On February 14, EF writes to Chairman Miller regarding H.R. 5154 and thanking him for sending 2 professional staff members to field hearing scheduled to be held in American Samoa on February 22. On February 22, Rep. Christensen, Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, holds field hearing in American Samoa at EF's request regarding impact of federal minimum wage increases on American Samoa's economy. EF testifies before the House Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs. On February 28, EF testifies before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources regarding the Impact of the Recently Increased Minimum Wage in American Samoa. On March 14, Chairman Miller writes to EF and raises concerns about DOL. The same day, EF, Senator Inouye, Senator Akaka, Senator Bingaman write to Chairman Robert C. Byrd and Ranking Member Thad Cochran of the Senate Committee on Appropriations requesting delays in minimum wage. On March 31, Secretary of the Interior to Dirk Kempthorne writes to EF offering support. On April 3, EF writes to Senator Inouye thanking him for agreeing to offer an amendment based on H.R. 5154 to delay minimum wage increases and to review further increases. EF also writes to Senator Bingaman and Senator Akaka. On April 18, EF writes to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. On April 20, EF writes to Senator Orrin Hatch. On April 22, EF and Governor Fitial write to Senator Kennedy, Senator Inouye, Senator Bingaman, and Senator Akaka. EF and Governor Fitial also write to Chairman Miller. On April 24, EF and Governor Fitial write to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. On May 13, EF and CAPAC members Rep. Mike Honda, Rep. Joseph Crowley, Rep. Christensen, Rep. Albio Sires, Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, Rep. Bennie Thompson, Rep. Neil Abercrombie, Rep. Al Green, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Rep. Joe Baca, Rep. Mazie Hirono, and Rep. Hank Johnson write to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Chairman David Obey of the House Appropriations Committee, Chairman Norm Dicks of the Interior Appropriations Committee, Chairman Miller of the Education and Workforce Committee, Chairman Kennedy of the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Inouye, Senator Akaka, and Chairman Bingaman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources requesting support for delays. On May 21, Senate passes language in the Emergency Supplemental to conduct new GAO study. On May 30, the 2nd minimum wage increase goes into effect. On July 31, EF, Chairman Rahall of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Rep. Christensen write to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne requesting technical assistance funds to conduct comprehensive economic study of American Samoa. On November 25, EF writes to StarKist regarding announcement to lay off workers and copies Senator Inouye, Governor Togiola and Chairman Kim Jae-Chul of the Dongwon Group. On January 28, 2009, EF writes to Chairman Miller requesting delays in further increases. On January 30, EF meets with Senator Inouye and thanks him for agreeing to include language in H.R. 1, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) that would require the GAO to conduct a new study by April 15, 2010. On February 17, H.R. 1 is signed into law with 3rd wage increase to go forward and a mandate for a new GAO report to be released by April 2010. On February 19, EF writes to Governor Togiola, President of the Senate Gaoteote, Speaker Savali and asks them to join him in sending a letter to Chairman Miller requesting a deferment of the 3rd increase until GAO has time to complete its study. On February 23, EF holds meeting in his DC office with Governor Togiola and Governor Fitial for purposes of drafting a letter and sending a unified message to Congress and the Administration regarding the need to delay minimum wage. On February 24, EF, Governor Togiola and Governor Fitial deliver their letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar during meeting of Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (IGIA). On May 7, EF writes to Governor Togiola regarding COS closure and copies letter to American Samoa Legislature. On May 30, the 3rd minimum wage increase goes into effect. On July 24, EF responds to ASG petition to President Obama. On December 14, House and Senate agree to EF's request to postpone 4th increase from May 2010 to September 2010 to give Congress time to act on the GAO study. On April 8, 2010, GAO releases new study on the impact of minimum wage hikes in American Samoa and CNMI. On April 30, EF thanks Chairman Miller for agreeing to his request to modify minimum wage law based on findings of GAO and copies Senator Inouye, Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Governor Togiola, and the American Samoa Legislature. On May 5, EF forwards Senator Inouye copy of letter to Chairman Miller. On May 12, Senator Inouye thanks EF for copy and assures him of support in Senate. On June 12, EF and Rep. Sablan of CNMI write to Senator Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and include language approved by Chairman Miller that would halt minimum wage increases in American Samoa for 2010 and 2011 and for CNMI for 2011 based on GAO report, and asking for inclusion in any legislative vehicle that might be moving. EF and Rep. Sablan also write to Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Bingaman, Chairman of Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Chairman David Obey of the House Committee on Appropriations. On July 27, Senator Bingaman and Senator Murkowski agree to include EF and Sablan language in H.R. 934, a CNMI bill already passed by the House, which is hotlined for Unanimous Consent (UC) in the Senate. Bill clears Democratic hotline. Republican hold placed on CNMI provision relating to submerged lands. Rep. Sablan would not agree to take out his submerged lands provision. In response, Senator Bingaman and Senator Murkowski agree to include EF and Sablan minimum wage language in H.R. 3940, a Guam bill already passed by the House, which is hotlined for Unanimous Consent in the Senate. On August 3, EF writes to Senator Bingaman thanking him for agreeing to include minimum wage language in H.R. 3940. EF writes to Senator Murkowski thanking her for support. On August 6, EF provides updates informing public that H.R. 3940 has cleared Democratic holds but Republicans did not have time enough to review before August recess. On September 14, House returns from District work period. UC process begins again. Senator Bingaman and Senator Murkowski's committee staff inform EF and Sablan that Democrats have cleared H.R. 3940 for UC. On September 16, at 4 pm, Republican cloakroom informs Democrats that 2 holds have been placed including one by Senator DeMint (R-SC). Senate ends business for the day and does not go in Session on Friday. On September 18, Saturday night, Senator Bingaman and Senator Murkowski's staff inform EF and Sablan that there is nothing they can do to overcome Senator DeMint's hold. On September 20, EF's office contacts Senator DeMint's Chief of Staff at 10:29 am. At 11:52 am, Senator DeMint's Chief of Staff responds stating he has forwarded EF information and comments to policy staff for review. On September 21, at 11:28 am, Senator DeMint's staff informs EF office that Senator DeMint will agree to let minimum wage section pass, but expresses concerns about Guam provision. EF office informs Rep. Bordallo's office of concerns raised about Guam. Rep. Bordallo's office begins process of working out compromise regarding Guam provisions. On September 27, at 4:36 pm, Rep. Bordallo's office and Sen DeMint's office reach agreement on new language regarding Guam provision. On September 28, at 9:45 am, Senator DeMint's office informs Republican cloakroom that he has released his hold on H.R. 3940 pending the change in language regarding the Guam provision. Change is made and H.R. 3940 is hot-lined again. At 1:36 pm, Democrats begin hotline process. At 3:48 pm, Democratic staff informs EF and Sablan that Senator Coburn is raising questions but Senator Murkowski's staff is trying to resolve his concerns. At 4:13 pm, EF speaks with Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid asking that bill be placed on floor for DC once it clears the Democratic and Republican cloakrooms. However, Senator Murkowski's staff is unable to clear Senator Coburn's hold. At 4:42 pm, EF office contacts Senator McCain's office asking for help to release Senator Coburn's hold. Senator McCain's office agrees. At 5:17 pm, EF office phones Senator Coburn's office. At 6:03 pm, Senator Coburn's office informs EF's office that Senator Coburn has agreed to release his hold. At 6:09 pm, Senator McCain's office also informs EF office that Senator Coburn has agreed to release his hold. Senate passes H.R. 3940 by DC. At 10:28 pm, EF sends letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Majority leader Steny Hoyer, Chairman Miller of the House and Committee on Education and Labor, Leader and Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Committee on Natural Resources requesting that H.R. 3940 be brought to the House floor for immediate passage. On September 29, at 8:05 am, EF office phones House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's Chief of Staff again requesting that H.R. 3940 be brought to Floor for passage. ML Hoyer's office states that Republican Leadership must be on board. At 10:33 am, EF office contacts Republican Leader John Boehner's Chief of Staff, Republican Whip Eric Cantor's Chief of Staff, Republican Staff Director for Ranking Member John Kline of the House Committee on Education and Labor, and Republican Staff Director for Ranking Member Doc Hastings of the House Committee on Natural Resources, providing copy of EF letter to Republican leadership. At 10:38 am, EF office contacts Rep. Flake (R-AZ), member of the Resources Committee and LDS Member of Church, requesting help in getting support from Republicans, including Ranking Member Doc Hastings of the Natural Resources Committee. At 10:39 am, Rep. Flake's office informs EF office that message will be forwarded to Rep. Flake. At 12:08 pm, Rep. Flake sends message saying he will speak to Ranking Member Doc Hastings of Natural Resources Committee. At 12:31 pm, Republican Leader John Boehner's Chief of Staff responds thanking EF office for bringing this to his attention and stating that they will respond appropriately base on conversations with their two Ranking Members. At 12:30 pm, EF speaks to Ranking Member Doc Hastings on House floor, and also Rep. Flake who has also spoken to Ranking Member Hastings. Ranking Member Hastings and Ranking Member John Kline of the Education and Labor Committee agree to let bill go to the Floor by suspension. At 12:38 pm, EF office informs Majority Leader Hoyer's office that Republicans will agree to let the bill be brought to the House floor by suspension instead of UC, meaning a voice vote will be requested and that the measure must win by a vote of 290. At 5:18 pm, ML Hoyer's office agrees to put bill on House floor. ML Hoyer calls EF. At 8:52 pm, EF office begins providing Samoa News with regular updates. On September 30, at 12:19 am, EF office informs Samoa News that vote is taking place. At 12:27 am, EF issues press release stating bill passes House by a vote of 386 to 5. At 12:31 am, EF office emails White House requesting assistance to get bill on President's desk for signature. At 8:00 am, White House emails EF office thanking EF for flagging the bill for signature. At 8:36 am, EF office contacts Majority Leader Hoyer's Chief of Staff requesting assistance to get the bill from the House to the White House. At 8:40 am, ML Hoyer's COS states he is working it. At 10:58 am, Majority Leader Hoyer's Chief of Staff informs EF office that he has taken the bill to the Clerk's office and that it is at the Parliamentarian's office awaiting clearance, then it goes to Speaker Pelosi, then to the Senate, then to the President of the United States for signature. At 5:06 pm, White House informs EF that President has signed H.R. 3940. At 5:09 pm, EF office informs Samoa News bill has been signed. Samoa News issues breaking news flash. At 5:38 pm, EF issues press release announcing that bill has been signed into law.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information on federal expenditures to American Samoa. From 1995 to 2001, the amount of federal expenditures from federal agencies to American Samoa totaled over $1 billion. The following is the amount of federal expenditures per year: 1995: $116,008,922 1996: $115,099,073 1997: $174,193,691 1998: $150,888,302 1999: $171,449,811 2000: $175,979,717 2001: $181,203,793

