Aumua Amata Radewagen

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2109, introduced by Representative Rice of New York. Mr. Speaker, to improve employment opportunities for veterans and business opportunities for the companies that employ them, H.R. 2109 would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, to consider the number of veterans who would be employed by a potential contractor and give the company that employs certain veterans credit for doing so during the contract approval process. The bill would also allow VA to debar any contractor who willfully and intentionally misrepresents the number of veterans they employ. Mr. Speaker, thanks to President Trump and Republican pro-growth policies, the veteran unemployment rate is at a near historic low of 2.7 percent. I firmly believe that we should encourage businesses to provide job opportunities to veterans as well as provide VA with the authority to consider veteran hires when making contracting decisions. This legislation emphasizes that. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Rice for her work on this bill, which has my full support. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 2109. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Chair, I rise in support of Vice Chairman Sablan's amendment to provide much-needed emergency funding to repair the wastewater treatment plants devastated by Typhoon Yutu. I thank the vice chairman for his leadership on disaster assistance and for securing a Medicaid hearing for the U.S. territories. The upcoming hearing will provide an opportunity for territory Medicaid issues to be brought to the forefront of Congress so that we can solve our access and funding issues, ensuring future equity and accountability for our Medicaid programs. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to it.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Chair, I rise to offer an amendment, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise for the purpose of offering an amendment to provide an increase in American Samoa's nutritional assistance grant funding by $13 million in order to ensure food security for the American Samoan population due to damages sustained by Cyclone Gita in February 2018. Cyclone Gita's ravaging 100-miles-per-hour-plus winds and torrential rains of over 30 inches devastated family farms and small farm businesses, farms that most American Samoans need for their immediate and extended families for subsistence purposes or to generate small business income. Cyclone Gita wiped out an entire growing season for the American Samoan farmer. But this is a hand up, not a hand out, Madam Chair. This emergency food aid, along with the additional Medicaid funding Federal matching support in this bill, will allow American Samoans to get back on their feet and fight for their community and country. It is what we do best. American Samoa has been the number one Army recruiting station in America for 2 of the last 5 years and suffered the worst casualty rate in the Iraq war, both on a per capita basis. This bill will truly help our local veterans, soldiers, and their families, churches, and greater community get back to their fighting weight. Madam Chair, I thank Chairman McGovern for his leadership on nutritional assistance programs for so many years and Ranking Member Cole and the Rules Committee members for listening to my testimony and providing this opportunity. I thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their consideration, as well as thanks to Ag Subcommittee Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Aderholt. I thank President Trump for swiftly declaring an emergency and FEMA for their response, and especially our Governor, Lolo Moliga, and his staff at home and in D.C., who have been so helpful on this request, and for his leadership in the recovery efforts. Madam Chair, I ask again for your support for this emergency food assistance need for American Samoa. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the last surviving Fita Fita Guard, WWII, and Korean War veteran Sualua Tui Masaniai. From the villages of Vatia and Ili'ili, he embarked on his journey in 1941 as he was sworn into the First Samoan Marine group. Shortly after, Sualua enlisted in the U.S. Navy fighting alongside his Samoan brothers during the Korean era and WWII. Sualua dedicated much of his time, spiritual legacy and talents to Kingdom Building which led him to the creation of churches within Ili'ili, Puapua, and Westminster, CA. After serving 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, Sualua was honorably discharged as an E-7 Chief Petty Officer and Electronic Technician. He returned to Santa Ana, CA where at request of the American Samoa Government, he introduced television. Sualua arrived with his family in 1964 where he became the Chief Technician at KVZK-TV on Mount Alava. Shortly after he served in Leone at the WVUV radio station. Sualua was a passionate man who poured his knowledge of electronic profession into the students at Nu'uuli Poly Tech High School. Sualua's wife of 62 years--Fesili Mata'u Penitusi Amituana'i Masaniai from the villages of Faga'alu and Fitiuta preceded him to heaven on April 1, 2019. Sualua's legacy will continue in his 12 children, 26 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. He was a dedicated community leader of strong work ethic who served his people and always a man of great faith, compassion, gratitude and reciprocation. He has brought great honor to our Samoan people. Sualua Tui Masaniai will be deeply missed, and his life is worthy of our best memories. Thank you (Soifua).

