Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last October 2013, because of complications due to Agent Orange exposure during my service in Vietnam, I was airlifted from American Samoa to Hawaii where I was not expected to live. Thanks to the prayers offered and the assistance provided on my behalf at a time when I needed it most, I am here today. And so, for historical purposes, I rise to express my gratitude for all those involved in making my evacuation and recovery possible, and to say thank you to the people of American Samoa for giving me the opportunity to serve them in the U.S. House of Representatives from the time they first elected me in 1988 until 2014.

At about 2:30 p.m. Washington, DC time (7:30 a.m. in Pago Pago), on October 24, 2013, my staff in Washington, DC released an official statement informing the people of American Samoa that I had been hospitalized at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center (LBJ) on October 22, 2013. My Washington team learned of my hospitalization on October 23, 2013 through Fili Sagapolutele, a local reporter in American Samoa. Upon learning of my hospitalization, my staff in Washington, DC immediately sought a first-hand assessment of my condition and facilitated a conference call on October 23, 2013 between Dr. Rahim Remtulla of the Office of Attending Physician at the U.S. House of Representatives and medical officer (M.O.) Jerome Amoa who was supervising my care at LBJ. In American Samoa, medical officers are spoken of as doctors and, out of respect and appreciation for the care he provided me, I also use the local terminology when referring to Dr. Amoa, who recently passed away. Dr. Amoa was a true servant of our people and I am forever thankful for him. During his conference call with my staff, Dr. Amoa reported that LBJ did not have the equipment necessary to provide further evaluation of my condition and that a medical evacuation (medevac) was needed. He also reported that I was stable for travel and was not in a life-threatening situation. Because commercial flights from American Samoa only fly to and from Hawaii twice a week, Dr. Amoa stated that he had requested medevac services through the American Samoa Government (ASG) and the local Veterans Administration (VA) in the Territory but that no action had yet been taken due to some confusion about whether or not ASG should request the medevac or if the local VA should since I am a Vietnam veteran. Due to these delays, my Washington staff contacted General Robert Lee, former Adjutant General of the State of Hawaii, who contacted Major General Darryll Wong, the Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii who oversees the Hawaii Air National Guard and who provides direct support to the Office of Veterans Affairs. Based on letters my office obtained from Dr. Amoa and the Office

