ManuaTele - Eni Faleomavaega

Press Releases_

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- American Samoa stands to receive close to $30 million in House-passed jobs bill

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on December 16, 2009, the House passed, by a vote of 217-212, legislation to boost employment and provide fiscal relief to local governments. The “Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010” would cost $154 billion to be paid for with money redirected from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) that would have otherwise been used to bail out Wall Street firms.

"I want to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic House leadership for this bill to provide additional aid to help struggling families make ends meet. In these tough economic times, it is important to recognize the challenges facing many families across the nation," Faleomavaega said.

"I also want to commend my fellow delegates for their joint effort and hard work to ensure that the residents of the Territories are covered. More than 4 million Americans reside in the Territories and they face the same economic challenges experienced by many across the United States," Faleomavaega added.

American Samoa stands to receive close to $30 million under several provisions of the new jobs bill. Some of the programs and amounts that would benefit American Samoa are as follows:

$4.5 million for highway infrastructure restoration, repair, construction and other activities under the Territorial Highway program
$411,917 for activities to improve public transportation
$863,500 under the Clean Water State Revolving Funds
$247,500 under the Safe Drinking Water program
$19 million under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund for school improvements and other eligible projects
$1.9 million additional cap on Medicaid spending

"I am grateful that Congress recognizes the challenges facing families and communities in American Samoa. Especially in light of the current economic downturn this bill continues the road to recovery already in place under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)," Faleomavaega added.

"With the House now in recess for the Holidays, the Senate is expected to take up the jobs bill sometimes early next year. I will continue to follow this issue closely," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2009

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega urges Sen. Kerry to double climate change assistance for developing countries in Senate legislation

The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Rep. Eni Faleomavaega, along with seven other Members of the House today sent a letter to Sen. John Kerry, the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and leader on climate change legislation in the Senate, urging him to double assistance for developing countries in legislation Kerry is currently drafting.

As Faleomavaega said, "Developed countries must assist developing nations adjust to the impacts of global warming if we are to achieve a successful global climate change agreement, one that will prevent the most devastating effects of climate change. Ironically, the poorest and most vulnerable countries are the ones that will suffer the most from rising sea levels, severe weather events and other consequences of climate change - despite those nations having contributed only negligibly to the problem. U.S. leadership is vital if we are to prod other developed countries to step up to the plate and provide appropriate levels of assistance. And in the aftermath of House passage of the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade legislation earlier this year, the Senate must now act. John Kerry is the point person in developing a Senate bill that both Houses of Congress can agree on, which in turn is a prerequisite for a successful international global warming agreement."

"As my colleagues in the House - Raúl Grijalva, Emanuel Cleaver, Maxine Waters, Pete Stark, Dennis Moore, Donna Christensen and Michael Honda – noted in our letter, 'the amount of funding developed countries are currently promising to developed countries is grossly insufficient to meet the need… Given the magnitude of the problem developing countries face, and given the responsibility of developed countries for the majority of historic greenhouse gas emissions, we believe that U.S. climate change legislation should double the emissions allowances currently dedicated in the House bill to international adaptation and mitigation in developing countries.'"

The letter noted Sen. Kerry's previous efforts on addressing climate change, stating, "We particularly appreciate your introduction of S. 2835, which focuses on the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. We sincerely hope that with that measure as well as the recent pledges by China and India to curb their emissions relative to economic growth, and President Obama's support for mobilizing developed countries to contribute $10 billion a year by 2012 and implementing longer-term mechanisms to assist developing countries with adaptation and mitigation, Copenhagen makes substantial progress toward completion of a binding agreement to limit climate change."

"The bill you are working on with the Senators Graham and Lieberman offers a crucial opportunity to advance that agreement. We urge you to include an adequate commitment of resources for the nations and peoples most vulnerable to the consequences of global warming in that legislation."

The letter goes on to stress, "The needs of developing countries are manifest. As noted by the recent World Development Report 2010, even if average global temperatures rise only 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, "Between 100 million and 400 million more people could be at risk of hunger. And 1 billion to 2 billion more people may no longer have enough water to meet their needs… It is estimated that developing countries will bear most of the costs of the damages - some 75-80 percent." As the Stern Review made clear, even if greenhouse emissions ceased today, the world would still face at least two decades of increasing global temperatures."

"In the very near future, higher temperatures will lead to economic and political instability, refugee crises and conflicts over ever-scarcer natural resources in developing nations, all of which will have direct, negative implications for developing and developed countries alike. That is why the United Nations negotiating blocs of Least Developed Countries and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) - which together represent 80 countries least responsible for climate change but most severely affected by it - have recently called for a minimum 45 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2020. They are further requesting that there be no more than a 1.5°C global temperature rise from pre-industrial levels, and that atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations return to below 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide equivalent."

"As AOSIS has pointed out, 'Serious adverse impacts are already being felt by island states at the current 0.8°C of warming, including coastal erosion, flooding, coral bleaching and more frequent and intense extreme weather events. The U.N.'s lead agency on refugees has already warned that some particularly low-lying island states are 'very likely to become entirely uninhabitable'."

"Estimates vary on the level of funding needed by the developing world to lessen the destabilizing impacts of climate change that will likely occur regardless of the adoption of an international agreement. However, the UN's latest Human Development Report estimates that additional adaptation finance needs alone will amount to $86 billion annually by 2015. And last week in Copenhagen, Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said that developed countries should expect to contribute $100 billion annually to developing nations."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega will not remain silent about Samoan fish cleaners

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he will not remain silent about things that matter. He will continue to speak up and defend Samoan fish cleaners despite the personal attacks being launched against him by Mr. John Newton.

"Recently, Samoa News published offensive remarks made by Mr. Newton which disparaged and demeaned our Samoan fish cleaners for the work they do," Faleomavaega said. "When I came to the defense of our Samoan workers, Mr. Newton accused me of being a racist. But I do not think it is racist to stand up for Samoans. I do not think it is racist to defend our fish cleaners."

"Our Samoan fish cleaners built the U.S. tuna industry, and dug the well from which we drink. Our fish cleaners may not be college-educated. Our fish cleaners may not be business owners. Our fish cleaners may not have played a role in founding the South Pacific Academy or Transpac Corporation. But our Samoan fish cleaners have been the backbone of American Samoa's economy for over 50-years, and they deserve our respect and gratitude. They do not deserve to be the target of public ridicule, especially when they are toiling to survive, working their fingers to the bone, barely making ends meet in order to support their families."

"Given their hardships and struggles, I was hopeful that Mr. Newton would have owned his mistake and apologized for his insensitive remarks but instead he is excusing his behavior by stating that his highly offensive remarks were �merely a metaphor.'"

"As someone who holds public office, I expect to be criticized, and I welcome criticism. But don't use our Samoan fish cleaners as a metaphor. Don't poke fun at the work they do. Our fish cleaners don't deserve anyone poking fun at them, metaphorically or not."

"Regarding my record of public service, I don't take Mr. Newton's comments personally, as he is certainly entitled to his opinion about me. I also understand full-well that the only reason he is distorting my record is to divert attention away from the thoughtless comments he made about our fish cleaners."

"About his call center, I sent down $500,000 to establish a computer lab at ASCC that was also supposed to be used for a call center, and I would encourage him, or anyone else interested in establishing a call center, to make use of those facilities and resources, as was originally intended."

"I also remain hopeful that all of us will keep together as we navigate through the difficult days ahead and begin the long process of rebuilding our economy in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and tsunami, and especially in the face of a global economic crisis which has already led, in part, to the closure of one of our tuna canneries given the disparity in wage rates between low-wage countries and our own country."

"Despite the obstacles confronting us, I have every confidence that with the support and prayers of our people, we will make our way through this disaster and economic recession," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 14, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- House passes 30A Extension; House and Senate delay minimum wage in Omnibus Bill

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on December 9, 2009 the House passed by a vote of 241-181, H.R. 4213, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes. H.R. 4213 included the American Samoa Economic Development Credit, which extends 30A credits for tuna canneries operating in the Territory.

"For more than 20 years, the House has agreed to my request to include IRS 936 and later 30A tax credits for our tuna canneries which have provided our canneries with federal subsidies worth well-over $200 million," Faleomavaega said. "Although StarKist is now competing against low-wage rate countries that pay their workers only $0.75 cents and less per hour, I am pleased that the House agreed to once again pass this tax credit for American Samoa."