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the passage of a minimum wage delay in 2010 affecting American Samoa. [Press Release, Sep. 27, 2010] Faleomavaega Thanks Senator DeMint for Allowing Minimum Wage Delay to Move Forward by Unanimous Consent Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is thanking U.S. Senator Jim DeMint for agreeing to allow H.R. 3940, which includes minimum wage delays for American Samoa and CNMI, to move forward by Unanimous Consent (UC). H.R. 3940 was originally introduced in the House by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and cosponsored by the Delegates to clarify the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to extend grants and other assistance to facilitate political status public education programs for the peoples of the non-self-governing territories of the United States. It was modified in the Senate to include language to delay minimum wage increases in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. ``As I explained in my press release of August 6, 2010, H.R. 3940 was modified and hot-lined in the Senate. The hot- lining process is an informal term to describe the procedure whereby the Leaders inform Senators of their respective party caucus about changes to the floor schedule and/or proposed business. Part of the hotline is also to inform Senators of any unanimous consent (UC) requests the Leaders intend to eventually make on the floor. It is a way of clearing legislation by all Senators so that it can actually move to the floor and be called up, read for a third time, and passed by UC.'' ``H.R. 3940 cleared the hot-line process for the Democrats. But, the Republicans did not have time to review the bill before Congress went out of session for the August recess. When Congress returned in September, a hold was placed on H.R. 3940 by two Republican Senators. One Republican lifted his hold and the other, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint of S.C., kept his hold in place.'' ``Since September 20, 2010, my office has been in direct contact with Senator DeMint's office and by the early morning of Tuesday, September 21, 2010, Senator DeMint's office informed my office that they'd be happy to let our minimum wage provision pass separately,'' Faleomavaega said. ``I did not announce this publicly because Senator DeMint's office informed my office that the Guam provisions were a non- starter for them and, in fairness to Ms. Bordallo, I wanted to give her every opportunity to work out her provisions without bringing media attention to the issue.'' ``Given the sensitivities surrounding the minimum wage issue for both Republicans and Democrats, I also did not want to jeopardize the outcome for American Samoa. In fairness to Senator DeMint, he also has every reason to seek federal minimum wage delays in South Carolina because he represents rural communities that are also struggling to survive. But I am deeply appreciative that he stood by American Samoa in our time of need and he has my personal assurances that I will stand with the people of South Carolina should he ever need my help and if I'm ever in a position to help him.'' ``I also want to personally thank Senator Jeff Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Senator Lisa Murkowski, Ranking Member. As a result of their leadership and commitment to this process, they have hopefully given the American Samoa Government the time it needs to put together a plan of action to diversify its economy.'' ``Finally, I thank Governor Togiola for his attempts to help. Although Senator DeMint had already informed my office that he would let the minimum wage provisions pass separately, I know Governor Togiola had his heart in the right place by also reaching out to Senator DeMint.'' ``Tomorrow, H.R. 3940 will be hot-lined again and, hopefully, this time we will clear all holds and delay the next scheduled increases by September 30, 2010. While I have mixed emotions about this because I want our workers to continue to be paid fair wages, I am thankful that our workers have received a $1.50 per hour increase since minimum wage increases were mandated in 2007. As our economy stabilizes and ASG diversifies, I am hopeful that we will revisit this issue in 2012.'' ``Again, I thank all those who have been involved and I am also pleased that Congresswoman Bordallo was able to work the compromises she needed for Guam. She and Senator DeMint's office reached their agreement this evening and Senator DeMint informed our offices accordingly. This is why we are able to now speak publicly and inform our constituencies that Senator DeMint has now released his hold and is allowing H.R. 3940, as revised, to move forward by U/C.'' However, we still must clear the hot-line process again but I remain hopeful that this will happen before September 30, 2010,'' Faleomavaega concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the U.S. Army Reserve Facility in American Samoa. [Press Release, July 20, 2000] U.S. Army Reserve Gets Approval to Construct $20 Million Facility at Tafuna Airport Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ready to release to the American Samoa Government 6.5 acres of land at the Tafuna Airport so that the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) can begin construction of its new $20 million training facility. There was considerable amount of time spent on discussions between my office, the FAA and the USAR to work out this deal, and I am just glad that we have resolved it, Faleomavaega said. With this agreement from the FAA, the ASG and USAR can now begin the process to secure the property and enter into detailed lease negotiations. As it now stands, the FAA has agreed to release the land from Federal obligation and redesignate the property for non- aeronautical purposes. The FAA has also agreed to extend a 55-year lease to USAR. For its part, USAR has agreed to pay fair-market value for the property. Its a win-win for everybody, Faleomavaega said. Prior to this agreement, the airport stood to lose Federal funding if ASG leased the site to USAR at a nominal lease rate. Now that the military has agreed to pay fair-market value, the airport will retain its right to Federal funding and will still receive fair-market rates from USAR. In turn, the military will be able to construct its $20 million facility on a site that is best- suited to meet the training needs of our troops. All that's left is for ASG to submit a formal request to the FAA Airports Division, Western-Pacific Region to release the said property, Faleomavaega said. In fact, Mr. Herman C. Bliss, Manager of the FAA Western Division has already been notified to expedite the handling of this FAA request and to coordinate with ASG the preparation and submission of the release. Beyond the details of the lease agreement, Faleomavaega also noted Senator Inouyes involvement in securing funds for construction of the new military facility in American Samoa. Senator Inouye and I have worked on this project for the past five years, Faleomavaega said. I am confident this facility will be both a boon to our economy and a much-needed and welcome operation. I thank Senator Inouye for his commitment and assistance and I also thank Governor Tauese and his staff for their support in getting this project underway, Faleomavaega said. I think it's fair to say that we're all looking forward to groundbreaking and to renewed and strengthened relations with the United States Army Reserve.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on the passage of a bill to protect the voting rights of American Samoa's active duty service members and overseas voters. [Press Release, Oct. 11, 2004] Senate Passes Faleomavaega's Bill To Protect Voting Rights of American Samoa's Active Duty Service Members; President Bush Expected To Sign Bill Into Law Within 30 Days Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on Wednesday September 15, 2004 the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passed, by unanimous consent, H.R. 2010, a bill he introduced to allow military and overseas voters to participate in federal elections held in American Samoa. On the evening of Sunday October 10, 2004, the United States Senate also unanimously passed H.R. 2010 and the bill has now been sent to President George W. Bush who is expected to sign Faleomavaega's bill into law within the next thirty days. First and foremost, I want to thank American Samoa's military men and women who are proudly serving our country at a time when our nation is at war, the Congressman said. American Samoa's sons and daughters have fought and died for the right to vote and, as a Vietnam Veteran, I promised I would do everything I could to make sure our military men and women could fully participate in federal elections held in American Samoa. This is why I introduced H.R. 2010 and why I am thankful that this bill has enjoyed the full support of Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate. For the record, it should be noted that not one Republican or Democrat in the House or Senate objected to H.R. 2010 and I am thankful to my colleagues for their support. No matter what is said, Congress is not about who is in the Majority. Congress is about seniority, friendship, and influence. It takes both Republicans and Democrats to get the job done and it also takes the support of our local leaders, Faleomavaega said. This is why I commend Governor Togiola, the late Senate President Lutu T. Fuimaono, and Speaker McMoore who also stood in support of H.R. 2010. I also commend the people of American Samoa, the Congressman continued. Of those surveyed, more than 85% agreed