of Attending Physician, which stated that medevac services were essential, my Washington staff registered a request for medevac services through Colonel Ronald Han, Director of the State of Hawaii's Office of Veterans Services. Colonel Han, General Wong and Governor Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii acted with urgency and immediacy. Within 30 minutes of receiving the request, General Wong and his team put a crew into crew rest to prepare for the medevac flight. In less than 2 hours, General Wong informed my Washington staff that an aircraft would leave Honolulu (HNL) at approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2013, with a doctor, nurse and aero-medical evacuation team in place. My Washington office then began the process of linking the Office of Attending Physician to the aero-medical evacuation team as well as to physicians at Tripler Army Medical Center (Tripler) so that I could be treated in the air and upon arrival at Tripler without delay. After taking these actions on October 23, 2013 and October 24, it was then that my office issued a press release on October 24, 2013 at about 2:30 p.m. Washington, DC time (7:30 a.m. in Pago Pago) announcing that a medevac team would depart from Hawaii at about 8 a.m. Honolulu time on Thursday, October 24, 2013, with scheduled landing in American Samoa the same day at about 1:00 p.m. Pago Pago time. On October 24, 2013, at approximately 5 p.m. DC time (10 a.m. in Pago Pago), while the medevac was already en route to American Samoa, my Washington staff learned in another conference call between Dr. Amoa and Dr. Remtulla that my condition had worsened and that my situation was now critical. When the medevac team reached me, they did not know if I would make it to Tripler alive, but I did and, on behalf of my family, I want to thank everyone involved in my rescue. I thank Governor Lolo Moliga and Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga for the measures they instituted to provide me with the best chance for evacuation and recovery. I also thank the local police department in American Samoa for their fine work, and the late Dr. Amoa and his staff for the care they provided. I also express appreciation to the Office of Attending Physician, including Dr. Brian Monahan and Dr. Rahim Remtulla, who offered extraordinary assistance and support. I thank the Pacific Air Force's 613th Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division and all its components and especially its Aero-medical Evacuation Team, Theatre Patient Movement Requirements Center, and Joint Patient Liaison Office, and the Hawaii Air National Guard maintenance and flight crew for their professionalism and expertise. These heroic men and women went for broke to rescue me. From the planning, execution, coordination down to the aircrew and maintenance personnel and everyone involved, they delivered me to Tripler in better condition than they found me. Upon my arrival at the HNL airport, a true Joint Force team of Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel was on the tarmac ready to transfer me from the airport to Tripler. Even after I was offloaded, the aircraft maintenance men and women worked into the night to offload equipment and bed down the jet. Neither my office nor I expected or requested this kind of outpouring of support. But given the care and love shown for me by our military men and women, I salute the service of all involved. Although words can never express how grateful I am, I would like to honor those who assisted by including their names in the Congressional Record: 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Aero-Medical Evacuation Team: Lt Col Christine Thrasher, MSgt Gregory Moore, TSgt Christine Hill, TSgt Eric Hammerstrom, SSgt Jerry Marquez, SSgt Brittani McClure; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division: Senior Director Lt Col Henry Fairtlough, Major John Lewis, Mr. Paul McDaniel, Major Patrick McClintock; Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center: Col Michael Martin, Maj Joseph Reno, Maj Cynthia Mandac-Clark, Maj Jacob Smith, Capt Amy Sivils, Lt Stephen Meyers, SSgt Maria Velasquez, Sgt Johnny Reynolds, Maj Ryan Gibbons, Maj Kirk Smith, Maj Jacob Smith; JPLO/Joint Patient Liaison Office (members that met the aircraft and transferred me into the ambulance and then to Tripler): HM2 Morgan Orton, Capt Michael Bringas, HM2 Isaac Kargbo, TSgt Delbert Smith; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Mission: Mangers MS. Mary Ann Chock, Mr. David Avigdor, Mr. Jeffrey Frye; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Airlift: Mr. Mark Salondaka, Mr. Matt Mustafaga; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Flight Managers: Mr. Myron Jones, Ms. Eileen Aina, Mr. Stephen Mather, Mr. Rick Dittmer; 613 Air Operations Center/Air Mobility Division Logistics: Mr. Paul Pang, Mr. Walter You, Mr. Ricky Davis; Hawaii Air National Guard: Major General Darryll Wong, Col Rob Hoffman (109th Air Operations Group Commander), Col Duke A. Pirak (154th Operations Group Commander), flight crew members: Capt Kellen Brede, Capt Liliukekulakamaile ``Kula'' Cummings, Capt William Kealaiki, MSgt Kevin Kalani, MSgt Denny Yoshikawa, TSgt Bronson Abellanida, TSgt Callen Cordeiro, TSgt Sterling Nakamura. I also thank Col Paul A. Friedrichs, Pacific Air Forces Command Surgeon and the medical personnel at Pacific Regional Medical Command and Tripler; including Dr. Osborn, Dr. Donald Helman, Dr. Jone Geimer-Flanders and the many other doctors, nurses and personnel who attended to my well-being. I pay special tribute to General Wong who coordinated every detail of my evacuation. I thank him for his leadership, kindness, expertise, for his calm in the eye of a storm, for his compassion, commitment, and faith. Through emails and phone calls, General Wong stayed in direct contact with my Washington staff every step of the way. He worked around the clock, and I publicly express my appreciation to him. I also publicly thank General Robert Lee, former Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii, whose quick action led to my rescue. Bob Lee is my brother and always will be. I also thank General Dennis Doyle, Commanding General of Tripler; Colonel Ronald Han; M. John Condello, Veterans Services Coordinator for the State of Hawaii; and members of their staff. I also thank Hawaii VA Director Wayne L. Pfeffer for the quality service he provides our veterans in Hawaii and American Samoa. I also thank Protocol Officer Joel Jenkins who cared for my family and worked with my staff on my behalf. I thank Tracey A. Betts, Director of the Honolulu VA Regional Office, for her tireless efforts. I also thank Captain Findley and those involved in my medical evacuation from Tripler to Travis Air Force Base in California, including the flight crew, and the doctors and nurses and medical personnel at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto who also aided in my recovery. I recognize Mr. Scott Skiles who served as Liaison for my Congressional office and family while I was at the VA Palo Alto. I pay special tribute to my dear friends, Chairman Li Ka Shing and Ms. Solina Chau, for their visionary philanthropy that includes the Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge at the Stanford School of Medicine, which provides services for our veterans at the VA Palo Alto. I thank Chairman Li and Ms. Chau for caring about America's veterans and for the quiet service they offered on my behalf, which strengthened my family and me during difficult days. I also thank the Stanford Medical team that worked with me. I am also appreciative of the medical staff and personnel at Walter Reed.

