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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega congratulates Dr. Malouamaua Tuiolosega for successfully completing his medical certification
Congressman Faleomavaega today offered his congratulations to Dr. Malouamaua Puleisili Tuiolosega for successfully fulfilling the requirements for medical certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The ECFMG is the sanctioning authority that authenticates and certifies medical credentials of international medical graduates of foreign medical schools. To be eligible to apply for ECFMG certification, a candidate is required to have successfully passed steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) and submit graduate credentials for verification.
An equivalency report issued by the credential evaluator of the International Education Research Foundation, INC. in 2005 rendered that Mr. Malouamaua Tuiolosega has a degree comparable to the Doctor of Medicine degree which is awarded by regionally accredited universities in the United States. Dr. Tuiolosega successfully passed the USMLE Step 1 (concepts of sciences basic to the practice of medicine) in 2006 and Step 2 (clinical knowledge and clinical skills) in 2008, and hence, was awarded the ECFMG certification in February, 2009.
Dr. Tuiolosega is a 1998 graduate of Fiji School of Medicine with a M.B. (Bachelor of Medicine) and B.S. (Bachelor of Surgery) credentials. He returned to American Samoa to do residency in internal medicine and family practice at LBJ Tropical Medical Center in 1996 and in 1999.
Dr. Malouamaua Puleisili Tuiolosega is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Puleisili and Meleane Tuiolosega of Olosega, Manu'a. He is married to Caroline Rubbert of Aurora, Colorado and they have three children - one son and two daughters.
"I am proud of Dr. Tuiolosega's efforts and determination to achieve this difficult feat," Faleomavaega said. "The USMLE is now a requirement for medical doctors at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center who graduated from foreign medical schools and I am pleased to know that Tuiolosega has succeeded in obtaining the certification required in order to practice in our local hospital."
"Given the dire shortage of USMLE certified doctors in American Samoa, I am pleased with Dr. Tuiolosega's strong desire to return to American Samoa to assist with the health and medical care needs of our people, and I again congratulate him for his accomplishments," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega and Governor Togiola are so proud of American Samoa's Close Up students for their beautiful performance before the Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and Oceans and Wildlife
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and Oceans and Wildlife conducted its first legislative meeting on H.R. 860, to reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, and H.R. 934, to convey certain submerged lands to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Witnesses for the hearing included Governor Togiola Tulafono of American Samoa, Governor Felix Camacho of Guam, and Governor Benigno Fitial of CNMI.
In his written statement, Faleomavaega noted, "H.R. 860, the Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009, is very similar to the bill I, together with Congresswoman Bordallo, Congresswoman Christensen, and Congressman Abercrombie, introduced in the 110th Congress. H.R. 1205, as it was then numbered, passed the House but unfortunately stalled in the Senate. The bill we have before us today, H.R. 860 incorporates recommendations and suggestions from members of our U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, various federal agencies, non-governmental agencies, and, importantly, our coastal states and territories. Moreover, it includes new provisions adopted from the Senate companion bill that was reported by the Senate Commerce Committee during the 110th Congress."
"H.R. 934 is also similar to the bill that was introduced in 2005 during the 109th
Congress by Congressman Flake (HR 4255) which I co-sponsored together with my other
colleagues including Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congressman Neil Abercrombie, and former Congressman Luis Fortuno from Puerto Rico," Faleomavaega added.
"I am grateful to Chairwoman Bordallo for conducting this hearing on these issues that are critical to our territories and for inviting our Pacific governors to testify and offer valuable input on the matter for the Committee and Congress to consider."
"It just happened that the Close Up students from the Pacific territories were also in Washington, DC during this time and I invited them to witness the hearing. During the hearing, I was able to have the students from American Samoa sing for the Committee members and witnesses."
"I believe this may have been the first time in the history of this great institution
that we have had students from our tiny island of American Samoa perform before a Congressional hearing. Needless to say, it was a packed room with people standing against the walls and our students did not hesitate for a moment in response to my request. They performed so well and sang so beautifully that Governor Togiola and I are so proud of them," Faleomavaega said.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Faleomavaega and Governor Togiola were rejoined by the American Samoa students in the Congressman's office for a rap session and more entertainment. Earlier in the day, Faleomavaega met with the Close Up students and teachers from American Samoa in his office. During that meeting, he also introduced the students to Ambassador Ruth Kahanoff of the Government of Israel, who is now the Deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. Ambassador Kahanoff once served as Israel's Ambassador to New Zealand, Samoa, and other Pacific Island nations, and she was touched by the presence and beautiful singing of the Close Up students.
Faleomavaega also took the Close Up students on a brief tour of the U.S. Capitol that included a visit inside the House Chamber. The students were able to witness how Congress conducts its business as a bill was being voted at the time. The students were also able to see where President Obama spoke on the evening of Tuesday, February 24, 2009 when he gave his first address to a joint session of Congress and to the nation.
"I want to thank Governor Togiola not only for testifying at the hearing, but also
for joining the Close-Up students in my office after the hearing. Governor Togiola made
significant time during his visit to work together on issues affecting our young people and
Territory, and I commend the work he and our First Lady are doing on our behalf."
"I also want to thank the teachers and Mr. Lagitao Lagitao, who is the coordinator of the Close Up program in American Samoa, for the fine work they are doing in our high schools. The Close Up program continues to have my full support because I believe it is very important for our young people to learn how government works, especially since our future will be in their hands. Again, I thank our students for representing our Territory at Tuesday's hearing, and I want their teachers, parents and families to know how proud I am of them," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Togiola, Fitial, and Faleomavaega join together to send unified message to Congress and Administration regarding minimum wage in American Samoa and CNMI
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he called for an emergency meeting to be held in his Washington office on Monday, February 23, 2009 for purposes of drafting and sending a unified message to Congress and the Administration regarding minimum wage in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Faleomavaega extended invitations to Governor Togiola and Governor Fitial of CNMI, and also to CNMI's Delegate Gregorio Sablan.