that our active duty military members deserve the right to vote and, as a result of your support and prayers, H.R. 2010 has now passed the House and Senate and has been sent to the President of the United States who is also expected to fully support this bill. Once signed, H.R. 2010 will become effective in 2006. Again, H.R. 2010 is an historic bill. It is a bill that restores the voting rights of our college students and active duty military members and makes clear in no uncertain terms that the American Samoa Legislature is vested with the authority it needs to establish primary elections for the office of the Delegate, if it so chooses. While my opponents continue to call this a plurality bill, nothing could be further from the truth, Faleomavaega said. Those who understand this bill know that this bill includes both plurality and majority voting. If, for example, the American Samoa Legislature establishes primary elections, the general election for the office of the Delegate will be by majority. If the American Samoa Legislature fails to establish primary elections, the general election for the office of the Delegate will be by plurality. Either way, our military men and women and college students will have the right to vote for their Representative to the United States House of Representatives. Also, H.R. 2010 in no way affects how the American Samoa Government chooses to elect its local leaders. Furthermore, this matter is not new to the people or the Legislature of American Samoa. The truth is this matter has been before the people and our local leaders for the past five years. Since 1998, I have written to our Governors, past and present. I have written and testified before our local Legislature and I have brought this matter to the attention of our people through press releases, newsletters, radio and tv programs. In 2001, I also conducted a Congressional survey and 85% of those surveyed agreed that American Samoas active duty service members should be afforded the same rights and privileges as every other American serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Having made every change requested of me by our local leaders and after years of good-faith efforts on my part, I am pleased that once the President signs H.R. 2010 into law our military men and women and college students will have the right to vote in federal elections held in American Samoa and will no longer be disenfranchised from the process as a result of Public Law 95-556 which was passed on October 31, 1978, Faleomavaega said. Federal, or PL 95-556, requires a runoff election to be held only 14 days after the general election. As Governor Togiola said, this creates a situation where it is virtually impossible for American Samoas Election Office to send out absentee ballots to the men and women in the military and expect to receive them back in time for those votes to be counted in a run-off election. In other words, this is an injustice that has been made worse by the current conflict in the Middle East where many American Samoans are now serving and fighting for democracy. H.R. 2010 corrects the injustice and, for this reason, I am thankful that the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, Governor Togiola, the late Senate President Fuimaono, Speaker McMoore, and 85% of those surveyed in American Samoa agreed with me that some measure should be put in place to assure that the votes of our military men and women are counted in federal elections held in American Samoa, Faleomavaega said. I am also thankful that Senator Akaka, a senior Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, spoke out in support of H.R. 2010 and urged the Senate to act quickly to pass this bill so that American Samoas military men and women will have the opportunity to vote to help select their representative to the US. House of Representatives. Simply put, H.R. 2010 is the right thing to do and, to alleviate any concerns that I will personally benefit from this legislation, I would like to reiterate that I offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute for purposes of changing the effective date of this bill from January 2004 to January 2006. This amendment was unanimously supported at mark-up by the House Resources Committee and, as such, any change in law will not go into effect until the 2006 election cycle. At this time, I thank Chairman Pete Domenici and Ranking Member Jeff Bingaman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for supporting H.R. 2010. I also thank our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush, who I am confident will soon sign H.R. 2010 into law. Above all, I thank our military men and women from American Samoa who are fighting for democracy so that you and I and future generations may live in peace. As a Vietnam veteran, I wish them the very best and, as always, I pray for their safe return, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on Senate and House hearings on a bill to protect the voting rights of American Samoa's active duty service members and overseas voters. [Press Release, July 14, 2004] Senate Holds Hearing on Faleomavaega Bill To Protect Voting Rights of Active Duty Service Members and Overseas Voters Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests held a hearing on H.R. 2010, a bill he introduced to protect the voting rights of active duty service members and overseas voters whose home of residence is American Samoa. At this time, I want to thank Chairman Larry Craig and Ranking Member Ron Wyden for holding this hearing and for entering the full text of my statement into the record, Congressman Faleomavaega said. I also want to thank Senator Daniel Akaka who is a senior member of both the Energy Committee and the Subcommittee on Public Lands. Senator Akaka was instrumental in getting this hearing held and I thank him for his support and kind words. At today's hearing, Senator Akaka said, ``H.R. 2010 was introduced by my good friend, Eni Faleomavaega, a senior member of the House who couldn't testify himself because of the centennial celebration for the islands of Manua. On this occasion, I d like to send the people of American Samoa our best wishes as they celebrate the 100th anniversary since the stars and stripes were first raised by their traditional chiefs.'' Senator Akaka continued by saying, ``I do not have a question, Mr. Chairman, but a comment as someone who is very familiar with the challenges of transportation and communications out in the Pacific. This bill would resolve a long-standing problem in electing the Delegate from American Samoa: How to conduct a run-off election in just 14 days in a territory with a very large number of absentee voters and only two regular flights from the U.S. each week? This bill would provide for election of the Delegate by a plurality vote. Or, if the local government wants, by a majority vote following a primary election. It would resolve a long- standing problem.'' Chairman Craig thanked Senator Akaka for his opening comments and I also thank Senator Akaka for being at today's hearing. Although I was invited to testify before the Senate Subcommittee, I thought it was equally important to attend Flag Day celebrations being held in American Samoa to recognize Manua's 100 year relationship with the United States, Congressman Faleomavaega said. This celebration is an historic event and I am pleased to be with the people on this important occasion and, again, I am pleased that Chairman Craig recognized the importance of Flag Day and included my written testimony in the Committee records. I am also pleased to welcome the MV Sili to Manua. It is most fitting for our new vessel to arrive from Louisiana just in time to commemorate Manuas history and to honor our traditional leaders and chiefs, past and present. The arrival of this vessel has been more than a year in the making and I am grateful to our friends in the House and Senate who supported our efforts to set aside funding for this vessel. When Republicans in the Senate wanted to cut funding for the Territories from the Tax Act of 2003, Democratic Senator Benjamin Nelson from Nebraska fought hard to help us keep our funding in place. Later, Republican Chairman Bill Thomas of the House Ways and Means Committee sent me a letter saying that he was pleased he could assist me in this effort. Because we were successful in including the Territories, American Samoa received more than $10 million from the Tax Act of 2003 and I am grateful that Senator John Breaux of Louisiana and Ranking Member Charles Rangel of the House Committee on Ways and Means stood with me in establishing Congressional intent on how these funds should be spent, Congressman Faleomavaega said. I am also pleased that Governor Togiola stood with me and agreed that $5 million should be set aside for the purchase of a new vessel for Manua. I am also thankful that Senator Breaux put us in touch with one of the best shipyards in the world located in Louisiana and then personally made sure that American Samoa was receiving one of the best vessels Louisiana had to offer at a cost of $4 million. I consider Senator Breaux a good friend and I can say with certainty that he is also a friend of American Samoa. This year, we have much to be thankful for including this historic legislation which is moving through Congress to protect the voting rights of our active duty service members and our college students and other overseas voters. H.R. 2010 is a bipartisan bill which is supported by Republican Chairman Richard Pombo and Ranking Democratic Member Nick Rahall of the House Committee on Resources, Faleomavaega said. On May 5, 2004, the House Committee on Resources passed this bill by unanimous consent. On June 14, 2004, a Republican controlled House passed H.R. 2010 without objection. I am pleased that the Senate is now considering H.R. 2010 and I would like to note for the record that on October 29, 2003 the House Committee on Resources also held a hearing on this bill. On behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Mr. David Cohen, the Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs, was invited to testify but declined citing that this was a local issue. Locally, H.R. 2010 is supported by the Governor of American Samoa, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and 85% of those surveyed in American Samoa agree that overseas voters and active duty service members should have the right to vote in federal elections held in the Territory, Faleomavaega said. Given that Assistant Secretary Cohen accepted todays invitation to testify before the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests, I am pleased that his testimony was supportive. Two weeks ago, when the Senate first informed me that H.R. 2010 would be considered today, I called Mr. Cohen to discuss the bill and determine where the Department of Interior stood on the issue. Assistant Secretary Cohen and I came to an understanding prior to the hearing and I thank him for his support. While the Assistant Secretary focused his comments on the will of the people, when asked by Chairman Craig how he believed the will of the people should be determined, Mr. Cohen said he believed the Committee should rely