I thank my colleagues--both Republicans and Democrats--in the House and Senate for their prayers. We have worked together in close cooperation for many years and I will always be grateful for their steadfast friendship as well as their constant support of the initiatives I put forward for the benefit of the people of American Samoa. I particularly thank Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. We came to know each other through Congressman Phil Burton, who was like a father to me. Leader Pelosi and I have been family since our Burton days, and I am grateful that she has been a part of my life for all these years. I am also very proud that she became the first woman in U.S. history to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. To my friends from around the world, including leaders and diplomats from Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, Korea, China, India, Hong Kong and elsewhere, I also express my gratitude for their support and well wishes. I thank the pastors, priests, parishioners, and also those of my own faith who offered prayers and fasted on my behalf, including Elder Paul Pieper and Elder Gerrit Gong of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Above all, I thank God. I know God loves us. We are His children. From the place of His habitation, He looks down from heaven upon all the inhabitants of the earth (Psalms 33:14), and He hears and answers our prayers. He does so in His own way and in His own time, as the object of prayer ``is not to change the will of God but to secure blessings for ourselves or others that God is already willing to grant but are made conditional on our asking for them.'' I know I am alive today because of prayer and because my appointed days are not yet (Job 14:5). But when my appointed time does come, I will return home to the God who made me with gratitude for the many blessings--especially my family, friends and associates--that He so richly bestowed upon me in this life. I will go, knowing that if a man die he shall live again according to the promise of our Lord (Job 14:14). Whether I go soon or stay for a while, I hope, like Gandhi, my life will be my message. Having grown up in the small village of Vailoatai in American Samoa and having graduated from Kahuku High School in Hawaii, I will always be grateful to the people of American Samoa for the opportunity they gave me to serve them. I thank the late Paramount Chief A.U. Fuimaono, who served as American Samoa's first elected Representative to Washington, DC, for giving me the opportunity to serve as his Chief of Staff from 1973 to 1975. I will always be thankful for all that he taught me. I am also

thankful for the late Congressman Phil Burton, former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Territorial and Insular Affairs, who I served with from 1975 to 1981. During my service as his Staff Counsel, he tasked me with drafting legislation providing for an elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor in American Samoa. Congressman Burton introduced the legislation on June 10, 1976, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed by a landslide vote of 377 to 1. The historical proceedings and debates of the 94th Congress, Second Session related to this legislation were made part of the Congressional Record in Volume 122-Part 18, July 1, 1976 to July 21, 1976 (Pages 21785 to 23276). After the legislation passed the House, instead of sending the bill to the Senate for a vote, Chairman Burton consulted with Secretary of the Interior Rogers C.B. Morton and the two agreed that a Secretariat Order should be issued authorizing the American Samoa Government to pass enabling legislation to provide for an elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Secretariat Order No. 3009 was issued on September 13, 1977 in accordance with the will of the majority of voters in American Samoa who voted in favor of electing their own Governor and Lieutenant Governor in a plebiscite that was held on August 31, 1976. Chairman Burton also tasked me with drafting legislation providing for American Samoa to be represented in the U.S. Congress by a Delegate to the House of Representatives. Chairman Burton introduced this legislation, which later became Public Law 95-556, Oct. 31, 1978-92 Stat. 2078. The historical proceedings and debates of the 95th Congress, Second Session related to this legislation were made part of the Congressional Record in Volume 124-Part 25, October 3, 1978 to October 6, 1978 (Pages 33129 to 34486). I will always be thankful for the opportunity I had to participate in such an historic undertaking for and on behalf of the people of American Samoa.