"I want to thank Governor Togiola and Governor Fitial for making time in their schedules to meet with me on Monday prior to our scheduled Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (IGIA) discussions with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on Tuesday, February 24, 2009," Faleomavaega said. "Given the urgency and seriousness of the situation, the Governors and I agreed at our emergency meeting that it was important to present Secretary Salazar with a unified message when it comes to resolving minimum wage in American Samoa and CNMI."
"This is why we spent time drafting, reviewing, and putting a plan in place to present to Secretary Salazar in hopes that he will seriously consider what we have to say. We also prepared similar letters to Chairman Daniel K. Inouye of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Chairman George Miller of the House Education and Labor Committee, Chairman Edward Kennedy Committee of the Senate HELP Committee, and Chairman Jeff Bingaman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. At the IGIA meeting, Secretary Salazar assured us he will carefully review this matter."
The full text of the letter sent to Secretary Salazar, which is like the letters also sent to Senator Inouye, Senator Kennedy, Senator Bingaman, and Congressman Miller, is included below. Each of the letters was signed by Faleomavaega, Governor Togiola, and Governor Fitial.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
We are writing to request the Administration's support in reestablishing Special Industry
Committees to determine federal minimum wage increases in American Samoa and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) until such time as the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) can assess the impact of past and future increases and report back to Congress no later than April 15, 2010, as mandated by the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act.
For your information, P.L. 110-28 mandated an automatic increase of fifty cents per hour effective July 2007 and every year thereafter until 2014 for American Samoa, and 2015 for CNMI. Recognizing that neither CNMI nor American Samoa had the local capacity to provide Congress with the hard statistical data it might need, P.L. 110-28 also mandated the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to undertake a study to determine what impact these increases might have on both economies.
On January 25, 2008, DOL released its findings. The findings show that neither economy can
sustain these increases. Also, the DOL reported that "by comparison, if U.S. minimum wages
were increased to the level of the 75th percentile of hourly-paid U.S. workers, that the adjusted wage rate would be $16.50 per hour."
Despite these findings, the Senate HELP Committee and the House Committee on Education
rightly stated that they were not pleased with the study undertaken by the DOL and, therefore, would not support deferments or rollbacks. While we understood the Committees' concerns and acknowledged that there may be disagreements about a report issued by a previous Administration, we did not believe then and do not believe now that either economy should be placed in jeopardy just because the DOL failed to accomplish its mandate. This is why we worked to request a new study.
This year, as a result of these efforts, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, with the support of Senator Jeff Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, made certain that language was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act directing the GAO to conduct a new study and report back to Congress no later than April 2009, which was to provide us with a window of opportunity, if necessary, to defer the third increase scheduled for July 2009, pending the outcome of the GAO's findings. Regrettably, in the final conference report, the due date of the GAO report was changed from 2009 to 2010. It is my understanding that the Senate was not responsible for altering the due date of the report.
Certainly providing the GAO with more time to complete its study will yield a report that is more thorough, and we support this outcome. However, given the serious implications this change in date may hold for American Samoa and CNMI, by way of separate letter we are writing to Chairman Miller and Senators Inouye and Bingaman to request their further help and assistance in offering an amendment to the FY09 Omnibus appropriations bill that will reestablish Special Industry Committees until Congress can be provided with the information it needs to make a responsible decision about both economies. To date, it is our understanding that Congress will not defer minimum wage until it has more reliable data.
The irony of this situation is that, on the one hand, Congress is insisting that it cannot defer minimum wage because it has no data. On the other hand, Congress is automatically increasing minimum wage year after year with no data to justify its actions. In fact, no Congressional hearings were held prior to the enactment of P.L. 110-28 about the impact automatic increases might have on the economies of American Samoa or CNMI. After the fact, a field hearing was held, at our request.
Also, prior to enactment of P.L. 110-28, we asked that Congress bring CNMI under American
Samoa’s umbrella and work with us to reform Special Industry Committees. After enactment of
the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, Industry Committees were established to phase
low-wage industries in to the minimum statutory wage making American Samoa, as well as all
other U.S. Territories, exempt from mainland minimums but bound by minimums determined by
Special Industry Committees. At the time, Congress believed that application of mainland
minimum wage rates to territorial island industries would "cause serious dislocation in some insular industries and curtail employment opportunities."
For this reason, beginning in 1956, and in accordance with Sections 5, 6, and 8 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. Sections 205, 206, 208), the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor conducted Special Industry Committees every two years in American Samoa to determine minimum wage increases. While these Industry Committees were phased out in other U.S. Territories due to their more diversified economies, to this day American Samoa is still a single-industry economy and this is why Special Industry Committees continued in American Samoa until enactment of P.L. 110-28 in 2007.
While we agree that there were problems associated with the Special Industry process, reforming the process makes more sense than automatically increasing rates as now mandated by federal law. As any report will show, the economies of American Samoa and CNMI are very different than the economies of the States. For example, more than 80% of American Samoa’s private sector economy hinges on two tuna canneries, StarKist and Chicken of the Sea, which employ more than 74 percent of the local workforce. As has been stated before, a decrease in production or departure of one or both of these canneries will devastate the local economy causing widespread lay-offs and insurmountable financial difficulties.