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank Wilfred McCoy, a friend, a business leader in American Samoa, and a beloved family man. His family wrote the following tribute to his life and memory: ``Frank Wilfred McCoy, 71, left us after a battle with pancreatic cancer on February 5th, 2019, surrounded by family. Born on April 7th, 1947 in Utulei, American Samoa to Marie Henrietta Wulf, he is survived by his loving wife, Edith Iliganoa, children Judith Lynn McCoy, Jessica Liz Lafaele, Janice Laumata Pele, Frank Wilfred Jr., and Douglas Aloysious, siblings Grace Laumata Allen, Mary Horne, Ernest Bernard, and 19 grandchildren. Frank attended Marist Brothers Elementary in Atu'u, American Samoa, and Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, CA. He returned home to the islands in 1970 to work for Van Camp Seafoods where he met Edith. They were married on June 16, 1970, and set off once more for California. Frank worked several years with Thums Oil Company on oil rigs, in the oil fields, and the Catalina Islands. He also owned a lawnmower repair shop, McCoy's Lawnmower Shop on Norwalk Boulevard in Hawaiian Gardens. In 1977, Frank, Edith, and family moved back to American Samoa. After a stint with Southwest Marine Railways and a few years as a commercial fisherman, Frank started up Harbor Refuse & Environmental Services, Inc. (HRES Inc.) in 1985 and provided hazardous waste response and clean-up and debris removal from the Pago Pago Harbor. HRES Inc. was a Coast Guard BOA contractor and the only Mobile Waste Oil Reception Facility for many years. He was also deputized as an officer by the Department of Public Safety--Marine Patrol Division. In 2001, Frank fulfilled his lifelong love of fishing and started two additional companies: Northwest Fisheries and McCoy's Icehouse. Northwest Fisheries consisted of two longline fishing vessels, F/V Northwest and F/V Ali B, and one bottom fishing/trolling vessel, F/V Leilani. He captained the voyages to bring the F/V Northwest and F/V Ali B from Washington and Hawaii to American Samoa, respectively. McCoy's Icehouse provided retail and commercial ice to local stores and fisheries. Frank was an influential leader and contributor to the local fishery management programs, including the Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources training programs as well as the Sea Grant program. He also served the larger Pacific fishery community through his years of service with the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council. He was an active member from 1978 to 2007, and held several posts--most notably as Chairman in 2006, and Council Vice-Chair in 2004 and 2005. He also Served as a member of the Council's Advisory Panel as Vice-Chair and Pelagic Advisory Panel Chair in 2008. In 2013, Frank and Edith moved to Gorman, TX, and built a cabin out in the country. He relished living `off the grid', and built the cabin to be self-sustaining with its own power and water systems. His pond was his pride and joy, and he spent many hours during the dry season dredging it and preparing it to be stocked. Frank was a man of the highest character, integrity, and spirit, and he was living proof of the indomitable spirit of man. He brought his dreams to life, time and time again. He was truly a force of nature in his own right, and he touched the lives of countless people with his love, laughter, and light. His memory lives on and burns brightly in each and every one of us whose life he impacted. Rest in peace and love Dad, you are always in our hearts!'' Thank you (Soifua).