After I completed my service with Congressman Phil Burton, the late Senate President Paramount Chief Letuli Toloa encouraged me to come home and ``eat the dust and walk on the rocks'' or, as he put it, ai le pefu ma savali le ma'ama'a, meaning come home and more fully feel the suffering and pain of our people so that I might serve them more completely. I followed his advice and served the people of American Samoa as Deputy Attorney General from 1981 to 1984, and as Lieutenant Governor from 1985 to 1988. As I look back over my life, had I not returned to American Samoa to live and serve among our people, it would have been impossible for the people to have entrusted me to represent their interests for nearly four decades. Because of their faith in me, I became the first Asian Pacific American in U.S. history to serve as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. This was an unexpected honor and an honor that belongs only to the people of American Samoa, not to me. When I left for Vietnam in 1967, I was uncertain if I would return alive. By the grace of God, I did return and went on to serve in the Army Reserve as a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps and as a proud member of the 100 Battalion 442 Infantry Reserve Unit, Honolulu, Hawaii. By God's grace, I returned to Vietnam in 2007, for the first time in nearly 40 years after having served in Nha Trang as a young soldier at the height of the Tet Offensive. I returned in my official capacity as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment and, in returning, I found a people I love. This is why I have repeatedly called for the United States to clean up the mess it left behind and do right by the victims of Agent Orange. I was not aware of the many side effects caused by Agent Orange exposure but, now that I know, I urge anyone exposed to seek treatment. Agent Orange is a silent killer. From 1961 to 1971, the U.S. military sprayed more than 11 million gallons of Agent Orange in Vietnam, exposing millions of civilians and soldiers to dioxin, a toxic contaminant known to be one of the deadliest chemicals made by man. I was exposed during my service in Nha Trang. Like hundreds of thousands of veterans in the U.S. and Vietnam, I suffer from the side effects of Agent Orange, including heart and kidney disease. Sadly, many veterans and civilians have lost their lives because of Agent Orange exposure, and many more continue to suffer from its debilitating effects. Before it is too late, it is my sincere hope that the U.S. government will do its part to rectify this problem, and I hope that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives will lead the way.

After serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for all these years, I now go forward with faith. In doing so, I again express my love for the people of American Samoa. I thank them for the opportunity they gave me to wear out my life in their service, and I hope I will be remembered for doing my best. As I begin a new chapter, I thank my staff in American Samoa, especially Faiivae Alex Godinet, as well as my Washington, DC staff, including Dr. Lisa Williams, Vili Le'i, Tavita Richmond, Leilani Pimentel, Ta'afili Sagapolutele and Jennifer Elliott. I thank them for their loyalty and dedication to me, to this institution and to the people of American Samoa. I also thank other members of my staff who served with me in the past and present, and I also recognize Cari Schemm and Cathy Barnhardt whose work I have relied on and appreciated. At this time, I pay special tribute to my wife, Antonina Hinanui Cave Hunkin. I am forever grateful that Hina is my companion in this life and in the life to come. I thank her for standing by my side during my recovery and throughout my many years of service. I love and appreciate her, and I always will. Hina and I express our profound love for our children and their spouses: Temanuata Jessie Tuilua'ai Hunkin and her husband Michael Laussen, Taualaitufanuaimeaatamali'i O'rereao Hunkin and her husband Fredrick Kolotau Vaitu'ulala, Nifae Ra'imana David Hunkin and his wife Malia Ana Jacqueline Rivera, Vaimoana Kealoha Hunkin, Leonne Lia'ina Hunkin and her husband Taufui-e-valu Vakapuna. We also express our love for our grandchildren: Tutehau Jeremiah Torres Hunkin, Leonne Kilisitinakolokiholeva Leigoanaimanuifa'alava Vaitu'ulala, Tamatoa Eni Nakita Vaitu'ulala, Feletiliki Kolotau Sebastiani Vaitu'ulala, Kenzo Kiyozo Nagashima Banno Vaitu'ulala, Taimana Kenese Rivera Hunkin, Taiatea Hinanui Rivera Hunkin, Maiana Vei Hina Taimalietane Vakapuna, and those yet to come. We pay tribute to our late parents, Eni Fa'auaa Hunkin and Taualaitufanuaimeaatamali'i Manu, and David Montague Cave and Georgina Popoua Bambridge. We also extend our love to my sisters, Dr. Salusalumalomamealeleimoleatunu'u Hunkin-Finau, Masinaatoa Magalei, my brother Albert, as well as my siblings Tuilua'ai, Arlene, and Taulauniumaituitagata who have since passed away. We also express our love for my sister Diane, my late sister Suzie, my late brother Felise, and Hina's brothers--Victor Dwight Cave and the late Dexter Buton Cave--as well as our extended families on this side and the other side of the veil. Hina and I believe that the best is yet to come. Until we meet again, Fa'afetai ma ia Soifua.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank our fellow Americans and the people of American Samoa for the opportunity they gave me to serve them.