"Unfortunately, for StarKist, 30A tax credits are no longer enough to keep the company competitive, especially when Chicken of the Sea and Bumble Bee have chosen to have their fish cleaned in countries where workers are paid wages of $0.75 cents and less per hour. To help level the playing field, I introduced ASPIRE in hopes that I could get StarKist everything it needed to continue its operations in American Samoa."

"I introduced ASPIRE to protect the jobs of some 1,800 workers now remaining at StarKist Samoa. I never said it would be easy to get is passed because I knew going in that Chicken of the Sea and Bumble Bee would fight against it every step of the way. Chicken of the Sea and Bumble Bee also have Democratic Members of Congress who represent their interests in Georgia, Puerto Rico, and California. And we must get to a point of compromise before we can move forward."

"In the end, the bill will look different than the one that was introduced because this is how the process works. It is a process of compromise. But will it be enough for StarKist to stay? I do not know. That is a business decision that only StarKist can make. It is possible that StarKist may find that it is in its financial interest to do like Chicken of the Sea and Bumble Bee and have its fish cleaned for $0.75 cents and less per hour. If this is the case, no matter what our minimum wage rate is in American Samoa, we cannot compete against wages of $0.75 cents and less per hour. This is a global reality that even Congress cannot change."

"In the conference report to accompany H.R. 3288, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010, the conference agreement does include my language to delay until September 30, 2010 and until September 30 of each year thereafter scheduled minimum wage increases in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Chairman Miller supported my request to delay the next scheduled increase until after the GAO releases its findings, and Senator Inouye agreed to include language on the Senate side. H.R. 3288 is now on the President's desk for signature."

"Despite this delay and despite the fact that the U.S. federal government has provided IRS 936 and 30A tax credits which collectively have been well-worth over $200 million to StarKist and Chicken of the Sea, and while our local government has also provided millions and millions in tax breaks for both tuna canneries, this still may not be enough, despite our best efforts to keep the tuna industry in American Samoa. Chicken of the Sea has already closed its operations in the Territory, but what I do not understand is why Chicken of the Sea chose to leave American Samoa and hire 200 new workers in Lyons, Georgia when Chicken of the Sea could have downsized in American Samoa and kept 200 workers employed at Samoa Packing. It does not make sense that Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing moved to Lyons, Georgia and hired 200 workers at a higher rate of pay when it could have just downsized to 200 workers in American Samoa for less."

"Whatever Chicken of the Sea's reasons for leaving, I thank my colleagues in Congress for supporting an extension of IRS 30A tax credits, and I also thank the U.S. Department of Labor for standing ready to re-train our tuna cannery workers who have been displaced as a result of Samoa Packing’s closure. As I stated earlier this year, provisions are in place for our workers to be re-trained at ASCC and receive stipends, food allowances, and other support, provided ASG submits a National Emergency Grant (NEG) application to the DOL. Only ASG can submit this application, and I have not been made aware of where it may be in the process."

"However, I do thank the DOL for already providing ASG with $24 million in National Emergency Grant funds for purposes of putting our people back to work in the aftermath of the tsunami and, once more, I thank Congress for supporting our efforts for the past 20 years to keep the U.S. tuna industry afloat," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 4, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega congratulates Jeremiah Masoli of the University of Oregon as the first Samoan quarterback to the Rose Bowl

Congressman Faleomavaega today offered his personal congratulations to Jeremiah Taeatafa Masoli of the University of Oregon for leading the Ducks to their 8th Pac-10 Football Championship and clinching their bid to the 2010 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California against the Ohio St. Buckeyes on January 1, 2010.

On December 3, 2009, the University of Oregon Ducks narrowly defeated the Oregon St. Beavers in Eugene with the score of 37-33 thus completing their 113th meeting of the Civil War rivalry. This rivalry between the University of Oregon and Oregon St. University began when the teams first met in 1894 and has become one of the oldest in the nation. The winner of this year's game would become the outright winner of the Pac-10 Conference and would become the automatic bid to play in the Rose Bowl against the champions of the Big Ten Conference.

Jeremiah was born and raised in California but graduated from St. Louis High School in Hawaii. As a freshman, Jeremiah led the City College of San Francisco to a junior college national title before transferring to the University of Oregon in 2008. Jeremiah is the son of Kennedy and Linda Masoli of the village of Taputimu. Also, Jeremiah is the grandson of high chief Papali'i Litara Alaimo of Savai'i, Samoa.

"I want to congratulate Jeremiah and all the other Polynesian players that played in last night's exciting Civil War game," said Faleomavaega. "I was excited just to know that there were so many Polynesian players representing us all in this historic game of the Pac-10 Conference. There was so much at stake and it was only fitting that the Civil War rivalry was the deciding game to determine the Pac-10 Champion and to play the Ohio St. Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl."

"To the best of my knowledge, Jeremiah will be the first Samoan quarterback to lead any team to the prestigious Rose Bowl. Jeremiah has overcome so many odds. For example, last year Jeremiah became the starting quarterback from third-string after injuries plagued their football team. He single-handedly led the Ducks to a 10-3 record and became the MVP of the 2008 Holiday Bowl against the Oklahoma St. Cowboys. Jeremiah's composure and leadership speaks volumes of his commitment, hard work, and strong family support."

"Jeremiah is an inspiration for many of our young Polynesian players to work hard for their goals and always be prepared when given the opportunity. I wish Jeremiah and the Ducks the best when he plays against the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day," concluded Faleomavaega.

List of Polynesians that played in the 113th Civil War:

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON DUCKS
NAME:	POSITION:
Mana Greig	OL
Andrew Iupati	DT
Pono Kam	DB
Keloni Kamalani	LB
Wade Keliikipi	DT
Jeremiah Masoli	QB
Simi Toeaina	DT
Denton Tuiasosopo	DT
Lavasier Tuinei	WR
Will Tukuafu	DE
OREGON ST. UNIVERSITY BEAVERS
NAME:	POSITION:
Jesse Fifita	DT
Joe Halahuni	TE
Brandon Hardin	CB
Levi Levasa	S
Castro Masaniai	DT
Wilder McAndrews	OT
Latu Moala	DT
Lyle Moevao	QB
Sioeli Nau	DT
Aaron Nichols	WR
Kaua Olds	CB
David Pa'aluhi III	LB
Stephen Paea	DT
Ryan Pohl	OL
Mana Rosa	DE
Andrew Seumalo	DE
Tonu Tuimalealiifano	DT
Suaesi Tuimaunei	S
Devin Unga	LB
Kevin Unga	LB
Walker Vave	LB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 24, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega responds to John Newton's "Mommy I want to be a fish cleaner" editorial in Samoa News, November 7, 2009

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni announced today his response to John Newton's Guest Editorial entitled: "Mommy, I Want to be a Fish Cleaner" published in Samoa News on Saturday, November 7, 2009.

"I am disappointed at how insulting and offensive Mr. Newton's comments are regarding our fish cleaners," Faleomavaega said. "I don't know where Mr. Newton has been in the last 40 years, but it is sad that after all this time, he has not realized that our fish cleaners, mostly women, and totaling some 3,600 strong on average every year at the two canneries, have been a critical part of our work force within the U.S. tuna industry, and very important to the overall economy of our territory."

"From the outset, the two canneries were the backbone of American Samoa's economy and the main suppliers of the U.S. canned tuna market. In FY 1999, Star Kist Samoa and Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing exported a total of more than $446.5 million worth of canned tuna from American Samoa to the United States. Since 1956, Star Kist Samoa and Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing have exported well over $40 billion worth of canned tuna from American Samoa to the United States. All of this was from the hard labor of our fish cleaners that Mr. Newton so insensitively despised in his editorial. And for his information, fish cleaners were paid about 27-cents per hour when the canneries first operated in the territory in the 1950’s and some 50 years later only $4.76 per hour, having only recently made it up to this rate when the federal government increased minimum wage rates by $0.50 cents an hour in 2007 and every year thereafter."

"Today, the economy of American Samoa is more than 80% dependent either directly or indirectly on the U.S. tuna fishing and processing industries. Our two canneries, Chicken of the Sea and Star Kist, employed more than 5,150 people or 74% of the entire private sector workforce. On the good years of operation, our canneries processed about 950 tons of tuna per day which is equivalent to 228,000 tons of tuna or 20.5 million cases per year," Faleomavaega stated.

"Though the wages were meager, the hours long, and working conditions and benefits were often inadequate, cleaning fish was a sacrifice many Samoans made so their children and families could have a better future," Faleomavaega continued. "I have seen it so many times, especially in the remote villages in the western and eastern districts in the villages of Amanave, Vatia, Tula, Aunu'u and Onenoa. Visit these villages at about two or three in the morning and see our Samoan women dressed in their white uniforms waiting to catch their one-hour long bus ride to and from the canneries. Then visit the canneries and again observe these same women cleaning fish and standing for some eight hours each working day. After twenty years of service these women are rewarded for their efforts with a measly pension of about $120.00 per month, compliments of Heinz/Star Kist and Thai Union/Samoa Packing/Chicken of the Sea."