Because of American Samoa's dependency on these two canneries, American Samoa is concerned
about the unintended consequences of P.L. 110-28. Since enactment of P.L. 110-28, StarKist
Samoa, which was previously owned by Del Monte, was sold to Dongwon Industries, a South
Korean conglomerate which, in response to automatic federal increases in minimum wage,
recently announced that it will introduce cost-saving measures in American Samoa by eliminating twenty full-time salaried positions; hourly employee pension benefits; seven paid holidays; paid vacation for hourly employees; and additional activities that benefit hourly workers currently employed at StarKist Samoa. A copy of StarKist’s announcement is attached.
Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing has followed suit, announcing on February 13, 2009 that
effective March 31, 2009, it will freeze the retirement plan for its employees; vacation pay for hourly production workers will stop effective February 28, 2009; and there will be no more paid holidays for the hourly workers effective February 28, 2009. A copy of this announcement is also included for your information. It is also rumored that Chicken of the Sea is looking to relocate to Thailand, home of its parent company, Thai Union.
Whether or not StarKist and Chicken of the Sea would have made these announcements even if
minimum wage had not been increased, we do not know. But, we recognize that American
Samoa's canneries are faced with global problems that are beyond their control, including low wage rates in competitive countries, and rising energy costs due to the remote location of American Samoa. With wage rates for fish cleaners at $0.70 cents and less per hour in
competing countries, it is difficult for American Samoa's canneries to remain competitive with escalating federal minimum wage rates that are currently at about $4.25 per hour.
Also, American Samoa's distance from the mainland compounds rising energy costs which
impact the local canneries. As you may know, American Samoa lies 2,300 miles southwest of
Hawaii, covers a land area of 76 square miles, and has a per capita income of about $4,300 per year. Economic growth and development in American Samoa is limited due to scarcity of land, labor and capital. This is why the need for us to save American Samoa's only private sector industry is a must, despite whatever troubles the tuna industry may have brought on itself.
It is also imperative that we help CNMI. CNMI is reeling from a devastating loss of 35% of its revenue over the last two years, as the garment industry has rapidly shut down due to a lack of competitiveness with foreign countries where labor is cheap and abundant. As of the end of January, the CNMI will no longer have any operating garment factories. Out of 34 factories, only 7 remained opened after the first minimum wage increase, and now all are closed. So, the impact of the scheduled third minimum wage increase will have the greatest effect on the one remaining industry, tourism.
Tourism has been seriously curtailed by Asia's worsening economic conditions and CNMI suffers from a lack of air service from Japan following the 2005 pull out of Japan Airlines due to its own financial instability amid rising costs of fuel. As a result, tourism is in about a 25% decline, and the effect of a third increase in the minimum wage this year will further exacerbate the financial strain on the Commonwealth.
Notwithstanding these problems, CNMI is committed to building a sustainable economy based on tourism and other economic initiatives, and has indicated its support for future increases in the minimum wage as warranted by existing economic conditions. At the same time, costs of power in the CNMI have increased over 100%, a scenario that has caused the exodus of many citizens and businesses. As a result of these serious trends and an estimated loss of as many as 25,000 people from its population, the CNMI government now faces the need for a rapid down-sizing in the coming months. However, there may not be jobs waiting in the private sector with the minimum wage increase and rising costs of doing business. A copy of an economic forecast and report prepared for CNMI by McPhee and Associates is included for your review.
Given the seriousness of both situations, we are hopeful that the Administration will support efforts to put in place a modified version of Special Industry Committees which will empower the U.S. Secretary of Labor to determine future increases until more data can be collected, especially since workers in American Samoa and CNMI have finally received a long overdue increase of $1.00 per hour since enactment of P.L. 110-28. But, given the uncertainty as to whether or not the second increase is sustainable over time, we are convinced that further increases in minimum wage must proceed cautiously and be preceded by further study. Also, recognizing that the next scheduled increase due in July 2009 is only five months away, we are compelled to find alternatives to help save American Samoa's economy from collapse. Because the potential hardships are simply too great to our local communities, we hope that the Administration and Congress will work quickly to help our local governments build a safety net.
We believe this can best be accomplished by adding language (attached) to the FY2009 Omnibus bill to reestablish a modified form of Special Industry Committees in American Samoa, and to bring CNMI under this umbrella, so that, under the direction of a new and long-awaited Administration, it would be up to the U.S. Department of Labor, not Congress, to determine future minimum wage increases, given the unique status of our Territories.
Historically, as already noted, since 1956, minimum wage rates for American Samoa were
always determined by Special Industry Committees administered by the U.S. Department of
Labor. And, it was the House Resources Committee and the Senate Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources that had primary jurisdiction for all matters pertaining to the Territories, including minimum wage. Only in 2007 was there an historical shift in which the House Committee on Education and Labor, and the Senate HELP Committee, became involved in how minimum wage should be administered in American Samoa and CNMI.
Also, by way of information, American Samoa was not included in the original minimum wage
bill put forward by Chairman George Miller. In fact, it was not a Democratic initiative but
Republican politics that led to American Samoa’s inclusion in P.L. 110-28. During the markup of the bill, a Republican offered an amendment to apply federal minimum wage standards to American Samoa as a way to embarrass Speaker Pelosi. Republicans went so far as to perpetuate a false story that suggested Speaker Pelosi was exempting American Samoa from minimum wage increases because she was accepting campaign contributions from StarKist's then parent company, Del Monte, which was one of her hometown companies. To give their story legs, House Republicans wore stickers on the House floor emblazoned with the StarKist logo and the words, "Something's Fishy." The Washington Times and other media outlets carried the story. Copies of some of these stories are included for your review.