on the statements which I included in the Record. As I have said on many occasions, this matter has been before the people and the local leaders of American Samoa for the past six years. Since 1998, I have written to our Governors, past and present. I have written and testified before our local Legislature and I have also included copies of my testimony, my letters, and local responses in the House and Senate Committee records. These enclosures now on file with the Committees are more than 70 pages in length. Included in the record is Governor Togiola's support of H.R. 2010. Once more, I want to commend Governor Togiola for supporting this bill as we have always agreed that our military men and women should have the right to vote especially when they contribute almost a million dollars per year in taxes to our local government. I also thank the President of the American Samoa Senate, the Honorable Lutu Tenari S. Fuimaono, and Speaker Matagi Ray McMoore for their support, Faleomavaega said. H.R. 2010 is an historic bill. It is a bill that immediately restores the voting rights of our overseas voters and active duty military members. It is also a bill that makes clear in no uncertain terms that the American Samoa Legislature is vested with the authority it needs to establish primary elections for the office of the Delegate, if it so chooses. H.R. 2010 also protects American Samoa's future in the U.S. Congress. Without H.R. 2010, future Delegates could miss out on key committee assignments as a result of delayed outcomes and run-off elections. Like Governor Togiola, I do not believe American Samoa's future should be weakened or disadvantaged and this is one more reason I appreciate his support of H.R. 2010. Given the importance and urgency of this bill, I thank the members of the House Resources Committee, both Democrats and Republicans, who unanimously voted in favor of this bill. H.R. 2010 is the right thing to do and, as a Vietnam veteran, I will not rest until we fully guarantee that our active duty service members have the right to vote in federal elections held in American Samoa. To alleviate any concerns that I will personally benefit from this legislation, I offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute for purposes of changing the effective date of this bill from January 2004 to January 2006. This amendment was unanimously supported at mark-up by the House Resources Committee and, as such, any change in law will not go into effect until the 2006 election cycle, Faleomavaega said. As I have repeatedly stated, H.R. 2010 in no way affects how the American Samoa Government chooses to elect its local leaders and, having made every change requested of me by our local leaders and after years of good-faith efforts on my part, I believe the time has come to do right by our overseas voters and men and women in the military. Our sons and daughters have fought and died to preserve our freedoms and I will do everything I can to protect their right to vote. Again, I thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests for holding this historic hearing on H.R. 2010 and I am hopeful that they will support its successful passage. In a dramatic moment before the hearing came to a close, Senator Akaka said, ``As a person from the Pacific, I want to make a final comment about H.R. 2010.'' Chairman Craig granted the Senators request and Senator Akaka said, ``As you know, Mr. Cohen, H.R. 2010 will resolve a long standing problem made worse by the current conflict in the Middle East where many American Samoans are now serving. Those Americans are fighting for democracy and I speak out in support of this bill. Mr. Chairman, I believe we should act quickly to pass this bill so that those men and women will have the opportunity to vote to help select their representative to the U.S. House of Representatives.'' Like Senator Akaka, I also believe the Senate should act on this bill and I thank my dear friend Senator Akaka for standing with the people of American Samoa on this important issue. I also thank our men and women from American Samoa who are serving on active duty at a time when our nation is at war. I wish them the very best and I pray for their safe return, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the U.S. Treasury's $20.4 million stimulus payout to qualifying residents in American Samoa. [Press Release, Apr. 28, 2008] U.S. Treasury Sending $20.4 Million to ASG To Pay Out Economic Stimulus Payments to Qualifying Residents Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the American Samoa Government will receive $20.4 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury to be paid out to qualifying residents as part of the Economic Stimulus Package that was signed into law to jumpstart the economy. Faleomavaega and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo urged the Leadership of the House and Senate to include the Territories in the stimulus package and make child tax credits and tax rebates available to qualifying residents. The Members were successful in their efforts and, prior to the bill being signed into law, in a letter dated January 29, 2008, Faleomavaega informed Governor Togiola and the Fono that, for American Samoa, the U.S. Treasury would send a check of an estimated amount and ASG must have a plan approved promptly to disburse the money quickly. In a joint letter dated February 15, 2008 to Secretary Henry M. Paulson of the Department of Treasury, Faleomavaega along with Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Congresswoman Donna Christensen, and Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuno also urged the Secretary to implement an arrangement that will provide for the funds to be transferred in advance of the actual payouts of the rebates. ``Today, Secretary Paulson has honored our request and I thank him for informing my office that he has accepted ASG's plan for distributing stimulus payments to residents of American Samoa, and that ASG will receive a check for $20.4 million in order to payout tax rebates and child tax credits to those who qualify,'' Faleomavaega said. ``This payment is in accordance of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 that was signed by the President on February 13, 2008.'' ``The stimulus package was easily passed by both the House and Senate and I, again, thank Chairman Charles Rangel of the House Committee on Ways and Means and Chairman Max Baucus of the Senate Finance Committee for supporting our request to include the territories in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.'' ``I also commend Governor Togiola and our local Tax Office for acting quickly and submitting a plan that has been approved by the U.S. Treasury. I am especially pleased that the people of American Samoa will benefit from these rebates which will help bolster our local economy,'' Faleomavaega concluded. The full text of Secretary Paulson's letter of April 28 informing Governor Togiola of the approval of ASG's Distribution Plan was forwarded to Faleomavaega's office by the U.S. Department of Treasury and follows: Dear Governor Tulafono: Thank you for your letter of April 23, 2008, submitting the Distribution Plan for the Recovery Rebates (the Plan) in American Samoa. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, P.L. 110- 185 (the Act), requires that I approve American Samoa's plan for distributing stimulus payments to residents of American Samoa. The Act also requires that once such a plan is approved, the Treasury Department make a payment to American Samoa in an amount estimated as being equal to the aggregate benefits that would have been provided to residents of American Samoa by reason of the amendments made to the Internal Revenue Code by section 101(c) of the Act if a ``mirror code'' tax system had been in effect in American Samoa. In accordance with the Act, I approve the Plan, a copy of which is enclosed. Also, we have estimated the aggregate benefits that would have been provided to residents of American Samoa by reason of section 101(c) of the Act if a mirror code tax system had been in effect in American Samoa at $20.4 million. A payment in this amount will be made by the Treasury Department to American Samoa to fund the prompt distribution of stimulus payments to resident of American Samoa pursuant to the Plan. Sincerely, Henry M. Paulson, Jr.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's authorization of emergency relief supplies to Samoa in response to the devastating tsunami of September 29, 2009. [Press Release, Oct. 10, 2009] Secretary Clinton Gets It Done; Emergency Relief Supplies To Be Airlifted from Greater Los Angeles Area to Samoa in Response to Devastating Tsunami Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-CA), announced today that the U.S. Department of State called them this morning to inform them that Secretary Clinton has authorized the use of funds from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to get emergency relief supplies airlifted from the greater Los Angeles area to Samoa in response to the devastating tsunami that struck Apia on September 29. In his capacity as Chairman of the Asia Pacific Subcommittee which has broad jurisdiction for U.S. foreign policy affecting the region, including Samoa, Chairman Faleomavaega personally spoke to Secretary Clinton on Oct 1 and, in letters dated Oct 4 and Oct 5, followed up with her regarding the specific need to airlift emergency supplies to Apia, which were gathered by the Samoan communities and congregations in the greater Los Angeles area. The Samoan communities in the greater Los Angeles directly contacted Faleomavaega for assistance because many of their families and relatives live in his district of American Samoa or Samoa. Congresswoman Laura Richardson has worked closely with Faleomavaega throughout this process given that she represents part of the greater Los Angeles area, and the Samoan communities living in that area are her constituents. ``I want to personally thank Secretary Clinton for her untiring efforts in getting these relief supplies airlifted,'' Chairman Faleomavaega said. ``Since the tsunami struck, Secretary Clinton has spared no effort in coming to our aid, and even called upon the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to quickly move these supplies from the West Coast to Samoa. Last evening, Congresswoman Richardson and I learned that DOD had agreed to move the supplies but that due to legalities of moving privately-donated goods, the process would take too long.'' ``In a previous conference call yesterday, anticipating that DOD might be unable to quickly move these supplies, we requested the State Department to fund a commercial flight through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance should we encounter any problems with DOD,'' Faleomavaega and Rep. Richardson said. ``Last night, upon learning that the DOD process would take too long and in consideration of our request for a more immediate airlift, Secretary Clinton assessed the options while en route to Europe, and this morning the State Department informed us that Secretary Clinton has agreed to fund the flight with OFDA funds.'' ``The agreement is that this will be a one-time