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the service of Major Ulisses Taymes, who was the Executive Officer for the 9th Mission Support Theater Support Group--Pacific Battalion located in American Samoa. In American Samoa, our men and women of the Armed Forces are very important to us. The people of our islands take great pride in being patriotic Americans and our people are known for a high rate of service in our military. In particular, our U.S. Army recruiting center ranks number one in the nation in enlistment rate. To that end I would like to recognize all the work Major Taymes has done to prepare our Army Reserve Soldiers for success by providing them with the necessary resources and guidance, and for his efforts to instill pride and professionalism in the units. He has an extensive list of military awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, and numerous other awards. He is a graduate of the prestigious Harvard University. In honoring this outstanding officer today, we also express our deep appreciation to all who serve, including the many in uniform from American Samoa serving with distinction all over the world. In American Samoa, we've come to appreciate Major Taymes as one of our own, and the end of his assignment in American Samoa is bittersweet. I thank Ulisses for his outstanding leadership and commitment to our Soldiers, American Samoa and our great Nation. Best wishes to him and his family as he departs American Samoa. Congratulations to him on his next assignment and the great future ahead of him. Thank you for your service and your time on our beautiful islands. God bless your path and goodbye. Fa'amanuia le Atua i ou ala. Soifu

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bishop Vaifanua Suiava Mulitauaopele. He was a friend of many years, a trusted adviser, and a respected leader to our Samoan people in the islands and in the U.S. A native of Laulii, American Samoa, Bishop Mulitauaopele lived a full and joyful life in the service of the Lord, and he was a blessing to far more people than any of us will ever know. Even as we feel a sense of loss at his passing, we know he would be the first to comfort us. Our hearts are with his dear wife Eva, the rest of his family and his many friends. He served our country as well as his church, and retired from the U.S. Army as a decorated Veteran of the Vietnam War. He gave 20 years of service to medical missions in Samoa, and was engaged in an ongoing clinic project at the time of his passing that will be of great help to our people. He was a spiritual and community leader, and always a man of great faith, compassion and integrity. He brought honor to our Samoan people. Bishop Mulitauaopele will be missed, and his life is worthy of our best memories. At the service, Pastors Salt and their congregation sang beautiful Samoan hymns, and it was livestreamed to be available anywhere he was known. In addition to his wife, Eva Gonzalez Mulitauaopele, Bishop Pele was also survived by his son Anthony V. Mulitauaopele (Lauren) of Inman, SC, and two daughters, Jennifer Cotton (Nikko) of West Columbia, SC, Laura Frick (Ted) of Little Mountain, SC. He also had six grandchildren: Victor, Grant, Marla, Chloe, Callie, and Cash; and his sister, Sua Peko; and two godchildren, Lautofa and Sam. Finally, his two beloved dogs were Buddy and Sammi. Thank you and goodbye (Soifua).

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. That is a good question, and that is something we are going to have to work on.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. David P. Roe).

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Chair, I thank Representative Brownley for introducing this legislation to help our veterans and their families. Madam Chair, I am offering this amendment to clarify that the childcare benefit be made available for veterans while they are actively participating in VA healthcare services, i.e., when they are traveling to or attending VA appointments, and not at any other time. This small clarification will ensure that the childcare assistance is reserved for veterans who need it most and that it does not accidentally replace more long-term childcare programs. If there is a need for an expanded childcare program, I believe it should be created separately, and I would be happy to work with my colleagues on that. Madam Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act (H.R. 3998). When Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, no reference was made to the Freely Associated States (FAS) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau--trusted U.S. allies and friends. Instead, in a true technical glitch, the law defined ``State'' to include the ``Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands,'' a legal entity that has once included the FAS but has not existed since 1994. This anachronistic reference to the Trust Territories of the Pacific clearly demonstrates congressional intent to include FAS citizens in the law. As a consequence of the law's wording, FAS citizens today are denied anything more than a temporary ID or driver's license valid only for one year. This makes it extraordinarily difficult for them to maintain employment and otherwise contribute meaningfully to society. This problem must be resolved and our House Dean, Congressman Don Young of Alaska and my good friend Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii have devised the right Bi-Partisan solution in crafting H.R. 3998. The Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia are some of the U.S.'s closest allies and great friends and neighbors in the Pacific to American Samoa. They vote with us consistently and reliably at the United Nations. They send their sons and daughters to fight with us, side by side, in the United States Armed Forces. The RMI in particular, which was once my home, is also home to The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll, which I recently visited on a CODEL, and all three nations play a key critical role in U.S. national defense and strategy in a threatening part of the world, close to North Korea and China. Congress needs to make this technical correction and enable those from the Freely Associated States to fully contribute to the American communities in which they live. I urge my colleagues to please vote yes on final passage of H.R. 3998.