As you can appreciate, as a result of these distortions, Democrats were left with little choice but to acquiesce to Republican demands to include American Samoa in the minimum wage bill, although the Speaker never at any time accepted campaign contributions from Del Monte and although American Samoa was in full compliance with federal law which established Special Industry Committees to determine wage rates in the Territory due to its unique status.
Contrary to the ignorance that was perpetuated during these debates, American Samoa and
CNMI, as well as the other U.S. Territories, continue to have different relationships with the federal government, than do States. CNMI is under a "covenant" relationship with the U.S., and American Samoa is an "unincorporated" and "unorganized" Territory. Given our unique status which entitles us to be treated differently, we have made a good-faith effort to support the intent of P.L. 110-28, even though the reasons American Samoa was included in the bill remain in question.
Having done our best to support the law's intent, neither American Samoa nor CNMI is able to move forward with further increases in minimum wage until data can be collected which will determine one way or the other whether or not our economies can sustain further increases. To move forward with further increases without sufficient data to justify this course of action would be to play Russian roulette with the lives of our people, and we are confident that this is not what Congress intended when it passed legislation to increase minimum wage rates in American Samoa and CNMI.
Now faced with a global financial crisis and the near collapse of the American economy, I am asking for immediate relief and the re-establishment of a modified version of Special Industry Committees which would empower the U.S. Secretary of Labor to make further determinations about future increases in American Samoa and CNMI until such time as Congress can gather the information it needs to make an informed decision.
The Governors and Faleomavaega concluded their letter by stating, "Without the Administration's support, American Samoa and CNMI could become welfare wardens of the federal government. But, because our people want and deserve better, I am hopeful that the Administration will stand with us by supporting the inclusion of language in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill which is respectful of the intent of P.L. 110-28 but which also protects our local economies."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega updates ASG regarding final outcome of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that in a letter dated February 13 he has updated ASG regarding the final outcome of the conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Faleomavaega's letter was address to the Governor, the Senate President, and the Speaker. Faleomavaega copied his letter to Senator Daniel Inouye, the Lieutenant Governor, the Senators, and Representatives. The full text of the Congressman's letter is included below:
Dear Governor, Mr. President, and Mr. Speaker:
As a follow up to my letters of January 27 and 28, 2009, I am writing to provide you with information regarding the final outcome of the conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which passed today by a vote of 246 yeas, 183 nays, and 1 present, and will now be sent to President Obama for signature.
While the conferees were unable to provide a separate funding stream for the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), the territories will receive funding under many of the programs in the bill which will be provided by the various federal agencies including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Social Security Administration.
For a recession adjustment period that begins with the first quarter of FY2009 and runs through the first quarter of FY2011, the Recovery Act would increase Medicaid caps in the territories by 30%. It would allow each territory to choose between an FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) increase of 6.2 percentage points along with a 15% increase in its spending cap, or its regular FMAP along with a 30% increase in its spending cap. American Samoa's Food Stamp program will be increased by 13.6%.
The territories will receive approximately $45 million for highway infrastructure investment, which will be distributed according to formula, and American Samoa will receive approximately $4.5 million. The territories are also eligible for competitive broadband grants.
Over $268 million will be provided to the territories from the U.S. Department of Education based on needs in each respective territory to be determined by the Secretary of Education in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior. These funds are to be expended by the Governors in support of elementary, secondary, and higher education and the Secretary of Education retains discretion in allocating the funds for purposes he identifies as consistent with the authority provided by the bill for expenditure of such stabilization funding in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Institutions of higher education are eligible to receive funds for the purpose of mitigating the need to raise tuition and fees, or for the modernization, renovation, or repair of academic facilities.
The territories will receive about $10 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds, $6.6 million for Safe Drinking Water, and additional funds from other federal programs including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). According to an analysis made by the Northeast-Midwest Institute of the formula for distribution, American Samoa may also receive about $18.5 million for the State Energy Program authorized under Part D of title II of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
Language has also been included which directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the impact of past and future minimum wage increases in American Samoa and CNMI. I have publicly thanked Senator Daniel K. Inouye for inserting this language at our request, and I have also thanked Chairman David R. Obey of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman George Miller of the House Committee on Education and Labor for their acceptance of the proposed Senate language. While American Samoa Chamber of Commerce president David Robinson may disagree with Senator Inouye's approach and the desire of Congress to have accurate information upon which to make an informed decision about wage rates in American Samoa and CNMI, I submit that it is critical for us to have hard facts and statistical information in order to know if our canneries and local businesses can afford to pay our workers further increases.
On repeated occasions, I have requested this information from ASG and from our local Chamber of Commerce because, until we have compelling evidence to do so, Congress will not and should not rollback minimum wage. By way of this letter, I am again requesting this information from ASG, our local Department of Commerce, and our local Chamber of Commerce. For your information, I am also enclosing a copy of Chairman Miller and Senator Ted Kennedy's letter to former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao in which they expressed their disappointment and concerns regarding her Department's failure to provide Congress with the information it needed to assess the impact of recently increased minimum wages on the economies of American Samoa and CNMI. I am hopeful that this letter will be useful to you as we work together to determine a course of action that is fair to our workers and our local businesses.