airlift, and our Samoan communities should make future donations in cash, rather than in commodities. We will not be able to airlift frozen goods, and our offices will work closely with the communities to gather the supplies to a central location for the airlift. Also, the airlift provided by the U.S. Department of State can only be authorized to land in Samoa. While we were also hopeful to get supplies in to American Samoa, all matters relating to American Samoa are decided between the Governor and FEMA, according to federal law.'' ``I know from my meeting earlier this week with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi that he is thankful to the Samoan congregations and communities in the greater Los Angeles area who responded from the heart by collecting critical supplies that will now be airlifted to those in need,'' Faleomavaega said. ``For this reason, I want to thank the Prime Minister for agreeing to accept this gift, and I also want to thank Reverend Liki Tiatia, Reverend John Mailo, Reverend Misipouena Tagaloa, and High Chief Loa Pele Faletogo for all the good work they have done. Reverend Tiatia and Reverend Mailo will be taking a flight to Samoa to make the presentation to the Government of Samoa on behalf of our Samoan community on the West Coast and also on behalf of Congresswoman Richardson and myself.'' ``I especially want to thank Congresswoman Richardson for working around the clock in support of our Samoan communities living in her district, and in Samoa and American Samoa,'' Faleomavaega continued. ``Congresswoman Richardson has stood by us every step of the way and has left no stone unturned in getting this done. She has been staunch and solid in her dedication to us, and has earned her rightful place in our hearts. It is my honor to welcome Congresswoman Richardson into our Pacific Island family.'' ``With so many people in need of basic supplies in Samoa, it has been a privilege to work with Chairman Faleomavaega to assist the people of my district in making sure the items they have collected will soon be in the hands of their families and friends,'' Congresswoman Richardson said. ``This feat is only possible because of the dedication of Chairman Faleomavaega and Secretary Clinton. Over 60 local organizations in the 37th district of California, including church groups, non-profit organizations and caring others collected over 100,000 pounds of essential items to send to victims of the tragedy that recently occurred. The lives of thousands of Samoans will be immediately and directly improved by the actions taken by Secretary Clinton, Chairman Faleomavaega and all of us who answered the call to help. I am proud to be a part of this exceptional team.'' ``It is clear that change has come and that Secretary Clinton is restoring America's stature once again, especially in a part of the world that the U.S. has too long neglected. We thank Secretary Clinton for her leadership and commitment, and for standing with the people of Samoa when they need her most, and we continue to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who are suffering so much,'' Faleomavaega and Rep. Richardson concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about efforts to establish a National Guard presence in American Samoa. [Press Release, Sept. 28, 2005] Faleomavaega Requests Expedited Assistance in Establishing a Hawaii National Guard Presence in American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that as a follow up to his discussions with Major General Robert Lee, Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii, he is requesting expedited assistance in establishing a Hawaii National Guard presence in American Samoa. General Lee and I have been discussing how best to establish a National Guard Unit in American Samoa, Congressman Faleomavaega said. We have agreed that the best way is to establish a branch of the Hawaii National Guard in American Samoa. Governor Linda Lingle of the State of Hawaii supports our efforts as does Governor Togiola. At this time, General Lee and I have agreed that it is in the best interest of American Samoa that our Guard unit should be a weapons of mass destruction and civil support team which will respond to terrorist threats and natural disasters. Our team will be locally recruited in American Samoa and will be based in the Territory. The only remaining issue is that we must encourage the National Guard Bureau to expedite our request. The Bureau has been working on this request for more than a year and, for this reason, I have written to General Lee and asked for his assistance. General Lee is the Commander of all National Guard Units for the State of Hawaii and our branch would be under his Command. Once our request is approved, ASG will need to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Hawaii. Governor Linda Lingle and Governor Togiola stand ready to sign this MOU and I am hopeful that with our latest efforts this will be in the very near future. As always, I thank General Lee for his continued support for the people and troops of American Samoa. General Lee is to be commended for his dedication, commitment and leadership. I also thank Governor Lingle for without her support we could not move forward in establishing a branch of the Hawaii National Guard in American Samoa. I also thank Governor Togiola and, above all, I thank our military men and women for their service to our country, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about National Emergency Grant funding in American Samoa. [Press Release, Oct. 20, 2009] Faleomavaega Thanks U.S. Department of Labor for Releasing Over $24 Million to Assist Clean-Up and Recovery Efforts in American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor has released over $24 million in National Emergency Grant Funds to assist clean-up and recovery efforts in American Samoa. ``I want to personally thank my good friend and former colleague, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, for releasing more than $24 million in National Emergency Grant funds to help American Samoa rebuild,'' Faleomavaega said. ``The people of American Samoa are deeply appreciative of the support we are receiving from the federal government in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck our islands on September 29, and I thank the Obama Administration, the U.S. Congress, FEMA, Secretary Solis, and all others for standing with us as we begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding our homes and lives.'' ``I also want to thank Senator Inouye and Senator Akaka for their unwavering support. Earlier today, we released a joint statement applauding Secretary Solis' decision to release more than $24 million in aid and, during these trying times, I want to thank both Senators for their heartfelt words and condolences.'' ``With the outpouring of prayers being offered in our behalf, I have every confidence that American Samoa will rebuild but we will never be the same without the ones we have lost. This is why I continue to convey my condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones, and pledge to do all I can as we work to recover.'' The full text of the U.S. Department of Labor's notification, which was sent to Faleomavaega, Senator Inouye, Senator Akaka, and to members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), of which Faleomavaega serves as Vice-Chair, is included below:

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following opinion editorial on canned tuna made by child labor. [From The Hill, Jan. 8, 2014] Tuna Firms Spar Over School Lunch Access (By Kevin Bogardus) The world's largest tuna companies are making a splash in Washington with a fight over rules that keep some catches out of school lunches. StarKist and Tri Marine are clashing with Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea over the Agriculture Department's strict Buy American standards for where tuna is cleaned, canned and shipped. Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea lose under the rules. Both companies have facilities that process tuna in the United States, but their product is also cleaned overseas. Under the USDA standards, their tuna cannot be served in schools, denying them access to a lucrative market. StarKist, on the other hand, has a major operation in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. Tri Marine is building up a new facility in the territory as well. The two factions are sparring over language in the House agricultural appropriations bill that would require the USDA to issue a report on how the department could revise its Buy American standards, including ``the option for less than 100 percent of the value of the tuna product be United States produced.'' The language could be slipped into the omnibus spending bill that lawmakers aim to release sometimes this week. If it becomes law, that report could clear the way for Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea to begin selling to schools. Millions of dollars in government sales are at stake, including for American Samoa, where tuna is a linchpin of the island economy. The fight over the provision has become bitter, with both sides hurling charges of child labor and inhumane working conditions at the other. ``I suspect most members don't have the facts yet on where Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea source their tuna. And if they would be informed, they would not be supportive of this language,'' said Jim Bonham, chairman of the government affairs practice at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. Bonham lobbies for Tri Marine, founded in Singapore, and StarKist, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh but owned by Korea's Dongwon Industries. StarKist's tuna qualifies for the USDA's school nutrition program because it's processed in American Samoa, and Tri-Marine's catch should as well once its plant is up and running. But their competitors want in on the action. ``For years, we have been trying to revise these standards. So instead of 100 percent U.S. content, we would revise it down to 80 percent,'' said Jeff Pike, CEO of Pike Associates, which lobbies for Bumble Bee. ``We are buying fish from U.S. boats. We are working with U.S. fishermen. We have a U.S. factory and we are the only U.S.