"Over the years, I have tried very hard to push for better wages for our fish cleaners, and other low paid workers, because their sacrifices should be rewarded and respected. This reminds me of what the late Congressman Phillip Burton said to me years ago: 'Eni, don't worry about those large corporations because they can afford to pay high priced teams of lawyers to protect their interests, but it is the little guy out there who is struggling to make a decent salary to support his family that you need to watch out for, and I trust that you will not forget that.'"

"Just because I am fighting for better wages for our fish cleaners, for Mr. Newton to now insinuate that cleaning fish is all that I am advocating is absolute nonsense and he should know better. Also, I want Mr. Newton to know that there is nothing degrading about cleaning fish, nothing demeaning about it. In fact, it has been a means for many of our workers to provide for their children, families, villages and churches. Many of our young people graduated from our high schools and continued to colleges and universities, mainly due to the sacrifices their parents made by working in the canneries, and among many of them were fish cleaners."

"I know that Mr. Newton's most recent venture to set up a Call Center failed drastically. But that's no reason why Mr. Newton should adopt a condescending attitude and demean our fish cleaners, and to imply this is all Samoans are good for and nothing more," Faleomavaega said.

"Don't get me wrong. I want very much for our businesses to make reasonable profits, but at the same time, I believe it only fair that our workers also make decent wages commensurate with the cost of living," Faleomavaega added. "And I have advocated for the diversification of our economy with the support of my colleagues in Congress who set aside $600,000 to establish the American Samoa Economic Development Commission which released its findings in 2002, five years before increases in minimum wage ever took place. But no action was taken at that time to establish a Call Center, or to diversify in any other way during that time."

"We have a saying in Samoan: Togi muamua sau ma'a, meaning, contribute something first before criticizing the matter at hand. I suggest Mr. Newton should recognize the fact that any success he has had as a small businessman in American Samoa was to a great extent attributed to the hard work of our fish cleaners who provided a critical element to the successful operations of our canneries - which in turn has created a multiplier effect for greater economic development for our local businesses. This reminds me also of a Chinese proverb that perhaps Mr. Newton may want to consider, 'When you drink water from the well, one should be grateful for those who dug the well,'" Faleomavaega concluded.

Samoa News Guest Editorial
Mommy, I want to be a fish cleaner
By John Newton

Eni, do you realize that your support of the so called ASPIRE bill is tantamount to the 1950s attitudes of Van Camp as you describe in your testimony? You too are, in essence, saying that your people are incapable of doing anything beyond cleaning fish. You want to preserve the fish cleaning jobs at the expense of the younger generation that might find much better opportunities if you were capable of thinking outside the fish box.

Nowhere in your testimony, or the testimony of any other participant in the hearings on ASPIRE, is there any reference to improving the rights and conditions of the common worker in American Samoa. Even after more than 50 years, the attitude remains that of keeping wages low at the total exclusion of improving the lives of our young people.

It's all about profits and advantages for the fleets and canneries. Those big businesses as well as the support businesses in American Samoa all derive their economic opportunities at the expense of the common worker.

Furthermore, your testimony is degrading to the hard working students looking for future job opportunities in American Samoa. There are no quality job opportunities and there will be none as long as our leaders cannot think beyond fish cleaning.

Let the third-world countries have the demeaning work. They need the income to help them develop to the point where they will be able to compete for better jobs. We, in American Samoa, have gone beyond needing the demeaning labor jobs. We have the education systems, quality of life expectations and the burning desire to aspire to higher ambitions.

What you are advocating leaves the young people here with no real local opportunity for advancement beyond laborious jobs. I maintain that if as much money and effort were put into bring new industry and quality jobs to American Samoa as is spent on trying to make the canneries economically viable, we would reap much healthier benefits.

Now I have a suggestion as an alternative to ASPIRE. Provide federally funded discounts on virtually all goods and services purchased by the fishing fleet in American Samoa. I guarantee the boats will swarm like bees to honey. If we make American Samoa the cheapest port in the Pacific, they will come and they will spend their money here. And this will benefit everyone, not just the canneries.

When my grandchildren ask their children what they want to be when they grow up, I am hoping the answer will not be "mommy, I want to be a fish cleaner."

(John Newton is a local businessman and webmaster for pagopago.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 19, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega commends Natural Resources Committee markup of Political Status bill

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the House Committee on Natural Resources, on November 18, 2009, ordered to be reported by unanimous consent, bill number H.R. 3940. If approved by the House, Guam, American Samoa and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) would receive grants and other assistance to facilitate a political status public education program.

"I want to thank Chairman Nick Rahall, Ranking Member Doc Hastings and members of the Natural Resources Committee for their support. I especially want to thank the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, my good friend Congresswoman Madeline Bordallo for her leadership and for continuing to look out for the interest of all insular areas," Faleomavaega said.

"When it was first introduced, HR 3940 gives authorization to the Secretary of Interior to extend assistance to the Government and people of Guam to facilitate a public education program regarding political status options for the Territory. That includes assistance in the form of grants, research, planning assistance, studies, and agreements with Federal agencies, to facilitate public education programs regarding political status options for Guam," Faleomavaega explained.

"I commend Chairwoman Bordallo for her willingness to work with Congresswoman Donna Christensen and myself. Following the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and Oceans and Wildlife hearing on November 5, 2009, HR 3940 now extends the same assistance to include American Samoa, Guam and the United States Virgin Islands," Faleomavaega noted.

"The question of political status remains a critical matter in the insular areas. And while the resolution is the prerogative of the people of each respective Territory, Congress shares a huge responsibility. That responsibility includes helping each respective territorial government decide a political status according to the peoples' aspirations. The bill, HR 3940, embodies such responsibility and provides the much needed assistance to help educate and inform the people about viable political status options," Faleomavaega stated.

"As HR 3940 now awaits House approval, I will continue to work with my fellow delegates and colleagues to resolve any concerns on this issue," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega congratulates Samoans and Tongans in the NFL

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that 21 Samoans and 10 Tongans are on the official rosters of the thirty-two teams in the National Football League (NFL). This includes eight players that were drafted in the seven rounds of the NFL draft in early April of this year.

"I want to congratulate all the Polynesian players for their success and being able to make it into this year's NFL season," Faleomavaega said. "Being on an NFL roster is the highest achievement for any football player. The first step in reaching this goal begins as a student athlete in high school, then to college, and eventually to the NFL. The competition itself is a daunting task given that the NFL allows a limited number of slots available per team - 53 active players and 8 on the practice squad. I am proud of these players because their success is a remarkable example of hard work, passion, and determination."

"I want to also recognize Coach Ken Niumatalolo and his success at Navy with their impressive record of 8-3 and after defeating Notre Dame in South Bend became bowl eligible for the seventh straight season. I am excited for next week when Ken coaches his Midshipmen against his alma mater, the University of Hawaii Warriors, in Hawaii where he used to quarterback in the late 1980's. I wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season," concluded Faleomavaega.

The names of the NFL players and the teams they play for are as follows:

NAME TEAM POSITION

1 HALOTI NGATA

2 DAVID VEIKUNE

3 CHRIS KEMOEATU

4 FILI MOALA

5 FUI VAKAPUNA

6 TAHI NAUFAHU

7 MAAKE MEOEATU

8 FENUKI TUPOU

9 DEUCE LUTUI

10 MOISE FOKOU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ter">SAMOAN & TONGAN NFL PLAYERS ter">SAMOAN AS BENGALS DE AS BENGALS DT AS DOLPHINS DT AS COWBOYS DT AS 49ERS DE CA BENGALS DE USARAVENS NT HI BROWNS LB CA STEELERS SS HI JAGUARS G CA PATRIOTS LB USAJETS DT HI RAIDERS C MANUMALEUNACA CHARGERS TE HI BEARS SS CA BEARS LB CA BEARS DT WA BUCCANEERS DT WA REDSKINS FB MA SEAHAWKS LB HI RAMS DT align="center">TONGAN UTRAVENS DE USABROWNS DE HI STEELERS OT USACOLTS DT UTBENGALS FB UT VIKINGS FB HI PANTHERS DT USAEAGLES T USACARDINALS G USAEAGLES LB

November 10, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega honors veterans during this year's Veterans Day

Congressman Faleomavaega today issued the following statement in honor of all Veterans during this year's Veterans Day.