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the service of Lieutenant Colonel Clinton ``Clint'' Seybold as Commander of the American Samoa Detachment upon the occasion of the Change of Command Ceremony. In American Samoa, our men and women of the Armed Forces are very important to us. The people of our islands take great pride in being patriotic Americans and our people are known for a high rate of service in our military. In particular, our U.S. Army recruiting center ranks number one in the nation in enlistment rate. Lieutenant Colonel Seybold has deployed in numerous postings from Kentucky to Korea, and in 2015, assumed Command of the American Samoa Detachment, Theater Support Group, 9th Mission Support Command, Tafuna, American Samoa. He has an extensive list of military awards and decorations, and is a graduate of the prestigious Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He also graduated U.S. Army Airborne School, Ranger School and Air Assault School, followed by a Master of Arts in U.S. History from Eastern Illinois University. In honoring this one outstanding officer today, we also express our deep appreciation to all who serve, including the many in uniform from American Samoa serving with distinction all over the world. In American Samoa, we've come to appreciate Clint as one of our own. Congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Seybold, on his next role and the great future ahead of him. I thank him and his wife, Wendy, for his service and his time on our beautiful Islands. God bless and Soifua.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 299. American Samoa is home to a great many veterans, especially on a per capita basis, as our people enlist at high rates in the U.S. Armed Forces. On their behalf, I am pleased to support the bipartisan Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, recognizing the realities faced by those veterans who served in the region's waters. On a personal note, my older brother served in the U.S. Navy in the Gulf of Tonkin and other area waters during Vietnam. This legislation recognizes the nature of the service of these veterans who did their duty in wartime. This bill honors their mission and helps keep the commitments we owe our veterans.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, many decades ago, a missionary named John Williams made the long and difficult journey in the 1800s to bring Christianity to the people of the Pacific islands, including American Samoa. He and the others in his footsteps in those early years probably surpassed their fondest hopes. Today, faith and church provide a strong foundation to a very large percentage of our population. I think he and Billy Graham would have understood each other very well, though their ministries are separated by more than a century. Billy Graham's influence went around the world rapidly and powerfully, and seemed divinely timed to coincide with the rise of the communications and travel of the 20th century. As he lies in honor this week at the U.S. Capitol, it is a new opportunity for a younger generation to learn more of his exceptional life and hear his message once more--that God loves each of us, and when times seem troubled around us, there is someone greater to depend on. As Scripture says: ``How shall they hear without a preacher?'' Billy Graham answered that call. He described himself simply: a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That life's purpose defined him, and what a life it was. Mr. Speaker, I thank Billy Graham.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in care and concern for my people in American Samoa in a time of need. I am humbled to represent them to you now. Over this Thanksgiving, 2,000 of our families are being put out of work and small businesses will lose commerce as American Samoa's only large employer closes for a period of 6 weeks. The Department of Justice Starkist Consent Decree requires payment of $6.3 million. Unfortunately, this money comes to Washington, D.C. The workers and their families lose their paychecks. The small businesses around them absorb losses. That is wrong. These funds should stay on the island to help them through this time. In fact, a case won by Attorney General Talauega establishes the unique economic responsibility the U.S. has to American Samoa through the Deed of Cession. American Samoa has high unemployment and low incomes. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the burden our Federal Government is placing on American Samoa this Thanksgiving.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of the remarkable lives of the Honorable Anton ``Tony'' deBrum and the Honorable Mattlan Zachras, both of whom led exemplary careers of public service in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and both attained high posts of trust in their country. They were known and respected far beyond their own nation, and are remembered with fondness throughout the Pacific Island nations. I am proud and privileged to have known them and called them friends, and remember with appreciation that they were longstanding friends of my home, American Samoa. In particular, my brothers and I have known Tony like he was family since childhood when we spent some time living in the Marshall Islands. Tony deBrum was an effective political leader for decades and a historic advocate of the national independence of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and his memory will rightly be cherished in his country as a national hero. In his illustrious government career in the Marshall Islands, he served as Minister and finally as Climate Ambassador, and he also served at different times in both the Cabinet and Nitijela (Parliament). Likewise, Mattlan Zachras left us recently and far too soon at the age of 47. He represented Namdrik Atoll in Nitijela since 2004, worked for grassroots community development, and through his role as Minister in Assistance to President Hilda Heine was an outspoken leader at international climate meetings. I also include in the Record the stirring words of President Heine as expressed in the August 25 publication of the Marshall Islands Journal. Mr. Speaker, I offer my heartfelt condolences to President Heine and the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and I ask