-owned major brand.'' Tuna purchases by the U.S. government represent a significant chunk of change. The USDA's purchases of canned and pouched tuna have equaled around $20 million per year over the past decade. The provision under scrutiny could upend that market, critics argue. ``The parameters of the study are so narrow, we know what the outcome will be. It asks them [the USDA] to come up with multiple options to erode the Buy American standards,'' Bonham said. Bumble Bee's advocate contends that changing the standards would simply bring competition to American Samoa's tuna industry. ``There is a lot of sympathy for American Samoa. I'm convinced, even with the change, the government will still buy tuna from American Samoa,'' Pike said. ``Tuna is high in protein. Tuna is low in fat. What is your objection to putting competition into the school lunch program so kids can eat more tuna fish?'' American Samoa has consolidated lobbying forces to protect its golden industry. Last summer, StarKist, Tri Marine, the Chamber of Commerce of American Samoa and others formed the Stronger Economy for American Samoa Coalition. The group has worked to promote American Samoa, including highlighting a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette op-ed by Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu that discussed the ``economic distress'' in the territory. Mark McCullough, a coalition spokesman, said loosening the Buy American standards would hurt American Samoa. ``Congress needs to be partnering with the islands' public and private industry leaders on a new economic development plan, not costing more Americans their jobs by weakening what it means to buy America,'' McCullough said. Del. Eni Faleomavaega (D), American Samoa's delegate on Capitol Hill, has sought to substitute the report language with his own measures that would target Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea. One proposal would have USDA study whether child labor was used to process tuna bought by the government. Faleomavaega's aides have given a PowerPoint presentation, obtained by The Hill, that cites human rights reports that blast Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea for using Thai facilities, where workers allegedly suffer terrible conditions while cleaning tuna. ``It is disgraceful to suggest that poor kids in Asia should be forced to provide tuna sandwiches for America's school lunch program. Bumble Beeware! It is time for America to know the truth about Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea,'' Faleomavaega said in a statement to The Hill. In opposition to the language, Faleomavaega has sent letters to select members of the House and Senate Agriculture panels, Appropriations agriculture subcommittees and to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). The delegate has also asked for help from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), according to his office. ``I suspect most consumers don't want to buy child labor tuna. . . . Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea are kicking a hornet's nest here,'' Bonham said. StarKist's critics said the company has used the Thai plants as well, but its supporters say the company has made sure not to sell any foreign-processed tuna to the U.S. government. StarKist has had to contend with a Food and Drug Administration ``warning letter'' for poor workplace conditions in 2011. That halted its tuna sales to the USDA, but backers of the company say the issue has since been resolved. Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea also have their supporters in Congress. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) introduced legislation last year that would loosen the Buy American standards for tuna. ``It simply provides more flexibility to the Department of Agriculture's canned tuna purchasing program. The Tuna Competition Act is designed to bolster domestic industry,'' said Mattie Munoz, a Sanchez spokeswoman. Bumble Bee has a tuna canning plant in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.--based in Sanchez's district--that employs more than 300 workers. ``Congresswoman Sanchez is always happy to fight for job creators in the 38th District. However, it is important to note that this bill will help US tuna producers nationally,'' Munoz said.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information on the political status of American Samoa. [Press Release, Oct. 2, 2006] Faleomavaega Testifies Before Political Status Commission Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he testified before the American Samoa Political Status Commission in a hearing held on Saturday, September 29, 2006 at BYU-Hawaii in Laie, Hawaii. I believe the work of this commission is critical for American Samoas political future, Faleomavaega said. I am honored to provide input as the commissioners deliberate our political status options. In my opinion, before we get too far ahead of ourselves in examining our political options we need to look inward to resolve some lingering ambiguities regarding our current territorial status. Currently, American Samoas political relationship with the United States is governed by the two Treaties or Deeds of Cession signed in 1900 (Tutuila) and 1904 (Manua). These documents provide no clear protections for our culture, no clear guidance for our relationship with the United States, and no expression of political unity between our own islands. To me, it makes sense that we should address these issues first before we can develop a roadmap for our future. Otherwise, unresolved questions will always remain regarding our internal (Tutuila and Manua) and external (with the United States) political relationships. One source of ambiguity in these documents is that, in a Samoan context, this was understood to be a treaty of cession, rather than a deed of cession. In the Samoan version of these documents, our chiefs used the term feagaiga, which means treaty, but in the English version, the word treaty is never mentioned. To our Samoan chiefs this treaty relationship meant that Samoans would maintain a measure of autonomy the terms of the agreement allowed the U.S. the right to use the land and the harbor, in exchange for providing protection against hostile nations. Viewed as a deed, however, this agreement would have meant that the chiefs were giving over the land as well as their sovereignty over the land. The problem inherent in this ambiguity is that a deed of cession offers our people something less than the sovereign status that a treaty would provide, and in fact the term deed implies ownership of property rather than a sense of the rights and privileges of a sovereign people. Another source of ambiguity related to these two treaties/ deeds is that they were negotiated separately between the United States and each of the island groups. Because these two instruments were two separate acts, by themselves they did not unite American Samoa into one political entity. Therefore, the fact remains that to this day, there is no officially declared political union between the island groups of Tutuila and Manua, only separate understandings with the United States. Furthermore, despite what others may have said was the understanding in the past, these treaties do not provide for the protection of the basic rights of American Samoas people. While these two treaties have proven instrumental in providing stability to the people of American Samoa for the past 106 years, the deeds do not cover many of the most basic issues of concern for our people, such as citizenship, immigration, international trade and commerce, national security, marine and communal property rights, or membership in international organizations, to name a few. Rather than being instruments that express some vague obligation on the part of the United States to protect our culture, I see these two treaties as asserting United States sovereignty over our lands and our lives. While the Deeds of Cession still stand as the basis upon which American Samoa can claim a political relationship with the United States, there is still some confusion even within the United States government as to the effect of these two treaties. A review of the U.S. Department of State listing of U.S. treaties in force makes no mention of any treaty existing between the United States and the island groups of Tutuila and Manua. Also, as a current conflict in federal law illustrates, the U.S. Congress has its own problems in defining the U.S. relationship with American Samoa. The U.S. Congress approved these documents under the 1929 Ratification Act (48 U.S.C. 1661). Section 1661 states as follows: Until Congress shall provide for the government of such islands, all civil, judicial, and military powers shall be vested in such person or persons and shall be exercised in such manner as the President of the United States shall direct; and the President shall have power to remove said officers and fill the vacancies so occasioned. (emphasis added) Congress did not ratify the 1900 and 1904 Deeds until 1929, and then delegated its constitutional authority to administer the territory to the President, who transferred the administration of American Samoa to the Secretary of the Navy, primarily because the U.S. wished to establish a naval station in Pago Pago Bay. In 1951, President Truman transferred the administration of American Samoa to the Secretary of the Interior. The transfer of all administrative, judicial, and military authority from the Congress to the President has not been amended since 1929. Notwithstanding this 1929 law delegating authority over the territory to the President, in 1984 Congress passed a bill, signed into law by the President (Pub. L. 98-213, codified at 48 U.S.C. 1662a), that now requires congressional approval of any amendment to the territory's constitution. In view of this new law, several questions and problems are now being raised. First, why does American Samoa now require Congressional approval of any amendments to its territorial constitution when Congress never expressly approved the territorial constitution to begin with? Second, there are several provisions in our territorial constitution that would raise serious constitutional issues that Congress has not yet addressed. In fact, it is questionable if Congress would approve such provisions in light of the U.S. Constitution. Unfortunately, Congress has never fully examined the contradictions between these two statutes. The question here is whether the territorial constitution should be subject to congressional or presidential authority. If the authority is congressional, the 1929 law should be amended to rescind the authority delegated to the President; if the authority is presidential, the 1984 law should be rescinded and the approval of changes to our constitution should be returned to the complete authority of the President via the Secretary of the Interior. In either case, we have to face the fact that our present constitution and our current measure of sovereignty are nothing more than an extension of the presidential power of the Secretary of the Interior. As we discuss our possible options in our quest for a greater measure of self-government, where are we now in our relationship with the United States? American Samoa is described as an unorganized and unincorporated territory of the United States. American Samoa is considered unorganized because since 1929 Congress has not officially organized a government for the separate island kingdoms of Tutuila and Manua under one organic act. Our territory is unincorporated because, according to Supreme Court decisions regarding the constitutional rights of insular territories, Congress has never intended to incorporate American Samoa into the Union. From 1900 to 1951, the U.S., through the Department of the Navy, appointed military officers to govern the affairs of the islands. According to the 1921 Codification of the Regulations and Orders of the Government of American Samoa, on May 1, 1900 Commander Benjamin Tilley, the first naval commandant of Tutuila and Manua, declared that the Governor, for the time being, of