"During this year's Veterans Day and as we have done in years past, we honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform and served our country. We honor and remember them for their bravery and their selfless commitment to the defense of our ideals, our way of life, and our freedoms."

"Let us take a moment to remember and honor, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifices in defense of our nation. Let us remember all Toa o Samoa since World War II who have died in the service of our country. May their sacrifice stand as a timeless reminder of our solemn obligation to preserve peace for our children and future generations, and to do right by others."

"I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the tragedy of last week in Fort Hood, Texas when 13 American soldiers died in the hands of one of our own. Although we are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the events of what happened, we are encouraged by our faith in God and in knowing that we live in a country that believes in justice. Let us keep the families of these fine soldiers in our thoughts and prayers."

"Finally, during this solemn occasion, let us remember our active service members and Toa o Samoa who are serving around the world, especially those who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Let us pray for their wellbeing, and that they will safely return home to their families and loved ones."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- House passes historic Health Care Reform legislation; includes American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the House passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, by a vote of 220 to 215. This important legislation will provide access to affordable quality health care for all Americans. The full text of Faleomavaega’s floor statement in support of H.R. 3962 is included below.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3962, legislation to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. This bill will control rising medical costs and also extend health care coverage to uninsured American citizens throughout the United States and its Territories.

I want to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her leadership and my colleagues in Congress for their support on this important bill. Especially, I extend my gratitude to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Henry Waxman; and the House Committee on Ways and Means, Congressman Charles Rangel for listening to the concerns of the Territories and for their willingness to work with the Territorial delegates on resolving their concerns.

I also want to commend my fellow territorial delegates for their hard work and efforts, in working hand-in-hand to reduce health disparity facing the Territories. I especially want to recognize Congresswoman Donna Christensen for her work in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Pedro Pierluisi and Congressman Gregorio Sablan for their advocacy in the House Committee on Education and Labor and to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo for her leadership as the Chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Healthcare Task Force.

Mr. Speaker, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, or HR 3962, will improve health care for Americans living in the insular areas. Under the provisions of this legislation, from FY2011 through FY2019, American Samoa will receive additional Medicaid funding in the amount of $239.5 million. Moreover, its Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) will be raised to the highest FMAP applicable to any of the 50 States and District of Columbia. As a result American Samoa will assume an FMAP no less than 75%, the FMAP for Mississippi which has the highest among the 50 States.

American Samoa will also work together with the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a plan to transition the Territory to full parity by 2020. And to make this transition, the Secretary will also assist to make appropriate modifications to the Territory's existing Medicaid programs. This will require comprehensive assessment of the existing Medicaid program and health care services in American Samoa.

I am pleased that American Samoa and the insular areas will have the opportunity to become part of the Exchange program, the centerpiece of the Health Care Reform legislation. Again I thank my Territorial delegates for their hard work to ensure that Congress continues to recognize the need and unique set of circumstances we have in the Territories. To help carry out the Exchange program, $300 million is to be allocated among American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam, and the USVI, based on consultation with the Secretary of Human and Health Services. If American Samoa or any Territorial government chooses not to join the Exchange, its allocation will be added instead to that Territory's Medicaid funding.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3962 will bring much needed improvement to the health care system in American Samoa. The fact of the matter is rising medical costs and limited health care coverage, exacerbated by American Samoa's remote location and exponential rate of chronic diseases, have led to a high number of people in the Territory with minimal or no access to quality health services. Indeed, findings from the American Samoa Health Survey conducted in 2005 estimated only 25% of the population have insurance. Subsequently, there is a tremendous need to address these concerns in a viable health care policy for the Territory.

For this reason, in a letter sent June 22, 2009, I wrote members of the Fono (American Samoa Legislature) to address the need to improve the health care system in the Territory. I specifically requested that the Fono should take advantage of the report from the Coverage for All in American Samoa (CAAS) project, which includes policy recommendations on ways to improve the Territory's health care system.

I commend the American Samoa Government especially the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and staff for their dedication and commitment to the CAAS project that was completed in 2007. I also want to commend the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for committing total funding of $1.2 million from 2004 to 2007 to complete the CAAS project. My hope is for the American Samoa Government to follow through on the policy recommendations in the CAAS report and adopt the framework for health care reform that is now in place and supported by HR 3962.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962, carries with it our expectations and hopes for quality and affordable health care for our people and with it a commitment; a commitment to ensure that every American is provided quality health care that they are entitled to and to receive health services that they so critically need.

I urge my friends and colleagues to support H.R. 3962 and pass this historical health care reform legislation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega and Governor testify in support of ASPIRE

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he and Governor Togiola offered testimony in support of ASPIRE at yesterday's hearing held by the Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife regarding the American Samoa Protection of Industry and Resources (ASPIRE) Act. Faleomavaega will bring a dvd of the hearing to American Samoa when he returns next week for Veteran’s day.

"While I have always stated that ASPIRE is not a perfect bill, I am pleased that ASPIRE has the full backing of ASG and that every Democrat and Republican who spoke at the hearing said they wanted to help American Samoa," Faleomavaega said. "Adjustments will need to be made as we move forward, but I am also pleased that the Obama Administration stated that they are also supportive of working with us to save American Samoa's jobs and economy."

"I want to especially thank Republican Ranking Member Henry Brown from South Carolina who has visited American Samoa and has a special place in his heart for our people. He knows firsthand what it is like when companies that claim to be American choose to use cheap labor in foreign countries at the expense of American workers. South Carolinians used to be the backbone of the textile industry until their jobs were outsourced to foreign workers who are paid $0.75 cents and less per hour."

"Today, Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea are following the same model of outsourcing American jobs to foreign workers by buying frozen fish that have already been cleaned by workers who barely make $0.75 cents per hour. Chicken of the Sea and Bumble Bee then hire skeletal crews of 200 or 300 U.S. workers and threaten to lay them off if anyone dares to question their business practices. I do not believe the American consumer will stand for this kind of bullying, and I do not believe Members of Congress will turn a blind eye to this un-American way of doing business."

"But my goal is to be helpful to the entire U.S. tuna industry. I want our industry to come together and come back home. There is no reason for Chicken of the Sea or Bumble Bee to outsource American jobs when there are plenty of people in this great nation of ours that are ready, willing and able to work."

"Americans want to work, and American companies that live off the backs of American consumers have a moral obligation to hire America. It's as plain and simple as that. This is why I thank StarKist for standing with us as we work to keep American jobs in America. These days, StarKist is the only tuna processor left that actually hires workers in America to clean the fish that they put in their cans and sell on grocery shelves. In my opinion, this makes StarKist the only brand of canned tuna that is truly Made in America."

"While it is unfortunate that Chicken of the Sea and Bumble Bee prefer to buy their fish from foreign sources and exploit cheap labor to maximize their profits, I have given my colleagues my personal assurances that I will modify ASPIRE to make sure that no jobs are put at risk at Bumble Bee or Chicken of the Sea's canning facilities in California, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. At the same time, I have every confidence that as Members learn more about the tuna industry, they will come to know that no jobs would be lost in California, Puerto Rico, or Georgia if ASPIRE is passed as is."

"Nonetheless, my goal is to create a win-win situation for everyone and, therefore, I am open to making adjustments. But I am not open to supporting the outsourcing of fish cleaning jobs to foreign countries. This practice must stop."

"I also want to note that unlike Puerto Rico, California, and Georgia, American Samoa only has one industry, and we must do everything we can to keep that industry alive just as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have done everything they can to keep their rum industry alive. American Samoa is as entitled to tuna assistance just as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are entitled to rum assistance."

"In Georgia, California, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, Hawaii, the Midwestern and farm states, the U.S. subsidizes beef, dairy, corn, wheat, sugar, rum, and on and on the list goes. Even the U.S. tuna boats get $18 million per year in subsidies. And then we have our U.S. automakers in Detroit, Michigan. They also have the full support of the U.S. Congress."

"Now it's American Samoa's turn. American Samoa deserves equal treatment under the law, and I will do everything I can to make sure we get what we need. We need a tuna subsidy and we need it now. The people of American Samoa do not want handouts or bailouts. We just want to work, and this is the intent of ASPIRE."