As you know, up until two years ago, our workers were denied any significant increases in their wages for almost forty years, and the Special Industry Committees administered by the U.S. Department of Labor made a mockery of what should have been a real, concerted and honest effort to determine wage rates for our industries operating in the territory. Because of this mockery, Congress took action and increased the wages of our workers making less than $5.15 per hour, which were mostly private sector workers because a vast number of our government workers are already paid near national minimum wage levels. So far, our economy has sustained two increases of $0.50 cents per hour for these workers. Can we sustain a third increase? I do not know the answer to this question. This is why I have called for a serious study of the problem because, like Mr. Robinson, I believe enough is enough. The time has come for the Chamber, ASG, and our canneries to provide the GAO with the information it needs for Congress to determine whether or not our economy can or cannot afford future increases.
As a result of today's passage of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Congress has delivered on President Obama's historic plan to get the American economy back on track. However, I am very concerned by StarKist Samoa and Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing's recent announcements to cut back on employee benefits in American Samoa due to the global economic crisis. To offset the canneries' cutbacks, I am hopeful that when ASG re-negotiates any pending lease agreements with the two canneries that ASG will include provisions to protect our workers' benefits, especially given that we do not have unions in American Samoa to represent our workers' rights during these negotiations. Also, given that American Samoa continues to be a single-industry economy dependent almost entirely on the tuna fishing and processing industries, I am hopeful that ASG will use the federal funds provided by the Recovery Act to put in place a plan to diversify and jumpstart our local economy based on the findings of the American Samoa Economic Study Commission which issued its report in 2002.
The Congressman concluded his letter by stating, "Should you have further questions regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, please do not hesitate to contact me. I remain firmly committed to working with you to ensure a more prosperous future for our business community and workers."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega to meet with American Samoan troops in Kuwait
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he will be travelling this weekend to Kuwait to meet with troops from American Samoa as well as with other Samoan soldiers who are currently stationed across Kuwait. From Kuwait, he will continue to Rome to meet with Italian and Holy See officials to discuss critical issues relating to the impact of climate change in the Pacific.
This is Congressman Faleomavaega's second trip to the Middle East since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Currently, there are more than 200 soldiers from the 100th 442nd Infantry Division stationed in Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They are attached to the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
"I am looking forward to meeting with many of our sons and daughters this weekend," Congressman Faleomavaega said. "This is an opportunity for me to show our support for their tireless work and commitment to serving our country and protecting our freedom. I will convey to them the warm sentiments of the many families and friends who anxiously await their return, and I am especially looking forward to attending Sunday worship service with our soldiers."
"As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, I will also be meeting with Italian officials to discuss current projects that are ongoing with many of our Pacific Island countries. The Italian government is already working closely with our Pacific Island nations to address climate change, and it is my intent to see how the U.S. can match these funds and become part of this initiative."
"The Vatican is also committed to helping societies which are most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. This has been reiterated by Pope Benedict with his continued advocacy for the 'respect' of creation and maintaining 'sustainable development.' I am hopeful of finding ways in which the U.S. can work with the Vatican and participate through USAID or direct Foreign Assistance to providing necessary aid for our neighbors."
"I am grateful to Chairman Berman of the Foreign Affairs' Committee for allowing me to visit our soldiers in Kuwait, and to meet with officials in Italy regarding ways we can work together to address the serious issue of climate change affecting our Pacific Island region. I also want to thank General Lee of the Hawaii National Guard for his support of my trip to Kuwait," the Congressman concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- President Obama invites Faleomavaega to White House reception
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that newly elected President Barack Obama invited him to a White House reception held on Wednesday, February 4, 2008.
"Hina and I were honored to represent the people of American Samoa on this historic occasion," Faleomavaega said. "In only his second week in office, President Obama reached out to a small group of about 30 Members of Congress and their spouses, ainvited us to the White House to meet with him."
"Congresswoman Bordallo of Guam and Congresswoman Donna Christensen of the U.S. Virgin Islands were also included in this group. I believe I speak for all of us when I say we believe that President Obama’s invitation to us sends a strong signal that he is aware of the U.S. Territories and is concerned about the welfare of our people."
"As the only President of the United States ever born on an island and having been raised in Hawaii, I know for certain that President Obama knows our struggles and our strengths. And I appreciate that he invited us to the White House so early on in his administration. I look forward to working with him to bring about the change our nation needs."
"Again, Hina and I send our best wishes to the people of American Samoa, and we thank you for the opportunity to be of service", Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega announces nominations to the U.S. Military Service Academies
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has nominated eleven young men and women from American Samoa to the United States Military Service Academies for the classes entering in June, 2009.
"It has always been an honor for me to nominate students from American Samoa to the military service academies," Faleomavaega said. "The military academies offer incredible opportunities for these young men and women and I hope they will be successful in their pursuits of becoming officers in one of the branches of the military."
The candidates who have been nominated are as follows.
US Military Academy, West Point, NY
Alexander Savusa, Heidelberg High School, son of Iuniasolua and Mareta Savusa of Nu'uuli and Fagatogo.
Marcelin Saipele Fu'e Leau, Samoana High School, son of Michael and Francis Leau of Aua and Fagaalu.
Joseph Eugene Mao, Leone High School, son of Aipolo and Anita Mao of Leone.
Raelynn Tuilefano-Mapu, Tafuna High School, daughter of Eileen and Joe Mapu of Nu'uuli.
Aimoto Taase, Fagaitua High School, daughter of Maoluma and Fagaese Taase of Lauli'i.
Ruby Michelle Tapuai, Tafuna High School, daughter of Tina and Siaosi Tapuai of Ottoville.
US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
Boem Shin Kim, South Pacific Academy, son of Sung Nam and Yeon Suk of Iliili.
Marcelin Saipele Fu'e Leau, Samoana High School, son of Michael and Francis Leau of Aua and Fagaalu.
Joseph Eugene Mao, Leone High School, son of Aipolo and Anita Mao of Leone.