Having grown up in the small village of Vailoatai in American Samoa and having graduated from Kahuku High School in Hawaii, I never expected that the people of American Samoa would choose me to serve them in the U.S.

House of Representatives from the time they first elected me in 1988 until 2014.

I pay special tribute to them and to the late Paramount Chief A.U. Fuimaono, who served as American Samoa's first elected representative to Washington, D.C. Paramount Chief Fuimaono gave me the opportunity to serve as his chief of staff from 1973 to 1975, and I am grateful for all he taught me.

From 1975 to 1981, it was my honor to serve with the late Congressman Phillip Burton, who was chairman of the House Subcommittee on Territorial and Insular Affairs. During my service as his chief counsel, he instructed me with drafting legislation providing for the first elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa and for American Samoa to be represented by a Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. I will always be grateful and thankful for the opportunity that I had to participate in such an historic undertaking for and on behalf of the people of American Samoa.

After my service with Chairman Burton, the late Senate President, Paramount Chief Letuli Toloa encouraged me to come home and ai le pefu ma savali le ma`ama`a, which means, come back home to ``eat the dust and walk on the rocks'' so that I could feel the people's pains and sufferings and so that I might be able to serve them with more meaningful purpose.

I followed his advice, and as I look back over my life of service, had I not returned to American Samoa to live among our people, it would have been impossible for the people of American Samoa to have entrusted me to serve them for nearly four decades at home and abroad.

As I now leave this great institution, Mr. Speaker, I once more express my love for the people of American Samoa and to all my fellow Americans. I also want to express my love to my dear wife, Antonina Hinanui, who is from Tahiti, and our children for standing beside me throughout my years of service.

I express my love for my late father, Eni Fa`aua`a, Sr., and my dear mother, Taualaitufanuaimeaatamali`i. I also want to thank my siblings for their unwavering support.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I publicly want to thank my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, in the House and the U.S. Senate. We have worked together in close cooperation for many years, and I will always be grateful for their steadfast friendship, as well as their constant support for the initiatives I put forward on behalf of the people of American Samoa.

I especially want to thank our fellow Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. My service with the late Congressman Phillip Burton, who was like a father to me, led to my friendship with Congresswoman Pelosi. Congresswoman Pelosi and I have been family since our Burton days, and I am grateful that she has been a part of my life for all these years.

I am also proud that Congresswoman Pelosi became the first woman in U.S. history to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congresswoman Pelosi will always hold a special place in my heart.

I thank my friends from around the world, including diplomats and world leaders from Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, both North and South Korea, China, India, Hong Kong, and elsewhere, for their friendship and support.

I also want to thank my staff in Washington, D.C., and in American Samoa for their loyalty and dedication to me, to our Nation, and to the people of American Samoa.

Above all, I thank my Heavenly Father for his guidance and protection.

I go forward, Mr. Speaker, knowing that the best is yet to come and hoping that I will be remembered for trying my best. For the times I fell short, I ask for forgiveness.

To each of my colleagues and to you, Mr. Speaker, I extend my kindest and highest regards. May God be with you always. Fa`afetai ma ia Soifua, meaning, in the Samoan language, thank you, and may peace be with you always.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on the timeline regarding the federal minimum wage issue affecting American Samoa as debated and discussed in the U.S. Congress.

When the Democratic Party took control of both houses of

Congress following the 2006 elections, it promised to

increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour in its

``first 100 hours'' on the floor. On January 10, 2007, the

House passes H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, by a

vote of 315-116. CNMI was included in the bill and subject to

annual increases until the Territory reached a rate of $7.25

per hour. American Samoa was excluded from the bill, meaning

Special Industry Committees would continue to determine

increases in American Samoa. False media reports begin to

circulate suggesting Speaker Pelosi excluded American Samoa

from H.R. 2 because Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (EF) is a

Democrat, and because Del Monte is contributing to the

Speaker's campaign. The media also implies that the Fair

Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not apply to American Samoa.

A campaign begins to make American Samoa subject to the $7.25

federal minimum wage standard.