"Our objectives are clear and I look forward to working with my Republican and Democratic friends to modify ASPIRE as necessary so that we can move this legislation forward. With the full support of the Obama Administration, I am certain that we will find a workable solution which will make it possible for us to maintain and create jobs in American Samoa while protecting jobs in Georgia , California and Puerto Rico. I especially thank Governor Togiola and the Fono for standing with us in this cause," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2009

Washington , D.C. -- LTC Leafaina Tavai-Yahn makes promotion list for Colonel

Congressman Faleomavaega today offered his personal congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Leafaina Olive Tavai-Yahn for her selection for promotion to Colonel in the U.S. Army. LTC Tavai-Yahn’s name made the Department of the Army FY09 Colonel (O-6) promotion list, Army Competitive Category. The Promotion Board Results were released on October 29, 2009.

"I want to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Leafaina Tavai-Yahn on this remarkable achievement. To my knowledge, I believe Leafaina is the first ever Samoan to become a full bird Colonel in the Active Army," Faleomavaega said.

"I should note that it was only a year ago that Leafaina was also selected to attend the Senior Service College which prepares military officers and civilians for senior leadership responsibilities. She is scheduled to attend the Senior Service College next summer."

"With her personal commitment to serve our country and taking major responsibilities throughout her military career, Leafaina is most deserving of this great honor and I am very proud of her achieving this new milestone in her military career."

LTC Leafaina Tavai-Yahn is currently the Deputy Brigade Commander for the 120th Infantry Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas . The unit is responsible for training all mobilized Army Reserve and National Guard units deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

LTC Tavai-Yahn recently returned from Iraq where she was deployed for 14 months as the Battalion Commander for the 589th Brigade Support Battalion, part of the 41st Fires Brigade from Fort Hood, Texas.

Born and raised in American Samoa, Leafaina is the daughter of the late High Chief Atiumaletavai Kaleopa and Lauolive Toomalatai Tavai from the village of Gataivai. She is married to Chief Warrant Officer Four (retired) Rocky D. Yahn.

LTC Tavai-Yahn is a graduate of Samoana High School in American Samoa. She was then accepted to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point when she was nominated by former Congressman Fofo I.F. Sunia, and she became the first ever Samoan to graduate from the academy. She received her Bachelor of Science from West Point and was then commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps in May, 1989. She is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.

"It is my understanding that Leafaina was selected ahead of schedule from her class. This is a major feat worthy of recognition amongst her peers and fellow Samoans in the military and we must take this opportunity to celebrate a daughter of Samoa for her great accomplishments," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2009

Washington , D.C. -- Feferal employees in American Samoa to receive locality pay

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on October 28, 2009, President Obama signed into law, H.R. 2647, legislation to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2010 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and for other purposes including provisions to transition federal employees in the US Territories and possessions to receive locality pay.

"The National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2010 signals an important turn in the history of federal service in American Samoa and I want to thank President Obama and my colleagues in Congress, for recognizing the need to give fair treatment to federal employees in our Territory. I especially want to thank my good friend, Senator Akaka for his leadership and Congressman Abercrombie for working diligently on this important issue. I also want to commend Congresswoman Christensen, Congresswoman Bordallo, Congressman Pierluisi, Congressman Sablan, and all my colleagues for their support," Faleomavaega said.

"Since 1948, when President Truman signed into law pay differentials for federal service outside of the States based on cost of living adjustments (COLA), American Samoa was not included and has been facing an uphill battle since. In 1985, Executive Order 12510 replaced the word territory with nonforeign areas. And while American Samoa by definition is a nonforeign area, federal employees in the Territory continued to be excluded from COLA payments and related benefits."

"Over the past several years, addressing this disparity has been my concern. After many discussions with the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) in 2007, I introduced legislation, HR 1786, to include federal employees in American Samoa for COLA payments. Subsequently, HR 1786 was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office and the District of Columbia, at which time I testified before the Committee on July 31, 2007 and reiterated my concerns on the unfair treatment of federal employees in American Samoa," Faleomavaega explained.

"In 2008, Senator Akaka introduced S. 3013, legislation to transition federal employees in Hawaii and Alaska to receive locality pay. In a letter sent on July 23, 2008, I shared my concern with Senator Akaka and requested that American Samoa be included in his legislation, S. 3013. Senator Akaka was very kind to work with us on this important matter and helped resolved many of our concerns with the bill at the time. Specifically, I wanted to make sure that federal employees in American Samoa, although currently excluded from COLA payments, should be covered under the proposed locality pay scheme. Again I want to thank Senator Akaka and my colleagues for listening to my concerns."

"While S. 3013 saw little action in 2008, it provided the basis for HR 2990 that the House passed on June 2009. HR 2990 was then appended to HR 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2010, which the Senate agreed to on October 22, 2009 and was signed today by President Obama," Faleomavaega added.

Under the new law, Section 1912, federal employees in all Territories and possessions, including American Samoa , will transition to locality pay. Starting in the first year, federal employees in American Samoa will receive 1/3 of the rate for the "Rest of the US"; 2/3 in the second year, and by the third year, they would receive the full rate, which is at 13.8-percent.

In addition, Section 1915 of HR 2647 provides that it is the Sense of Congress that: beginning after the date of enactment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) should conduct separate surveys to determine any pay disparity for the Territories including American Samoa. If there is such pay disparity, a separate locality pay for American Samoa is to be established. Otherwise, federal employees in American Samoa and the other Territories would continue at the rate for "the Rest of the United States."

"Specific details remain on how OPM is expected to implement the new law and I will continue to follow this closely. Nonetheless, I am pleased that the U.S. Congress and the President recognize the need to provide for fair treatment of federal employees in American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega thanks Senator Akaka for his steadfast support for the Samoan community

Congressman Faleomavaega today expressed his greatest appreciation to Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii for making time to join the Samoan community in the Washington, DC area during last Sunday’s memorial service at Fort Myer, Virginia.

Last Sunday, the Samoan Congregation of Washington, DC who holds worship services at Fort Myer, near Arlington National Cemetery, held a special Memorial Service to honor the victims of the earthquake and tsunami which devastated the Samoa islands on September 29, 2009. The service was well attended by members of the local Samoan community. In attendance were also representatives of the National Conference of State Societies, the American Samoa Society, and friends of the Samoan community from Fiji, Guam and Ghana.

Reverend Dr. Tapaautasi Erika Puni, who led the service, called upon Senator Akaka to say a few words. Senator Akaka offered words of encouragement and his condolences to all the families and friends of those who died in the tsunami. He acknowledged his close working relations with Congressman Faleomavaega over so many years and pledged his full support as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to help American Samoa and especially the Veterans.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to my good friend, Senator Akaka," Faleomavaega said. "While attending to the relief efforts in American Samoa, I was unable to attend this important service and greet the good Senator from Hawaii. Nonetheless, I was deeply touched after learning from my staff that Senator Akaka came to attend the special memorial service to honor those in American Samoa, Samoa, and Tonga whose lives were lost due to the recent earthquake and tsunami disaster. The Senator's attendance and words speak loudly of his spirit as a Polynesian brother and a member of our Ohana or Aiga and I want him to know how meaningful that was to me and our whole Samoan community in Washington, DC and throughout the country, especially in our homeland."

"I also want to acknowledge and thank our pastor, Reverend Dr. Erika Puni, and our Samoan church in Washington, DC for creating this excellent opportunity so our Samoan community could come together to remember our loved ones and those who suffered as a result of the tsunami disaster. I thank him too for acknowledging Senator Akaka during the service and allowing him the opportunity to speak to our Samoan community." Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega responds to concerns on health care in American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is responding to Mr. Peseta Dennis Fuimaono Lutu's letter to the editor published in the Samoa News on Saturday, September 26, 2009, concerning American Samoa's health care system.

"As the debate on health care reform rages on across the country, it is important also to talk about health care system in our Territory. I thank Mr. Lutu for raising this important issue, and I wish to respond and help inform the general public," Faleomavaega said.

"As Mr. Lutu, and others in recent letters to the Samoa News editor suggested, our health care system is in bad shape. Problems with access, affordability and quality of care, continue to riddle health care in American Samoa. Fixing these problems requires a major overhaul of the current system. Indeed, in a recent meeting with our Executive Director Ms. Patricia Tindall of LBJ Hospital, she indicated that our whole health care system is 'fragmented' and I totally agree with her assessment."

"As a matter of public record, reforming our health care system has been in the pipeline for some years now. In early 2003, a Task Force was commissioned by the American Samoa Government (ASG) to review the Territory's health care system and provide decision-makers with policy options to improve health care service for all residents in American Samoa. The underlying intent was to initiate a more informed dialogue on certain critical issues including access to health care, insurance coverage options, and reform initiatives among key stakeholders and decision-makers."