the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the lifelong dedication exemplified by Tony deBrum and Mattlan Zachras, and honor these dedicated men of public service and the many national values that our countries share. It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that I announce that the Marshall Islands lost a national hero Tuesday with the passing of our Climate Ambassador and former Minister Tony deBrum. Tony passed away peacefully in Majuro, surrounded by his proud father, as well as his wife and partner in life, Rosalie, and their three children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren--including newly born Cei'Ena. My thoughts and prayers, as well as those of the government and the people of the Marshall Islands, are with them. Tony's legacy goes beyond our islands, and will go beyond those of us that call the Marshall Islands home. He fought for our independence, he fought against the tyranny of nuclear weapons and for nuclear justice for our people, and he led the international fight against climate change. The very existence of the Paris Agreement owes a lot to Tony deBrum. He was a giant of history, a legend in every meaning of the word, and a custodian of our shared future. Born on February 26, 1945 in Tuvalu, Tony grew up in the Marshall Islands during the twelve-year period of US nuclear testing and, as a young boy out fishing with his grandfather, witnessed the horrors of the Bravo Shot, the largest US nuclear test--more than 1,000 times more powerful than Hiroshima. After becoming one of the first Marshallese to attend university, he returned to our island home to play a leading role in the negotiations that secured the Compact of Free Association with the United States, and ultimately our membership in the United Nations. Tony remained consistently and deeply committed to the cause of nuclear justice and global disarmament, and in 2012 was awarded the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's Distinguished Peace Leader Award. In 2015 the Right Livelihood Foundation awarded him the Nuclear-Free Future Award and the `Alternative Nobel'. In 2016 he was voted the Arms Control Person of the Year and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Tony found himself fighting for our country once again in the global battle against climate change. Tony's vision was captured in the Majuro Declaration for Climate Leadership in 2013, and in 2015 he contributed to the formation of the High Ambition Coalition. His tireless efforts on the world stage were instrumental in securing the Paris Agreement. On this day that Tony passed, we also held our final traditional funeral ceremony for Minister Mattlan Zachras who passed away less than two weeks ago. I am certain that Tony will join Mattlan in looking over the Marshall Islands. While our nation may have lost two of our finest men, and the Earth two of its fiercest champions, the best thing we can all do to honor their legacies is to keep up the battle for our future--to which they dedicated their lives. We now carry their torch. Tony made our island home and the rest of the world safer and more peaceful. And for that a grateful nation and planet says kommol tata. May he rest in the peace that he fought so hard for.--Hilda Heine, President

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation and that of the Samoan people for the April 23 visit of Vice President Mike Pence, who was accompanied by the Second Lady and their daughters to my home district, the United States Territory of American Samoa, upon the conclusion of his historic 10-day visit to strategic Asian and Pacific partners. Upon his arrival to Pago Pago, the Vice President remarked that he was glad to be back on American soil. This historic visit to American Samoa marks only the third time a sitting Vice President has graced our shores and follows in the footsteps of past visits from Vice Presidents Quayle in 1989 and Biden in 2016. Previous visits to our beautiful islands from White House dignitaries include First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1943, President Lyndon Johnson in 1966, and President Jimmy Carter's son, Jeffrey, who represented his father at the inauguration of our first elected Governor in 1977, who happens to be my father, Peter Tali Coleman. Madam Speaker, pursuant to legislation I introduced in February, which was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on May 31, the Vice President came to American Samoa at my humble request to dedicate our veterans clinic to the memory of the late former representative of American Samoa, Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, with whom the Vice President served the entirety of his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2013. While in American Samoa, the Vice President also reviewed the troops comprised of Reserve companies who are part of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry of the U.S. Army based in Hawaii. Headquartered at Ft. Shafter in Honolulu, the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry is the only infantry unit in the entire United States Army Reserve. Samoan soldiers who are part of the battalion have fought and served bravely in conflicts from Desert Storm to Afghanistan and Iraq, and others, since the companies were relocated to American Samoa in 1980. Madam Speaker, American Samoa takes particular pride that Vice President Pence was able to celebrate with us the 109th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Army Reserves, which just happened to line up perfectly with his visit. While the Vice President's journey was well covered by international and domestic media, most outlets outside of the Pacific failed to report a significant statement he made, which I have called the Pago Pago Declaration. This important statement made on our soil was well noted and well received in the Pacific Islands. Specifically, the Vice President spoke of the challenges the U.S. faces in Asia and the Pacific and confirmed to the audience assembled that, as quoted by Radio New Zealand International and broadcast region-wide: ``We're here to stay, we're here for peace, we're here for the prosperity of all of our people, and we are proud the American flag flies in American Samoa.'' Madam Speaker, I include in the Record this Radio New Zealand International story. [From