On January 16, EF responds by informing the press and

Members of Congress that the FLSA has applied to American

Samoa since 1938 and that since 1956, under Section 5 and 8

of the FLSA, Special Industry Committees administered by the

Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor have

determined wage rates in American Samoa. EF asks for Special

Industry Committees to continue and for CNMI to be brought

under the Special Industry umbrella. EF also writes to

Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Daniel Akaka and the following

Senators from the Senate Committee on Health, Education,

Labor and Pensions (HELP): Senator Lamar Alexander, Senator

Wayne Allard, Senator Jeff Bingaman, Senator Sherrod Brown,

Senator Richard Burr, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Tom

Coburn, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator Michael B. Enzi (Ranking

Member), Senator Judd Gregg, Senator Tom Harkin, Senator

Orrin Hatch, Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator Edward M.

Kennedy (Chairman), Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Lisa

Murkowski, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Barack Obama,

Senator Jack Reed, Senator Pat Roberts, and Senator Bernie

Sanders. EF also writes to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid,

Rep. George Miller, Chairman, House Committee of Education

and the Workforce, Rep. Howard Buck McKeon, Ranking Member,

House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Speaker

Pelosi. On January 18 and January 19, EF speaks out on the

House floor. On January 22, EF and Senator Inouye write

Senator Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on HELP, in

support of using Special Industry Committees to determine

wage rates for American Samoa and CNMI. On January 24, in an

attempt to make a stink about Democrats' minimum-wage and

territorial voting proposals, House Republicans take to the

Floor wearing white stickers of Charlie the Tuna with a

caption stating ``Something's Fishy!'' EF writes to Secretary

of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. StarKist and Chicken of the

Sea write to EF. On January 30, the Senate passes wage bill.

On February 5, EF writes to conferees in support of

strengthening Special Industry Committees, including Chairman

Kennedy and Ranking Member Enzi of the Senate HELP Committee,

and Ranking Member Howard ``Buck'' McKeon and Chairman Miller

of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. On

March 12, EF writes to Chairman Miller. On March 15, minimum

wage bill is attached to Emergency Iraq War Supplemental

bill. Republican Mark Kirk also offers an amendment to extend

federal minimum wage rates to American Samoa by $0.50 cents

per hour every year until the Territory reaches the mainland

rate of $7.25 per hour. Amendment is accepted by House

Appropriations Committee. On March 15, EF writes to Rep.

David Obey, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations

in opposition to the Kirk amendment. Obey promises that the

issue will be resolved during conference.

On May 11, EF writes to Chairman Miller offering compromise

amendment to the Kirk proposal in which workers would be

provided a one-time increase of $0.50 cents per hour and the

U.S. Department of Labor would be empowered to determine

future increases, though Special Industry Committees would be

abolished. EF writes to Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority

Leader Harry Reid, Senator Inouye, Senator Akaka, and Senator

Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and

Natural Resources. EF also writes to Del Monte CEO Richard

Wolford, forwarding copy of letter and amendment to House and

Senate. EF writes to Chicken of the Sea CEO John Signorino

and Del Monte CEO Richard Wolford to set the record straight

about comments made by Del Monte's Executive Vice President

regarding EF's position on minimum wage. On May 18, EF,

Senator Inouye, Senator Bingaman, Senator Akaka and Rep.

Donna Christensen write to Chairman David Obey and Ranking

Member Jerry Lewis of the House Committee on Appropriations

and Chairman Robert Byrd and Ranking Member Thad Cochran of

the Senate Committee on Appropriations urging support of EF's

amendment but with an initial increase of $0.35 cents per

hour. On May 21, Del Monte CEO Richard Wolford writes to EF

in support of his EF's efforts in Congress to resolve the

challenges regarding the impact of increased wages on tuna

cannery operations in American Samoa. On May 25, conferees do

not accept the proposal but do agree to include EF language

calling upon the U.S. Department of Labor to conduct a study

to determine impact of future increases. Wage hike with

automatic escalator clauses is included in the Iraq War

supplemental spending bill and President George W. Bush signs

it into law on May 25. The first wage increase occurs on June

24.