"Out of this Task Force grew the Coverage for All in American Samoa (CAAS) project. Researchers from the Social Science Research Institute-University of Hawaii (SSRI-UH), the Office of the Governor, American Samoa Medical Center Authority (ASMCA), American Samoa Community College (ASCC), Department of Commerce (DOC) and other local partners, came together to review and provide policy options on the best way to reform health care in American Samoa. Funding for the project, a total of $1.2 million over three years, was provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)."

"When the CAAS final report was issued on September 29, 2007, three broad areas of concern were identified. First, the user fees charged by ASMCA are no longer affordable. Second, the quality of services at LBJ Hospital is perceived to be substandard. Finally, certain needs specialized services are not available locally."

"To address these broad concerns, I fully support the CAAS policy recommendations. Prior to any reform taking place, it is necessary for the Fono and ASG to amend the existing "Free Medical Care" mandate, to reflect the current economics for providing quality health care. As health care costs continue to rise, it is evidently clear that our Territory cannot sustain its "Free Medical Care" mandate. Rather, a more viable and pragmatic approach however is to provide our people access to affordable and quality health care."

"Therefore, in order to achieve this goal, we have to be innovative and creative in our solutions. The CAAS report recommends several ideas including to: 1) allow Health Savings Account by Law, 2) establish or encourage the use of tax incentive programs, 3) decentralize delivery of health care services in the territory, 4) mandate healthy lifestyle utilizing existing and dormant traditional infrastructure, and 5) develop a comprehensive human capital development policy for the territory."

"The bottom line is major changes are in order, and the authors and all contributors to the CAAS project should be commended for their work and comprehensive analysis. Nonetheless, it is up to the Fono and ASG to take immediate action and follow through on the CAAS findings and recommendations. Especially, since the federal government has already provided $1.2 million in funding and ASG has expended resources and time to conduct a comprehensive study of the existing health care system."

"For this reason, in a letter sent June 22, 2009, I wrote members of the Fono reminding them of the CAAS report and the work already in place. I specifically requested that the Fono should hold hearings, and I suggested that the Fono also take advantage of our local experts and those with the experience and understanding of health care issues in our Territory."

"In these trying times, fixing our health care system remains a critically important issue with our people, and I will continue to work together with our leaders to address your concerns," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - U.S. citizens and non-citizens with eligible immigration status residing in Samoa may be eligible for certain U.S. Government assistance programs

The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Rep. Eni Faleomavaega, today advised U.S. citizens and non-citizens with eligible immigration status residing in Samoa that, despite a number of restrictions, they may qualify for certain federal assistance programs.

"The disaster that struck American Samoa and Samoa has led to terrible hardship for so many people. While American Samoa has access to a number of U.S. federal disaster assistance programs, U.S. citizens and non-citizens with eligible immigration status living in Samoa may be eligible for certain forms of U.S. Government assistance, depending on their particular circumstances," Faleomavaega said.

"The single best way for citizens and those with eligible immigration status residing in Samoa to find out whether they qualify is to go online and take a very brief anonymous prescreening questionnaire." The link to the questionnaire can be found at: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/daip_en.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=gbcc_page_foreign&_nfls=false under the heading �Benefits for American Citizens Affected by an International Disaster."

"Those who complete the questionnaire will be provided with a list of potentially available federal programs and brief information on those programs. There are strict guidelines on these programs and no guarantees. But for those who have suffered as a result of the tsunami, the questionnaire takes only a minute or two and resources are available from the U.S. federal government for those who do qualify. I urge people to take advantage of these programs, and as always, my staff and I stand ready help in any way we can," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2009

Washington , D.C. -- House passes, by a vote of 422 to 0, H.RES. 816, mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009 in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives passed today by a vote of 422 to 0, House Resolution 816, a resolution he introduced mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009 in American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga.

"I thank my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives for voting unanimously in favor of this resolution, but more especially for standing with us in these trying times," Faleomavaega said. "I appreciate, too, the overwhelming support we are receiving from our fellow Americans and friends around the world."

"Words cannot express how grateful I am to all of those who have offered prayers in our behalf and to the many organizations which have come to our aid. Once more, I express my heartfelt thanks to President Obama, Secretary Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and all those in the House and Senate, both Republican and Democrat, for their swift response and unwavering commitment as we begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding."

"Above all, and in memory of those who are no longer with us, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims."

The full text of H. Res. 816 is included below, and the Floor proceedings may be viewed at www.house.gov/faleomavaega.

Whereas on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at 1748 UTC, a powerful earthquake struck below the ocean about 140 miles southwest of Pago Pago, American Samoa and 125 miles south of Samoa, centered only 11 miles below the seabed;

Whereas the earthquake registered 8.3 on the Richter scale and is recognized as the world�s largest earthquake of 2009;

Whereas a second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 occurred at 1808 UTC in the vicinity of the first one;

Whereas the first undersea earthquake created a massive tsunami that crashed into American Samoa, Samoa, and neighboring Tonga, sweeping cars and people out to sea as survivors fled to high ground;

Whereas the tsunami, with towering waves that reached up to 20 feet in height and penetrated one mile inland, caused death and destruction on a nearly unprecedented scale;

Whereas the death toll as of October 7, 2009 is estimated at 32 in American Samoa and 135 in the Independent State of Samoa;

Whereas many individuals and families affected in this region are now lacking basic survival necessities and there remains the risk of numerous additional deaths due to shortages of clean water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and basic healthcare;

Whereas the human cost of this disaster transcends mere statistics and has resulted in deeply personal tragedies for numerous families and communities in the region and throughout the world;

Whereas children in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa running for home unknowingly ran in the direction of the tsunami;

Whereas the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai'lolo, Nua, Se'etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga�itua, Pagai, Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula in American Samoa were devastated by the disaster;

Whereas in response to this disaster and call for assistance, the people of the United States have responded with a generous and heartfelt outpouring of aid;

Whereas a team of more than 300 responders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies, is on the ground in American Samoa coordinating relief and recovery operations;

Whereas the United States Navy (USN), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Hawaii Air National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve American Samoa, under the leadership of Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Iuniasolua T. Savusa, Senior Enlisted Leader, PACOM, with the support of Major General Robert G.F. Lee, the Adjutant General, State of Hawaii, provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and nine pallets of medical supplies and medical equipment in support of American Samoa's mass care operations;

Whereas foreign governments, including Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Palau, Thailand, Samoa, Fiji, Grenada, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Republic of China (Taiwan), Indonesia, Nauru, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Pacific Islands Forum members, and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) sent messages of support and offers of aid to the people of American Samoa;

Whereas organizations including the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the Hanwha Group, Save the Children, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Latter-day Saint Charities, Catholic Charities, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, StarKist, Bumble Bee, the National Football League (NFL), and many others are providing assistance;

Whereas the Samoan community in areas such as California, Utah, Washington, and Hawaii have been instrumental in helping their aiga abroad;

Whereas President Barack H. Obama telephoned the Governor of American Samoa and American Samoa's Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives to personally extend his and the First Lady's condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa and the region, and to assure the Governor and the Delegate that he would speed the deployment of resources and provide the tools necessary for a full, swift and aggressive response;

Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also telephoned American Samoa's Delegate in his capacity as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment to convey her sympathy and offer her full support which subsequently included the authorization to airlift emergency supplies to Samoa;

Whereas Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a press statement on behalf of the entire Congress promising to quickly address the needs of American Samoa and the Americans who live there;

Whereas Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Chairman John F. Kerry of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Chairman Howard L. Berman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman Nick J. Rahall, II, of the House Committee on Natural Resources, as well as many other Members of Congress also offered expressions of support in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami;

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives�

(1) mourns the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa , Samoa and Tonga;

(2) offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims, and to Head of State His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa, as well as to His Majesty King George Tupou V and Prime Minister Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele of Tonga;

(3) pledges its full support to the people of American Samoa and the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai'lolo, Nua, Se�etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga'itua, Pagai, Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula as they begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding their homes and lives;

(4) recognizes the humanitarian response that is currently underway and commends the efforts of all persons and relief organizations who continue to alleviate the suffering by providing financial and material support;

(5) urges continued attention by donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken areas, particularly the children and elderly who have been devastatingly affected by this disaster;

(6) expresses gratitude and appreciation to the foreign governments from around the world that are lending their support to the U.S. Territory of American Samoa;

(7) commends the over 100,000 Samoans residing in the United States from American Samoa and Samoa for coming to the aid of their aiga in the affected islands; and

(8) pays tribute to the people of American Samoa and Samoa for their strength of spirit and their deep and abiding faith in God which brings hope to all of us.