American Samoa is the head of the Government. For fifty-one years, this self- made regulation governed American Samoas course with one appointed Naval Governor after another acting as the maker of all laws and appointments with little regard for the will of the people. During this period of martial law there were no elected leaders. With the transfer of power in 1951 to the Department of the Interior, American Samoa experienced little more than a transition from military to civilian rule. Civilian-appointed governors still had full authority over island affairs. In the 1960s a territorial constitution was drafted and there began to be some involvement from the Samoan Legislature. One unintended consequence of the law passed in 1984 requiring Congressional approval of amendments to the American Samoa constitution is that, whereas between 1960 and 1984 our local leaders had extensive practice at constitution-writing, after the law was passed this practice ceased. To date, the final steps toward some measure of self-government were taken when in 1977 the first Governor was elected by popular vote and in 1980 when American Samoa elected its first Delegate to the U.S. Congress. Given this background and history of our political relationship with the United States, Faleomavaega offered the following recommendations. First, Tutuila and Manua must officially declare a union as one political entity or governing body, thereby sanctioning its authority to deal with the United States as we negotiate our future status. This would address one of the major shortcomings of the separately negotiated Deeds of Cession. Second, I would recommend that a national convention be called to deliberate the specific provisions of the 1900 and 1904 Deeds of Cession. As I mentioned, these Deeds do not provide any real protection for our communal lands and culture as our forefathers intended. I believe we need to formulate a statement of principles underlining our desire to either amend certain provisions of the two deeds or establish an entirely new agreement with the United States. The provisions of any such agreement should define our political relationship with the United States, whether it is a covenant status like the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, free association status like the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, commonwealth status like Puerto Rico, or even an Organic Act such as the one governing Guams relationship with the United States. Third, once we have defined what American Samoas relationship should be with the United States under the terms of an agreement that is agreeable to both sides, the leadership of Samoa should then call a constitutional convention and organize a government based upon the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement, not the U.S. Constitution. Moreover, I believe this must be done as soon as possible the longer this uncertainty surrounding these two Deeds remains, the further we drift from our forefathers treaty intentions and risk the erosion of our culture, of becoming less Samoan and more American or, in other words, Americans of Samoan ancestry. As it stands, we cannot claim loyalty to the United States and at the same time refuse to apply federal standards that are incompatible with our local traditions and land-tenure system. To summarize, Faleomavaega said, what I asked of the esteemed members of the Political Status Study Commission is that, before they become too deeply involved in examining all possible future options, they focus first on clarifying the original sources of authority underpinning our current political relationship with the United States, the two Deeds of Cession, as a foundation for a unified approach to determining our political future. The full text of the Treaties/Deeds of Cession, in English and Samoan, as well as the 1929 and 1983 laws discussed in the Congressmans statement are available on Congressman Faleomavaega's website at www.house.gov/faleomavaega/ historical.shtml ____ [Press Release, May 24, 2007] Future Political Status Study Commission Report Now Available Online Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that a copy of the Future Political Status Study Commission Report is now available online for the public and particularly members of the Samoan community all around the world to read. ``Many people in our Samoan community, especially those residing outside of American Samoa, have contacted my office to request copies of or to find out how to obtain a copy of the Future Political Status Study Commission Report,'' Faleomavaega said. ``So, I am pleased to inform everyone that a copy of the report is now available online on my website and on the American Samoa Governor's website for anyone to read.'' ``I want to congratulate and thank The Honorable Tufele Li'amatua--Chairman, The Honorable Tuaolo Fruean--Vice Chairman, High Talking Chief Fofo Sunia--Executive Director, and all the Commissioners and staff of the Future Political Status Study Commission for the tremendous work they did in completing this report.'' ``Now that we have the report, everyone concerned should take time to thoroughly review the Commission's recommendations, especially our Fono and the Administration. As I have stated before, I believe the next logical step in this important process is for the Fono to conduct hearings to discuss the different recommendations made by the Commission. Only after such a careful review and discussion I feel we should proceed to the next steps or implementation,'' Faleomavaega concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information about the citizenship issue in American Samoa. [Press Release, June 11, 2008] Washington, D.C.--Faleomavaega Responds to Governor Togiola's Comments About Citizenship Legislation Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is clarifying the intent of H.R. 6191, a bill he introduced to make it easier for U.S. nationals living in American Samoa to become U.S. citizens, if they so choose. ``Recently, the Governor has publicly expressed that he strongly opposes the legislation and, while I respect his right to oppose, I disagree with his position,'' Faleomavaega said. ``Also, given that the Governor has made statements that are not factual, I believe it is important to clear up the misinformation he has relayed to the newspapers and radio.'' ``First, Governor Togiola states that H.R. 6191 will force U.S. citizenship on U.S. nationals. This is not true. H.R. 6191 is about choice, not force, and only applies to those U.S. nationals living in American Samoa who choose to become U.S. citizens if they wish to apply.'' ``Secondly, the Governor states that this legislation is contrary to the findings of the Future Political Status Study Commission which recommended that American Samoa not seek U.S. citizenship for its people at this time. Again, this is false. H.R. 6191 does not make citizenship automatic for American Samoa's people. H.R. 6191, which my staff hand- delivered to Governor Togiola's office on June 7, 2008, states that the intent of this legislation is to allow nationals to become citizens by more expeditious means. In other words, it speeds up the process. It does not make citizenship automatic.'' ``For those nationals who choose to become citizens, H.R. 6191 speeds up the process by doing away with certain requirements and treating nationals like nationals rather than foreigners. As the law now stands, in order for a national to become a citizen, our people must follow the same procedures as aliens, or foreigners, and this is not right since nationals owe permanent allegiance to the United States.'' ``For nationals living in American Samoa, it is not right that our people are currently required to pass an English proficiency and civics exam given that American Samoa's education system is patterned after that of public schools in the U.S.'' ``Also, our people should not be required, as they now are, to move to the mainland to pass the residency requirement. Our people already live in a U.S. Territory and should not be subjected to the financial hardship and burdens of moving to California or Hawaii or elsewhere just to establish residency. While the Governor may believe that our people should be treated like foreigners and forced to move and take exams, I do not and this is where we disagree.'' ``I believe the provisions of physical residency and exams should be waived, and this is what H.R. 6191 does. H.R. 6191 waives the requirements of physical residency but keeps in place all other provisions of section 316 as to good moral character, etc. H.R. 6191 also makes sure that U.S. nationals are required to file an application, complete an interview, be fingerprinted, take an oath and meet all other requirements as expressed in the Immigration and Nationality Act.'' ``Regarding the Governor's concerns about H.R. 6191 opening up the floodgate to foreigners, I am pleased that after all these years the Governor has finally agreed to stop the flow of foreigners entering the territory if H.R. 6191 is passed. If H.R. 6191 accomplishes nothing else, it has been well worth the effort because ASG should have closed the floodgate years ago. ASG's weak immigration and corporate laws, which allow for sponsorship of foreigners, like Daewoosa, who set up shop and send their money back home, have brought embarrassment to our Territory and jeopardized our communal lands and customs. If ASG does not clean up its mess and establish fair laws for fair business, our people will lose everything.'' ``Regarding the Governor's point that he believes H.R. 6191 will lead to our people being drafted in the U.S. military, I would respectfully suggest that he review H.R. 6191. H.R. 6191 does not make anyone subject to the draft.'' ``Finally, like the Governor, I welcome input, and I introduced this legislation based on the input of the people. Many of our people have requested my assistance because, like me, they believe U.S. nationals who choose to become citizens should be able to do so without being treated like foreigners in the process. This is why I introduced H.R. 6191, and stand by it, and intend to open it up for nationals living in the U.S. as well,'' Faleomavaega concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the passage of a bill to provide the American Samoa Government the authority to issue bonds exempt from state and local taxation. [Press Release, Nov. 5, 2003] House Passes Faleomavaega Bill To Provide ASG Authority To Issue Bonds Exempt From State and Local Taxation Congressman Faleomavaega announced that on November 4, 2003 the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 982, a bill he introduced to provide the American Samoa Government with the authority to issue bonds exempt from state and federal taxation. I would like to thank Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall of the Resources Committee and Chairman Sensenbrenner and Ranking Member Conyers of the Judiciary Committee for their continued support regarding the needs of American Samoa and for their efforts to bring H.R. 982 to the Floor, Congressman Faleomavaega said. H.R. 982 would amend the U.S. Code to allow interest earned from American Samoa bonds to