On June 6, EF writes to Rep. Christensen, Chair of the

House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs

requesting an oversight hearing on the impact of the federal

minimum wage legislation. EF copies his letter to Governor

and Legislature. On June 11, Chicken of the Sea President

John Signorino writes to EF, enclosing copy of letter COS

Senior Vice President Jim Davet wrote to Del Monte and copied

to Governor Togiola. On June 21, EF writes to Thai Union

President Thiraphong Chansiri and copies his letter to

Senator Inouye, Governor Togiola, Lieutenant Governor Sunia,

ASG Legislature, COS President John Signorino, and COS Vice

President of Operations Jim Davet. EF responds to Davet's

comments and requests meeting with Thai Union President

Chansiri. Mr. Chansiri agrees to meet. The same day, EF

writes to COS President John Signorino and sets the record

straight about Mr. Davet's comments. EF encloses a copy of

his letter to Chairwoman Christensen as well as his letter to

Thai Union President Thiraphong Chansiri. EF also writes to

Del Monte CEO Richard Wolford and encloses a copy of his

letter to Rep. Christensen requesting a hearing as soon as

possible. EF writes to Governor Togiola informing him that he

will meet be meeting with StarKist, Chicken of the Sea, Del

Monte, Thai Union and boat owners in San Diego, California

regarding the impact of federal minimum wage law. EF also

informs Governor that he will be meeting with Thai Union

President Thiraphong Chansiri on July 1. EF copies his letter

to Senator Inouye, Lieutenant Governor, and the American

Samoa Legislature.

On July 1, EF meets with Thai Union President Thiraphong

Chansiri in Bangkok, Thailand. On July 24, EF meets with U.S.

Department of Labor officials, including Dr. Ronald Baird,

Chief Economist from the Office of the Assistant Secretary

for Policy, who is tasked to undertake the study mandated by

Congress to determine impact of minimum wage increases. On

July 25, EF writes to Secretary of the Interior Dirk

Kempthorne regarding his meeting with the U.S. Department of

Labor and requesting

support in assisting ASG and CNMI officials in how to collect

the necessary data needed to make determinations about both

economies.

On January 25, 2008, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

releases it report. On January 29, EF introduces H.R. 5154 to

condition further increases in minimum wage on a

determination by the Secretary of Labor. EF writes to

Governor Togiola and provides him with a copy of the DOL

report and informs him that he has introduced H.R. 5154. EF

copies Senator Inouye, U.S. Secretary of the Interior,

Lieutenant Governor, ASG Legislature. On February 12, EF

writes to Paramount Chief Mauga regarding field hearing to be

held in American Samoa regarding impact of minimum wage

increases. On February 14, EF writes to Chairman Miller

regarding H.R. 5154 and thanking him for sending 2

professional staff members to field hearing scheduled to

be held in American Samoa on February 22. On February 22,

Rep. Christensen, Chair of the House Natural Resources

Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, holds field hearing in

American Samoa at EF's request regarding impact of federal

minimum wage increases on American Samoa's economy. EF

testifies before the House Resources Subcommittee on

Insular Affairs. On February 28, EF testifies before the

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources regarding

the Impact of the Recently Increased Minimum Wage in

American Samoa.

On March 14, Chairman Miller writes to EF and raises

concerns about DOL. The same day, EF, Senator Inouye, Senator

Akaka, Senator Bingaman write to Chairman Robert C. Byrd and

Ranking Member Thad Cochran of the Senate Committee on

Appropriations requesting delays in minimum wage. On March

31, Secretary of the Interior to Dirk Kempthorne writes to EF

offering support. On April 3, EF writes to Senator Inouye

thanking him for agreeing to offer an amendment based on H.R.

5154 to delay minimum wage increases and to review further

increases. EF also writes to Senator Bingaman and Senator

Akaka. On April 18, EF writes to Senate Majority Leader Harry

Reid. On April 20, EF writes to Senator Orrin Hatch. On April

22, EF and Governor Fitial write to Senator Kennedy, Senator

Inouye, Senator Bingaman, and Senator Akaka. EF and Governor

Fitial also write to Chairman Miller. On April 24, EF and

Governor Fitial write to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

On May 13, EF and CAPAC members Rep. Mike Honda, Rep. Joseph

Crowley, Rep. Christensen, Rep. Albio Sires, Rep. Solomon

Ortiz, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, Rep. Bennie Thompson, Rep. Neil

Abercrombie, Rep. Al Green, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Rep. Joe