Attest:

October 10, 2009

Washington, D.C. - Secretary Clinton gets it done; emergency relief supplies to be airlifted from Greater Los Angeles area to Samoa in response to devastating tsunami

Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-CA), announced today that the U.S. Department of State called them this morning to inform them that Secretary Clinton has authorized the use of funds from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to get emergency relief supplies airlifted from the greater Los Angeles area to Samoa in response to the devastating tsunami that struck Apia on September 29.

In his capacity as Chairman of the Asia Pacific Subcommittee which has broad jurisdiction for U.S. foreign policy affecting the region, including Samoa, Chairman Faleomavaega personally spoke to Secretary Clinton on Oct 1 and, in letters dated Oct 4 and Oct 5, followed up with her regarding the specific need to airlift emergency supplies to Apia, which were gathered by the Samoan communities and congregations in the greater Los Angeles area.

The Samoan communities in the greater Los Angeles directly contacted Faleomavaega for assistance because many of their families and relatives live in his district of American Samoa or Samoa. Congresswoman Laura Richardson has worked closely with Faleomavaega throughout this process given that she represents part of the greater Los Angeles area, and the Samoan communities living in that area are her constituents.

"I want to personally thank Secretary Clinton for her untiring efforts in getting these relief supplies airlifted," Chairman Faleomavaega said. "Since the tsunami struck, Secretary Clinton has spared no effort in coming to our aid, and even called upon the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to quickly move these supplies from the West Coast to Samoa. Last evening, Congresswoman Richardson and I learned that DOD had agreed to move the supplies but that due to legalities of moving privately-donated goods, the process would take too long."

"In a previous conference call yesterday, anticipating that DOD might be unable to quickly move these supplies, we requested the State Department to fund a commercial flight through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance should we encounter any problems with DOD," Faleomavaega and Rep. Richardson said. "Last night, upon learning that the DOD process would take too long and in consideration of our request for a more immediate airlift, Secretary Clinton assessed the options while en route to Europe, and this morning the State Department informed us that Secretary Clinton has agreed to fund the flight with OFDA funds."

"The agreement is that this will be a one-time airlift, and our Samoan communities should make future donations in cash, rather than in commodities. We will not be able to airlift frozen goods, and our offices will work closely with the communities to gather the supplies to a central location for the airlift. Also, the airlift provided by the U.S. Department of State can only be authorized to land in Samoa. While we were also hopeful to get supplies in to American Samoa, all matters relating to American Samoa are decided between the Governor and FEMA, according to federal law."

"I know from my meeting earlier this week with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi that he is thankful to the Samoan congregations and communities in the greater Los Angeles area who responded from the heart by collecting critical supplies that will now be airlifted to those in need," Faleomavaega said. "For this reason, I want to thank the Prime Minister for agreeing to accept this gift, and I also want to thank Reverend Liki Tiatia, Reverend John Mailo, Reverend Misipouena Tagaloa, and High Chief Loa Pele Faletogo for all the good work they have done. Reverend Tiatia and Reverend Mailo will be taking a flight to Samoa to make the presentation to the Government of Samoa on behalf of our Samoan community on the West Coast and also on behalf of Congresswoman Richardson and myself."

"I especially want to thank Congresswoman Richardson for working around the clock in support of our Samoan communities living in her district, and in Samoa and American Samoa," Faleomavaega continued. "Congresswoman Richardson has stood by us every step of the way and has left no stone unturned in getting this done. She has been staunch and solid in her dedication to us, and has earned her rightful place in our hearts. It is my honor to welcome Congresswoman Richardson into our Pacific Island family."

"With so many people in need of basic supplies in Samoa, it has been a privilege to work with Chairman Faleomavaega to assist the people of my district in making sure the items they have collected will soon be in the hands of their families and friends," Congresswoman Richardson said. "This feat is only possible because of the dedication of Chairman Faleomavaega and Secretary Clinton. Over 60 local organizations in the 37th district of California, including church groups, non-profit organizations and caring others collected over 100,000 pounds of essential items to send to victims of the tragedy that recently occurred. The lives of thousands of Samoans will be immediately and directly improved by the actions taken by Secretary Clinton, Chairman Faleomavaega and all of us who answered the call to help. I am proud to be a part of this exceptional team."

"It is clear that change has come and that Secretary Clinton is restoring America's stature once again, especially in a part of the world that the U.S. has too long neglected. We thank Secretary Clinton for her leadership and commitment, and for standing with the people of Samoa when they need her most, and we continue to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who are suffering so much," Faleomavaega and Rep. Richardson concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2009

Washington , D.C. -- Faleomavaega accompanies heavyweight champion David Tua on moral support visit to victims of tsunami in American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni announced that he is accompanying former heavyweight champion David "Tuaman" Tua to American Samoa today, after attending the national service in Samoa honoring the 142 people who lost their lives in the independent state from the tragic tsunami early last Tuesday.

"I am sincerely appreciative that David Tua could take time out of his schedule, to visit our territory for just a few hours, to personally offer his condolences to as many families as possible, whose loved ones had died as a result of the tsunami, and also provide moral support to the people of American Samoa, especially those who have lost homes and personal properties because of the tsunami waves," Faleomavaega stated.

"David, despite the fact that he is rated by many as the top world heavyweight title contender after his comeback victory last weekend over Shane Cameron, was not an exempt to the tragedy. He too lost his aunt who was swept away by the powerful wave, and also some very dear friends. So his visit to Samoa was not only personal, but also to provide support and encouragement to those who are in mourning, and those who are suffering," Faleomavaega explained.

"Here is a person who never forgets his true Samoan roots. Not only has he come home to Samoa to provide comfort to his immediate family, friends and the people of Samoa, but has graciously agreed to do the same for his people in American Samoa," Faleomavaega elaborated.

"David also wants to take this opportunity to personally thank the people of American Samoa for their undying support right from the start of his boxing career, and especially in his successful comeback. He firmly believes in the traditional Samoan saying - E le sili le ta'i na i lo le tapua'i � success is not greater than the support" Faleomavaega continued.

"Tua will be in American Samoa only for a few hours as his schedule is very tight, and I am sure he will pass on to those whom he will meet reassurance, strength and faith that have defined him a true champion, not only in the ring, but as a humble yet honorable Samoan person," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2009

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega thanks Secretary Clinton for calling upon DOD to airlift donations from California to Samoa

Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Rep. Eni Faleomavaega, has issued a statement thanking Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for agreeing to his request to authorize the immediate airlift of donations from the U.S. to Samoa.

Chairman Faleomavaega personally spoke to Secretary Clinton on Oct 1 and, in letters dated Oct 4 and Oct 5, followed up with her regarding the specific need to airlift emergency supplies which were gathered by the Samoan communities and congregation in the greater Los Angeles area.

Today, the U.S. Department of State called Faleomavaega to inform him that Secretary Clinton supports his request and that she has issued the "ExecSec: -- the requisite memorandum from the Executive Secretary from the Department of State to the Executive Secretary of the Department of Defense requesting the assistance of the DOD in transporting humanitarian supplies to the government of Samoa.

"I want to thank Secretary Clinton for her personal involvement and commitment to helping our brothers and sisters in Samoa," Faleomavaega said. "This morning, I will be meeting with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to share with him the good news that Secretary Clinton has taken all the steps necessary to get this done."

"Now the matter rests with our military, and I have already been in touch with DOD and Admiral Timothy Keating, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), requesting their full support of the airlift which I suggested a week ago."

"Shortly after the tsunami, the Samoan congregations in the greater Los Angeles directly contacted my office to get these emergency supplies airlifted to American Samoa and Samoa," Faleomavaega said. "Since that time, my office has been in daily contact with the State Department requesting that State provide authorization for the airlift of these emergency supplies to Samoa as soon as possible."

"As I stated earlier, all matters pertaining to delivering supplies to American Samoa is decided between the Governor and FEMA, and we need to respect this, as this is the way federal law works given that FEMA must take direction from the Governors of States and Territories during times of major disaster declarations."

"On the other hand, U.S. Government humanitarian relief efforts for all foreign countries, including Samoa, are worked strictly through the Department of State and USAID, and this is why I have been working directly with Secretary Clinton on this airlift for Samoa in my capacity as Chairman of the Asia Pacific Subcommittee which has jurisdiction over these matters."