Raelynn Tuilefano-Mapu, Tafuna High School, daughter of Eileen and Joe Mapu of Nu'uuli.
Justin Tuiasosopo, Tafuna High School, son of Meritiana Aliitaeao of Fitiuta and Falealii Tuiasosopo of Tafuna.
US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
Arletta Peau, South Pacific Academy, daughter of Tui and Lelei Peau of Tafeta.
Ernest Einstein Telemu Haleck, Kanana Fou High School, son of Lafogaula and Rhine Haleck of Pago Pago.
Marcelin Saipele Fu'e Leau, Samoana High School, son of Michael and Francis Leau of Aua and Fagaalu.
Joseph Eugene Mao, Leone High School, son of Aipolo and Anita Mao of Leone.
Michael Sagapolutele, Fa'asao-Marist College Preparatory High School, son of Leatanu'u and Dorothy Sagapolutele of Ili'ili.
Justin Tuiasosopo, Tafuna High School, son of Meritiana Aliitaeao of Fitiuta and Falealii Tuiasosopo of Ottoville.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY
Raelynn Tuilefano-Mapu, Tafuna High School, daughter of Eileen and Joe Mapu of Nu'uuli.
Justin Tuiasosopo, Tafuna High School, son of Meritiana Aliitaeao of Fitiuta and Falealii Tuiasosopo of Tafuna.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega requests Chairman Miller's assistance in postponing further minimum wage increases
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has written to the Honorable George Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, requesting a postponement of further minimum wage increases. Faleomavaega copied his letter of January 28, 2009 to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the President of the Senate and Senators, and the Speaker of the House, and Representatives. A full text of Faleomavaega's letter is included below.
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I am writing to request your assistance in ending minimum wage escalator clauses for American Samoa which were enacted in P.L. 110-28. Since P.L. 110-28 was enacted, minimum wage has been increased in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) by $1.00 per hour. While I am appreciative and was supportive of this increase for our workers, I believe it is necessary, given the global financial crisis we are now facing, for Congress to provide temporary relief for our local businesses operating in American Samoa which are unable to incur further increases in minimum wage at this time.
Like you, I regret that the Department of Labor (DOL) report commissioned by Congress fails to provide the Committee on Education and the Workforce with the compelling evidence it needs to roll-back escalator clauses. However, the current state of the economy in the U.S. and its Territories requires me to request your direct intervention. Clearly, I support Congress directing the DOL to undertake a new and more thorough study that will be useful to the economies of American Samoa and CNMI in the future. In the interim, I am hopeful that you will support my request to end escalator clauses.
The local chamber of commerce in American Samoa intends to provide my office with specific information outlining its concerns and needs which I will submit to you upon receipt. The American Samoa Legislature may do the same. Until this information is available, I would like to provide you with other data that is of critical importance.
American Samoa's private sector economy is more than 80% dependent, either directly or indirectly, on the tuna fishing and processing industries. Two canneries, StarKist and Chicken of the Sea, employ about 5,000 cannery workers. The starting minimum wage for a cannery worker in American Samoa is now at $4.26 per hour. Cannery workers in competitive markets are paid $0.70 cents and less per hour. While it is unconscionable that any American, or foreign, corporation would pay overseas workers wages of $0.70 cents and less per hour, this is reality, and American Samoa is caught in the crossfire, trying to survive in the global marketplace while maintaining fairer wages for its workers. This has been no easy task.
In November of 2008, Del Monte finalized its sale of StarKist Samoa to Dongwon, a South Korean conglomerate. On November 17, 2008, StarKist announced that as a result of increased minimum wages and effective January 1, 2009, it would eliminate twenty full-time salaried positions; hourly employee pension benefits; seven paid holidays; paid vacation for hourly employees; and additional activities that benefit hourly workers currently employed at StarKist Samoa. At this time, it is unclear what action Chicken of the Sea might also take in order to address rising wage and energy costs.
While I have taken issue with StarKist for attempting to use minimum wage as an excuse for cutting workers' benefits when the real source of its problem is corporate mismanagement and greed, I am still working to do my part to help both canneries and local businesses operating in the Territory. Since workers in American Samoa have finally received a long overdue increase of $1.00 per hour in minimum wage since enactment of P.L. 110-28, I am hopeful that you will be able to place a temporary hold on escalator clauses until such time as economic conditions warrant future increases.
Faleomavaega concluded his letter by stating, "As always, I stand ready to work closely with you and resolve this matter in a way that supports the ideals and principles of the Fair Labor Standards Act."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega assignments to include Subcommittees on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, and Energy and Minerals
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Committee Democratic caucus has chosen its subcommittee assignments for the 111th Congress. With 10 new members in the Democratic Caucus, including the Delegates from the CNMI and Puerto Rico, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee now consists of 29 Democrats, and 20 Republicans.
As had been in the past, Faleomavaega would continue to serve on the newly merged Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, which among other matters, has jurisdiction over legislation governing the U.S. territories as well as issues pertaining to fisheries management, wildlife resources, coastal barrier protection and coastal zone management, and marine sanctuaries. This subcommittee assignment includes setting federal policies for the territories and also to ensure the long-term protection and responsible use of the nation's marine and terrestrial wildlife resources, as well as the environmental health of our coasts and oceans.
In addition, Faleomavaega would serve on the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, which has within its purview legislative authority over energy development on public lands and waters, including oil and gas leasing in the Outer Continental Shelf, among other areas. This subcommittee assignment puts him in a position to help continue the work towards a dependable energy production policy while protecting vulnerable lands and waters.