be exempt from both state and local taxation. Under the U.S. Code, Congress has expressly provided for the exemption of state and local taxes for bonds issued by Guam, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. While American Samoa can issue bonds similar to the other territories, the interest earned from American Samoa bonds is subject to taxation by the several States, Washington, DC and the other territories. H.R. 982 would provide parity to American Samoa. H.R. 982 will also make American Samoa bonds more attractive to investors and could save the American Samoa Government between $20,000 and $50,000 a year in interest costs on municipal bonds it may issue, the Congressman said. The American Samoa Power Authority has indicated that it would like to sell bonds to purchase new diesel generator sets to accommodate our growing population. This legislation would lower the interest costs of the prospective sales and will also enable the government to address deficiencies in its current infrastructure. This legislation is identical to H.R. 1448 which I introduced in the 107th Congress. H.R. 1448 was adopted by the Judiciary and Resources Committees and was finally agreed to by voice vote on the House Floor on September 24, 2002. Unfortunately, the Senate was unable to consider this legislation before the 107th Congress adjourned. However, the Judiciary and Resources Committees once again supported American Samoa's interests by unanimously passing H.R. 982 in the 108th Congress and I am thankful that my friends, both Republican and Democrat, also voted in favor of H.R. 982 when this matter was brought to the Floor for consideration. This legislation is beneficial and critical to the needs of American Samoa and in due time will help us build and strengthen our local economy. At this time, I also want to thank Governor Togiola for his support and I look forward to working with my friends in the U.S. Senate to make sure that this legislation is passed before the 108th Congress adjourns next year, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's stopover in American Samoa on November 7, 2010. [Press Release, Oct. 26, 2010] U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Stopover in American Samoa on November 7, 2010 Congressman Faleomavaega announced that at approximately 1:20 pm on Friday, October 22, 2010, the Honorable Kurt Campbell, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, called Faleomavaega to inform him that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would be stopping over in American Samoa on November 7, 2010, at the Congressman's request. ``This stopover has been a long-time in the making,'' Faleomavaega said, ``and I appreciate that Secretary Clinton has chosen to refuel in American Samoa. On February 2, 2010, I wrote to President Obama asking him to stopover during his scheduled trip to Indonesia to say thank you to the thousands of Samoan men and women who currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, especially since the Iraq war death rate per 1 million population is higher for American Samoa than any other State or Territory, as reported by USA Today which commended American Samoa for its outsized sacrifice.'' ``When the President's trip was postponed, I had the opportunity to raise the issue again with Secretary Clinton when she testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on February 25, 2010. At our hearing, I informed Secretary Clinton that on February 23, 2010, I met with Assistant Secretary Campbell and that he let me know that she might be considering a stopover in American Samoa. `I can assure you,' I said, `that our people will extend to you the same warm welcome that they would extend to President Obama, and we would be honored by your visit. Your presence in the Territory would be historic and, on behalf of our people, I would like to personally extend an invitation to you to make a brief visit as American Samoa is well-positioned to be a regional leader in our effort to strengthen U.S.-Pacific Island relations.'' ``On March 3, 2010, when Assistant Secretary Campbell testified before my Subcommittee at a hearing on a regional overview of East Asia and the Pacific, I reminded him of the invitation that I extended to Secretary Clinton and again stated that I believed her visit would give her the chance to thank the thousands of Samoans who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and honor the many who have fallen in the line of duty, as well as support our efforts to strengthen U.S. interests in the region.'' ``Last month, on September 29, 2010, when Assistant Secretary Campbell again testified before my Subcommittee at a hearing on renewed engagement and U.S. policy towards Pacific Island nations, I informed him that my invitation to Secretary Clinton still stands.'' ``As a result of these repeated and continued discussions with the U.S. Department of State, I am pleased that Secretary Clinton made this request a high priority and that she will be stopping over to pay tribute to our veterans and our people. Though her visit will be brief and her arrival will be late at night, it is an honor for our Territory to receive her in conjunction with her travels to Hawaii, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Australia from October 27-November 8.'' ``Secretary Clinton has been a good friend of American Samoa and Samoa, and more than anyone she stood shoulder-to- shoulder with us to provide aid in the aftermath of the tsunami that left untold damage in its wake.'' ``I am appreciative that Secretary Clinton authorized an airlift of supplies gathered by our Samoan communities in LA and Utah, and that she worked closely with Congresswoman Laura Richardson and me to see that these necessary goods were provided to our families and friends in the neighboring islands of Samoa at a time when they needed these critical supplies the most.'' ``The U.S. Department of State informed my office that they contacted Governor Togiola's office on Monday, October 25, 2010 to inform ASG of Secretary Clinton's upcoming visit, and I have every confidence that our local leaders will do their part in welcoming the former First Lady of the United States to American Samoa.''

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA

Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue which has been close to my heart during my years of service as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and Pacific. This is the issue of the ``Comfort Women'' or, as former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton more accurately termed these victims of Imperial Japan's military during the Second World War, ``enforced sex slaves.'' Of all the actions in my almost twenty-six years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, one that affected me most was the convening of my first hearing on February 17, 2007 as the new Chairman of the then Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment. The fact that the issue of the `Comfort Women' was the topic of my very first hearing signified how deeply important this issue was and is to me. The hearing represented the first official testimony given to a U.S. government entity regarding one of the most egregious war crimes carried out in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. The compelling and courageous testimony of the three victim witnesses, Ms. Yong Soo Lee and Ms. Koon Ja Kim from the Republic of Korea, and Ms. Jan Ruff O'Herne from Australia, brought tears to the eyes of many in the hearing room and left no doubt as to the culpability of Imperial Japan's military in the organization and management of comfort stations. It was a special privilege that then South Korean National Assembly member and now President of the Republic of Korea, Her Excellency Park Geun-hye, was present as a special guest of the Subcommittee at the hearing. The hearing provided an impetus for the unanimous adoption by the U.S. House of Representatives later in 2007, during the 110th Congress, of House Resolution 121. Introduced by my good friend, Congressman Mike Honda, H. Res. 121 ``expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as `comfort women', during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II.'' In this regard, I wish to draw to the attention of my fellow colleagues the opening of a special art exhibition titled ``The Sorrow and the Hope of `Comfort Women' '' to be held in the May Gallery of Mullen Library at Catholic University in Washington, DC. As you may be aware, Mr. Speaker, Pope Francis met with ``Comfort Women'' survivors during his recent visit to South Korea. The special exhibition, which will be held from November 25, 2014 to January 12, 2015, is being hosted by the National Catholic School of Social Service's Center for International Social Development (CISD) and co-organized by the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues, Inc. (WCCW), whose President is Ms. Christine Choi and Vice President is Dr. Julie Jung- Sil Lee. There will be a seminar held in connection with the art exhibition at Catholic University on November 25, 2014. I would like to take special note of the fact that one of the artists whose work will be displayed at this exhibition is Eileen Marie Halpin, the daughter of my former staff member Dennis P. Halpin. Eileen graduated summa cum laude in kinetic imaging from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in May 2013. She also attended the Gobelins School of the Image in Paris, France in the summer of 2013. She is currently working as a freelance artist. Eileen sent her artwork last year to ``Comfort Women'' survivors residing in the House of Sharing in Gwangju, Korea. This is a facility which I have visited on repeated occasions during my official visits to South Korea as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. I have spent many hours with my grandmas at the House of Sharing, who are examples to me of courage, strength, and the resilience of the human spirit. These women are my heroes, and I count them among my greatest friends in this life. Mr. Speaker, although I will soon depart from this esteemed body, I will continue to be a strong advocate for closure for the victims of the greatest crime of organized, coercive sexual trafficking in the twentieth century. The overwhelming majority of these victims came from the Asia-Pacific region, a region which I have proudly represented and continue to call home. The current revisionism involving denier history which has emerged in certain influential quarters in Japan regarding the ``Comfort Women'' and other war crimes related to the Second World War would never be tolerated with regard to the crimes committed in the European Theater during that war. As philosopher George Santayana famously observed, ``those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'' Mr. Speaker, we owe it to the Nigerian school girls kidnapped by Boko Haram and the Yazidi women and girls enslaved by ISIL not to forget the tragic historic warning offered by the experiences of the ``Comfort Women''. It is my sincere hope that this esteemed body will do all it can to ensure justice for women and young girls everywhere. This is my hope forevermore.