"Again, the needs are great in Samoa, but our Samoan congregations in the United States have responded from the heart with a vast effort collecting critical supplies that are now awaiting transport from Los Angeles. With Secretary Clinton's intervention, I have every reason to believe that DOD will now move quickly to airlift these emergency supplies to Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega acknowledges assistance from AMERICORP Program

Congressman Faleomavaega today acknowledged the deployment of twenty-one AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team leaders for a three week assignment in American Samoa. The scope of the team's work is to focus on 1) assisting the American Red Cross with mass care and shelter operations; and 2) feeding, and bulk distribution to those affected by the disaster.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based, residential program for men and women ages 18-24. NCCC members are assigned to one of five campuses and are organized into teams of 10-12 members that are deployed to respond to needs identified by local community-based organizations. Since 1994, NCCC teams have responded to every national disaster and have completed more than 8,000 projects and logged more than 20 million service hours, valued at over $400 million. These teams serve alongside local volunteers helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from natural or man-made disasters, as well as, tutoring students, constructing and rehabilitating low-income housing and cleaning up streams.

The team, currently deployed in American Samoa, is made up of members from the two campuses in Sacramento, California and Denver, Colorado. At this time the Team is mostly conducting door to door assessments tracking the immediate needs of residents and communities. The expectation is, depending on the need, nine more team leaders are on stand-by for deployment to American Samoa in the next few days.

"I want to thank AmeriCorps NCCC, especially Nicola Goren, Acting Chief Executive Officer, for their assistance in our time of need. The people and communities of American Samoa appreciate the help and support from our fellow communities in the United States," Faleomavaega said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 2, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Updates regarding donations for tsunami relief efforts

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has been in close contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the House Committee on Standards regarding donations for tsunami relief efforts.

"As we make our way through this terrible tragedy, the U.S. House of Representatives and the House Committee on Standards has provided my office with a set of rules that we must follow regarding donations," Faleomavaega said.

"First and foremost, Congressional offices cannot accept donations of any kind for distribution. However, Congressional offices can post links from their official websites to FEMA and non-profit organizations that are working to assist American Samoa. Congressional offices cannot post links to donation pages but we can post links to the home pages of these organizations."

"Upon the recommendation of FEMA, my office has posted a link at www.house.gov/faleomavaega for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster which has a list of some 40 organizations which have been fully vetted by FEMA which means these organizations are trustworthy sources to accept donations to assist the people of American Samoa and our cousins in Samoa."

"My office will also be working to get an updated list of local charities in American Samoa and Samoa, including affected villages that may have non-profits set up to receive donations."

"Additionally, FEMA has asked that my office inform the public not to send food, clothing, or other supplies right now. Right now, we are still in the response stage and, next week, when we move to the recovery stage, FEMA will let us know what supplies are most needed and FEMA has assured my office that it will then work with us to make space available on planes, ships, etc to assist local community organizations with getting their supplies to American Samoa."

"On behalf of the people of American Samoa, I thank all those who have come together so quickly to help us, especially our Samoan communities throughout the U.S., our Samoan cadets at Wentworth Military Academy, and the NFL which made a major announcement today to fully support our recovery efforts."

"Three former BYU players, including Vai Sikahema (former Cardinal), Reno Mahe (former Eagle), and Gabe Reid (former Bear), and former Washington State player, Jack Thompson (former Bengal & Buccaneer), are spearheading the effort, and I just want to thank them and the rest of our former and current NFL players for reaching out to FEMA to keep attention focused on our need for assistance. Earlier today, I participated in a conference call with FEMA and the NFL."

In follow-up conversations with my office, Vai Sikehema stated, "As current and former players, we're pulling together our resources to help our countryman. We've gathered a group of former players to travel home to assist in the relief effort, even if it's simply to rally morale, and we are grateful to FEMA, the Red Cross and Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL for their efforts and reaching out to help and bless our people."

"I've informed Vai that we stand by to welcome and receive our NFL friends and truly appreciate what they are doing to keep attention focused on our needs. It is very important that we keep the media focused on this disaster since as fellow Americans we are in need of our nation's support. Even though our fatalities do not number those like in Indonesia and other countries who have suffered massive losses, for the size of our population of only about 60,000, the destruction in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa is overwhelming for us. Our way back will be long and hard, but we are hopeful that our fellow Americans and friends from around the world will continue to be there for us until we fully recover from this devastating tsunami," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 2, 2009

Washington , D.C. -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calls Faleomavaega to extend condolences to American Samoa and Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called him to extend condolences to the people of American Samoa and Samoa.

"I was deeply touched that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took time to call and extended her condolences to the people of American Samoa and Samoa," Faleomavaega said. "In our phone conversation, it was clear that her heart was heavy and that she was sorry to hear about what happened to us and our cousins in Samoa."

"She asked me to convey her sympathies to the victims and families and said she is offering her full support to help us through this devastating crisis. She noted that FEMA is working closely with my office and the Governor's office to provide relief for American Samoa, and that the U.S. Department of State and USAID are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Samoa, as we have requested."

"I informed Secretary Clinton that the first chance I have I will be going to Samoa to determine how we can best assist Samoa in its time of need. She asked me to give her an update and said not to hesitate to contact her."

"I said, 'You will definitely be hearing from me,' and she said, 'Yes, I know.' Secretary Clinton and I had a very warm exchange and I am so proud that she is our Secretary of State. She is the right person to help remake America and restore America's stature at home and abroad."

"Secretary Clinton also told me she had the opportunity to visit with our Pacific Island leaders at the United Nations in New York last week, and I thanked her for her sensitivity and interest in the Pacific region."

"I look forward to working with Secretary Clinton as we begin to rebuild and, once more, I thank her for her thoughtful concern," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- President Obama calls Faleomavaega and Governor to personally convey his condolences to the people of American Samoa, and to check in on tsunami recovery efforts

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that President Obama called him this morning in Pago Pago at 7:50 am local time in response to the recent tsunami that struck American Samoa. The President conveyed condolences and checked in on recovery efforts.

From the moment the phone conversation began, President Obama said, "Eni, I just wanted to see how everything is going over there, and Michelle and I wanted to convey our condolences and sympathies to the victims and families in American Samoa."

President Obama said that he had taken action and activated the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by declaring a major disaster declaration for American Samoa and said he wanted to follow-up to make sure that the federal government was doing its part in a way that met the expectations of the Congressman, the Governor, and the people.

In response to the President's overwhelming support and concern, Faleomavaega said, "Mr. President, I deeply appreciate the condolences you and the First Lady have extended to the people of American Samoa. FEMA is here, and everything is moving forward as it should." Faleomavaega thanked the President that FEMA officials were on island and conducting surveys and responding quickly to the crisis.

Faleomavaega and the President also discussed the loss of life and damage in the Independent State of Samoa. Faleomavaega informed the President about his intent to visit the leaders in Samoa to also assess their situation and requested that humanitarian assistance for Samoa be provided from USAID and the U.S. State Department. The President assured Faleomavaega that Samoa has the full support of the White House and Administration, and that he is closely monitoring the situation.

In closing, Faleomavaega said, "Thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership and your support of our people during this terrible time of tragedy. God bless you. Continue the good work you and the First Lady are doing for our country."

Before ending, the President asked if there was anything else the people needed at this time and offered his full support as American Samoa and Samoa begin the process of rebuilding.

"I cannot thank our President and the First Lady enough for remembering us in their thoughts and prayers, and for taking time to check in on our people," Faleomavaega said. "It is precisely because of the goodness of their hearts and the strength of their character that I supported Barack Obama for President from the beginning. I knew that as President, and with the First Lady by his side, they would bring about change and remake America in a way that would bring about brighter days for all Americans. Our country is blessed to have President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to guide us through difficult times."

"After our call, President Obama even took the time to issue a third statement regarding the crisis in American Samoa. He said:

On behalf of the American people, I want to once again extend my deepest condolences to the people of American Samoa and Samoa for the terrible loss of life and the devastation that took place after the recent earthquake and tsunami. I've spoken to the governor and delegate from American Samoa, and we continue to provide the full support of the federal government for relief efforts there. I have also directed the State Department to provide the assistance necessary to help Samoa recover as well.

"As I previously stated," Faleomavaega concluded, "I am a firm believer that God answers prayers through others. On behalf of the people of American Samoa, I want to once more thank President Obama for all he and the First Lady are doing to help American Samoa and our brothers and sisters in Samoa in our greatest time of need."

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NAME	TEAM	POSITION
	1 HALOTI NGATA
2 DAVID VEIKUNE
3 CHRIS KEMOEATU
4 FILI MOALA
5 FUI VAKAPUNA
6 TAHI NAUFAHU
7 MAAKE MEOEATU
8 FENUKI TUPOU
9 DEUCE LUTUI
10 MOISE FOKOU