"In these dire economic times, it is especially important for the territories to find innovative means to encourage economic development and also protect its natural resources. The territories could benefit tremendously if we could access the vast economic wealth of our natural resources and surrounding Pacific Ocean. Given that rich deposits of cobalt had been found near the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, and Fiji in the past, there is potential for seabed mining industry in the South Pacific Region as a matter of significant economic interest. Among other ideas, I intend to pursue and explore the feasibility of a seabed mining industry in the territories," Faleomavaega added.
"Despite the many challenges ahead, I look forward to continue working with Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo of Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife, and Chairman Jim Costa of Energy and Mineral Resources, on this issue and other critical matters relating to the territories," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega attends Super Bowl in support of the six Asia Pacific Americans who will be playing in Super Bowl XLIII
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he will be attending Super Bowl XLIII this weekend in support of the six Polynesian players, from Samoa, Tonga, and Hawaii, who will be playing for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, February 1, 2009 in Tampa, Florida.
The six players playing in this year's Super Bowl are Chris Kemoeatu (Tongan) and Troy Polamalu (Samoan) of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Francisco (Hawaiian), Pago Togafau (Samoan), Travis Laboy (Hawaiian), and Deuce Lutui (Tongan) of the Arizona Cardinals.
"I am very proud of our sons of Polynesia who will be representing our Asia Pacific American community in this year's NFL Super Bowl Championship," Faleomavaega said. "I commend these young men for their hard work and determination which has brought them to this level of monumental achievement in one of America's prestigious sport. These players have had to overcome great obstacles to be where they are today and they continue to be great role models for our young people who have great aspirations and talent for major sports."
Chris Kemoeatu graduated from the University of Utah and will be playing in his first Super Bowl. Aaron Francisco signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 after graduating from Brigham Young University. Pago Togafau hails from Long Beach, California and is a graduate of Idaho State University. Pago too was signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cardinals in 2007.
"Interestingly, Chris Kemoeatu and Aaron Francisco are both graduates of Kahuku High School, my alma mater. This is a unique experience for Chris and Aaron because they both graduated in the same year and played side by side as Red Raiders. During this Super Bowl, they will be opposing each other," said Faleomavaega.
Travis Laboy was born in Honolulu, and played three seasons for the University of Hawaii Warriors. Last year, Travis signed a five-year contract with the Cardinals after being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 2nd Round in 2004. Deuce Lutui was born in Ha'apai, Tonga and played for the University of Southern California (USC). He is a member of the USC team that won the 2004 BCS National Championship. Deuce Lutui has started in every Cardinal game for the last two seasons.
Troy Polamalu is also a graduate of USC and this is his second Super Bowl appearance with the Steelers. He is a 5-time Pro Bowler and is expected to start in the 2009 Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
"I have been in touch with Troy's uncle, Kennedy "Pola" Polamalu, who has been the Running Backs coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars the past four seasons. It is my understanding that there will be many family members and friends attending Sunday's game. Regardless of who wins the Super Bowl, I know we will get together with all our Polynesian boys and their families for a victory celebration. I am excited because this is the first Super Bowl where we have so many Polynesians on the team rosters," said Faleomavaega.
"At this time, I would like join our Asian and Pacific American community in extending our well wishes and congratulations to our Polynesian football players for their participation in this year's Super Bowl. Their success in such a major sport highlights the many contributions of some 15 million Asian and Pacific Americans in the U.S. today," concluded Faleomavaega.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Faleomavaega provides ASG with additional updates regarding Stimulus Package and amendment offered by Territorial Delegates
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has sent another letter to Governor Togiola, Senate President Gaoteote and House Speaker Savali updating them regarding H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Faleomavaega's letter, dated January 28, 2009, was copied to Senator Inouye, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Senators and Representatives of the American Samoa Legislature. The full text of the letter is included below:
Dear Governor, Mr. President, and Mr. Speaker:
As a further update to my letter of January 27 and the Territorial Delegates' efforts to bundle stimulus funds to provide greater flexibility to our local governments, I am writing to inform you that the Rules committee was unable to get the support needed from the House Appropriations Committee in order to move our amendment to the Floor for consideration. Given that the House will not support an additional set aside or an offset of $500,000,000 for the Office of Insular Affairs due to the many demands Congress must meet in order to address the financial crisis before us, it will be up to the Senate to decide if further action will be taken on our request. Tomorrow, I will be meeting with Senator Inouye.
In the event that the Senate is unable to provide specific funding for the Office of Insular Affairs to fund critical infrastructure projects in the Territories, then I am hopeful that our local governments will submit the necessary grant applications which may be required of them to receive federal funds available by formula, competitive, and discretionary means. Yesterday, I provided you with information regarding the amount of money the Territories will be receiving in the categories that have been presented to Congress so far.
"As more information becomes available, I will continue to keep you informed," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega praises Inauguration of President Barack Obama and will meet with Fofogaosamoa Daniel Inouye next week to discuss territory's needs
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that yesterday he attended the official swearing in ceremony for the 44th President of the United States, Barack H. Obama. He also attended the Hawaii State Society Ball where he met with Senator Daniel Inouye, Congressman Neil Abercrombie, and Mayor Mufi Hanneman.
"Last evening, after the swearing-in and the inaugural parade, I had the opportunity to attend the Hawaii State Society Ball where I met with Senator Inouye, Congressman Abercrombie, and Mufi Hanneman, our first Samoan-elected Mayor of Honolulu," Faleomavaega said. "After consultations with Senator Inouye last night, I will be meeting with him sometime next week to discuss our Territory's needs."