Radio New Zealand, Apr. 25, 2017] American Samoans Told US Is Committed to Regional Peace The United States Vice President has told American Samoans that his country is committed to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Mike Pence made a brief stopover in the US territory yesterday where he was greeted by Governor Lobo Matalasi Moliga his wife, the Lieutenant-Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Chief Justice Michael Kruse, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale'a and congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen. Secret Service agents restricted access and only a few leaders were allowed to shake hands with the Vice-President. Governor Lobo apologised to traditional leaders who weren't able to conduct a traditional ava ceremony because of security restrictions. Mr Pence, who was with his wife Karen, thanked American Samoans for their support and prayers. He said it was an important time for the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Pence said he was in the territory on behalf of President Donald Trump to symbolise the US commitment to the area. ``We're here to stay, we're here for peace, we're here for the prosperity of all of our people and we are proud the American flag flies in American Samoa,'' he said.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. The People's Republic of China and other external powers are gaining visibility and influence in the region, including the neighboring Independent State of Samoa. Due to the new influence of foreign interests in the region, members of American Samoa's territorial legislature, the Fono, just days prior to the Vice President's arrival, expressed to me, during my appearance before a special joint session, their concern about the rise of foreign influences in the region. I am certain the Pago Pago Declaration will help to allay their concerns and will be welcome in capitals across the Pacific from Port Moresby to Papeete, Tahiti. Moreover, Madam Speaker, I anticipate that the Pago Pago Declaration will be a component of the evolving Trump doctrine that is under development by the administration, which I expect will be fully articulated when the U.S. participates in the Port Moresby APEC summit in November of next year. Madam Speaker, we, in American Samoa, recognize the strategic importance of our location in the center of the Pacific Ocean and are proud of the contributions we make to our Nation's security. As always, we stand ready to do our part to advance the spirit of the Vice President's Pago Pago Declaration, which I expect will have a long lasting and positive effect on the region. I want to, once again, thank the Vice President and the administration for their attention to the Pacific territories, a region that too often goes unnoticed in Washington.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Stephanie A. Sido of the United States Army for her extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our nation. Colonel Sido will soon transition from her current assignment as an Army Congressional Liaison in the House of Representatives to serve as the Troop Commander at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Her new unit is the largest U.S. hospital outside the United States, and serves as the sole military medical center for Europe, Middle East and Africa to our Service Members, their families, and coalition and allies troops. A native of Grafton, Ohio, Stephanie began her military career when she was commissioned in 1999 through the University of Akron's Army ROTC Program as a Medical Service Corps Officer. Since that time she has served at all leadership levels from platoon leader to company commander. Stephanie also honorably served in multiple staff positions in combat, including two deployments to Afghanistan. She is married to Edward, a U.S. Army veteran and the proud mother to their son Patrick. In 2016, Colonel Sido was selected to serve as Legislative Liaison to the Army House Liaison Office. In her role as a legislative liaison, Colonel Sido served as the primary liaison between Members of the 114th and 115th Congresses, their Staffs, Legislative Committees, and the U.S. Army. In this role, she planned, coordinated, and accompanied Congressional and Staff Delegations on numerous worldwide fact-finding and investigative missions, and strengthened the relationships and trust needed to continue the longstanding confidence the U.S. Congress has in the U.S. Army. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Lieutenant Colonel Stephanie A. Sido and her family as they proceed to the next chapter in her remarkable career and continue to serve our great nation.

Mrs. RADEWAGEN

Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the swearing in of the first woman to serve in Congress, Jeannette Rankin of Montana. As the first woman to represent American Samoa, I could not be more honored and humbled to be here today to salute this great woman who paved the way for each and every one of us serving in Congress today. Imagine the difficulties she had to deal with as the first woman in Congress--in 1917, no less--a woman who stood by her convictions no matter the cost. It must have been extremely harrowing for her at times, but she soldiered on as one would expect from the first female in what was at the time, and in many ways still is, a male-dominated world. The Congresswoman was a woman of rock-solid principles which she absolutely would not budge from, as evidenced by her being the only Member of Congress to vote against involvement in both world wars, a position that was very unpopular at the time. But she stood by her beliefs and could not be swayed, an example for all of us. While Congresswoman Rankin served only two terms in Congress, her legacy lives on in all of the women who have served since and those who will in the future. She famously once said, and we have all said it several times because it is worth saying and repeating: ``I may be the first woman Member of Congress, but I won't be the last.'' She was absolutely correct, and I am grateful for her determination to ensure that the women of this great Nation have a voice in Washington. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in saluting this remarkable woman and the lasting legacy she has left behind as an example to all women.