"I am certain during our meeting we will have an opportunity to discuss minimum wage and other important issues facing American Samoa, and I am very much looking forward to working with Senator Inouye on projects that will benefit our people."
"I also met with Mayor Hanneman at the ball and he is doing a fine job representing the city of Honolulu. I am proud of Mayor Hanneman and the work he is doing. I also appreciate Congressman Abercrombie who has been a steadfast friend and supporter of American Samoa."
"Prior to the Hawaii State Society Ball, I attended the swearing-in ceremony for our nation's 44th President. Yesterday's inauguration of America's first African-American President was so historic that I wanted our entire Territory to join me on the Capitol steps and witness history in the making. Logistically, that was impossible," Faleomavaega said, "but I tried to take Samoa with me by wearing a hat in tribute to our people, who have sacrificed throughout generations of time to make America the great nation that it is today."
"January 20, 2009 was made possible thanks to the sacrifices of every person of color who has prayed and worked for the day when America would be all it was intended to be - a land of liberty, justice, and equality for all. Given the historical significance of yesterday's inauguration for your children and mine, I was deeply honored to represent the people of American Samoa at this pivotal point in our nation's history, and I thank our people for the opportunity to serve them."
"With so much promise before us, I am hopeful that 2009 will bring blessings for American Samoa. I am also hopeful that America will remain steadfast despite the serious challenges our nation faces. In his inaugural speech, President Obama set the tone for our course of direction. He said:
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
"I agree with President Obama's call to remake America and to usher in a new era of peace. This is why I look forward to working closely with the people of American Samoa as we continue our journey of making America a land of promise that is, as President Obama said, 'ready to lead once more,'" Faleomavaega concluded.
January 23, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman Rahall joins with Territorial Delegates in requesting House and Senate to include separate funding for Territories in Stimulus Package
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that Chairman Rahall of the House Natural Resources Committee has joined with the Territorial Delegates in requesting the House and Senate to include separate funding for the territories in the stimulus package now being drafted in Congress.
In letters dated January 22, 2008, addressed to Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis of the House Committee on Appropriations, and also to Senator Inouye and Senator Thad Cochran, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Delegates expressed their concern that no separate funding has been provided for the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) at the U.S. Department of the Interior to address the needs of the territories.
Chairman Rahall and the Territorial Delegates are working to resolve this issue before the bill goes to the House floor for a vote, and before the Senate considers the bill next week. A full text of the letter to Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis, which was signed by Chairman Rahall, Congressman Faleomavaega, Congresswoman Bordallo, Congresswoman Christensen, and CNMI’s Congressman Sablan is included below. The letter was also copied to Congressman Jose Serrano, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, who spoke out in support of the territories during the Committee’s mark-up session.
Dear Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis:
We are writing to request your support for the inclusion of specific funding for the territories in the stimulus package. While we are appreciative that the appropriators have provided for a 20% increase in Medicaid caps, we are disappointed that there is no appropriation for the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) to provide for infrastructure projects in the territories. In working with the Obama transition team, we had hoped that specific infrastructure funding for the territories would be included since the transition team requested a list of “shovel-ready” projects which would be most beneficial in providing economic opportunities for those living in the territories of the United States. While these proposals were submitted, regrettably none were included in the bill that was marked-up yesterday by the Committee on Appropriations.
However, we are grateful for the support of our colleague, Congressman José Serrano, for speaking out in behalf of the territories during yesterday’s full committee mark-up session and for the commitment you made to him to work with us to ensure that the territories are included in this important piece of legislation which is supposed to address the needs of all Americans. Given your commitment, we respectfully request that specific funding be provided to the OIA for infrastructure projects in the territories, just as specific funding has been provided in the bill for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and other agencies within the Department of the Interior.
Our offices stand prepared to work closely with you to craft adequate language that will allow for the inclusion of this funding. We are also asking the Senate appropriators to include the same. We are hopeful that you will support our request and have included a copy of the Natural Resources Committee letter that was sent to you on January 16 regarding our concerns.
The full text of the letter sent to Senator Inouye and Senator Cochran, which was also copied to Congressman Serrano and signed by Chairman Rahall, Congressman Faleomavaega, Congresswoman Bordallo, Congresswoman Christensen, and CNMI’s Congressman Sablan is included below:
Dear Chairman Inouye and Ranking Member Cochran:
We are writing to request your support for the inclusion of specific funding for the territories in the stimulus package. While we are appreciative that the House appropriators have provided for a 20% increase in Medicaid caps, we are disappointed that there is no appropriation for the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) to provide for infrastructure projects in the territories. In working with the Obama transition team, we had hoped that specific infrastructure funding for the territories would be included since the transition team requested a list of “shovel-ready” projects which would be most beneficial in providing economic opportunities for those living in the territories of the United States. While these proposals were submitted, regrettably none were included in the bill that was marked-up yesterday by the House Committee on Appropriations.
However, we are grateful for the support of our colleague, Congressman José Serrano, for speaking out in behalf of the territories during yesterday’s full committee mark-up session and for the commitment that Chairman Obey made to him to work with us to ensure that the territories are included in this important piece of legislation which is supposed to address the needs of all Americans. We are also hopeful that the Senate appropriators will work with us to provide specific funding to the OIA for infrastructure projects in the territories, just as specific funding has been provided in the bill for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and other agencies within the Department of the Interior.
Our offices stand prepared to work closely with you to craft adequate language that will allow for the inclusion of this funding.
The Members concluded their letter to the Senate appropriators by stating, “We are hopeful that you will support our request and have included a copy of the Natural Resources Committee letter that was sent to Chairman Obey on January 16 regarding our concerns.”
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