Baca, Rep. Mazie Hirono, and Rep. Hank Johnson write to

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi,

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Chairman David Obey of the

House Appropriations Committee, Chairman Norm Dicks of the

Interior Appropriations Committee, Chairman Miller of the

Education and Workforce Committee, Chairman Kennedy of the

Senate HELP Committee, Senator Inouye, Senator Akaka, and

Chairman Bingaman of the Senate Committee on Energy and

Natural Resources requesting support for delays. On May 21,

Senate passes language in the Emergency Supplemental to

conduct new GAO study. On May 30, the 2nd minimum wage

increase goes into effect. On July 31, EF, Chairman Rahall of

the House Committee on Natural Resources and Rep. Christensen

write to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne

requesting technical assistance funds to conduct

comprehensive economic study of American Samoa. On November

25, EF writes to StarKist regarding announcement to lay off

workers and copies Senator Inouye, Governor Togiola and

Chairman Kim Jae-Chul of the Dongwon Group.

On January 28, 2009, EF writes to Chairman Miller

requesting delays in further increases. On January 30, EF

meets with Senator Inouye and thanks him for agreeing to

include language in H.R. 1, the American Reinvestment and

Recovery Act (ARRA) that would require the GAO to conduct a

new study by April 15, 2010. On February 17, H.R. 1 is signed

into law with 3rd wage increase to go forward and a mandate

for a new GAO report to be released by April 2010. On

February 19, EF writes to Governor Togiola, President of the

Senate Gaoteote, Speaker Savali and asks them to join him in

sending a letter to Chairman Miller requesting a deferment of

the 3rd increase until GAO has time to complete its study. On

February 23, EF holds meeting in his DC office with Governor

Togiola and Governor Fitial for purposes of drafting a letter

and sending a unified message to Congress and the

Administration regarding the need to delay minimum wage. On

February 24, EF, Governor Togiola and Governor Fitial deliver

their letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar

during meeting of Interagency Group on Insular Affairs

(IGIA). On May 7, EF writes to Governor Togiola regarding COS

closure and copies letter to American Samoa Legislature. On

May 30, the 3rd minimum wage increase goes into effect. On

July 24, EF responds to ASG petition to President Obama. On

December 14, House and Senate agree to EF's request to

postpone 4th increase from May 2010 to September 2010 to give

Congress time to act on the GAO study.

On April 8, 2010, GAO releases new study on the impact of

minimum wage hikes in American Samoa and CNMI. On April 30,

EF thanks Chairman Miller for agreeing to his request to

modify minimum wage law based on findings of GAO and copies

Senator Inouye, Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Committee

on Natural Resources, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken

Salazar, Governor Togiola, and the American Samoa

Legislature. On May 5, EF forwards Senator Inouye copy of

letter to Chairman Miller. On May 12, Senator Inouye thanks

EF for copy and assures him of support in Senate. On June 12,

EF and Rep. Sablan of CNMI write to Senator Inouye, Chairman

of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and include language

approved by Chairman Miller that would halt minimum wage

increases in American Samoa for 2010 and 2011 and for CNMI

for 2011 based on GAO report, and asking for inclusion in any

legislative vehicle that might be moving. EF and Rep. Sablan

also write to Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate HELP

Committee, Senator Bingaman, Chairman of Senate Committee on

Energy and Natural Resources, and Chairman David Obey of the

House Committee on Appropriations. On July 27, Senator

Bingaman and Senator Murkowski agree to include EF and Sablan

language in H.R. 934, a CNMI bill already passed by the

House, which is hotlined for Unanimous Consent (UC) in the

Senate. Bill clears Democratic hotline. Republican hold

placed on CNMI provision relating to submerged lands. Rep.

Sablan would not agree to take out his submerged lands

provision. In response, Senator Bingaman and Senator

Murkowski agree to include EF and Sablan minimum wage

language in H.R. 3940, a Guam bill already passed by the

House, which is hotlined for Unanimous Consent in the Senate.

On August 3, EF writes to Senator Bingaman thanking him for

agreeing to include minimum wage language in H.R. 3940. EF

writes to Senator Murkowski thanking her for support. On

August 6, EF provides updates informing public that H.R. 3940

has cleared Democratic holds but Republicans did not have

time enough to review before August recess.

On September 14, House returns from District work period.

UC process begins again. Senator Bingaman and Senator

Murkowski's committee staff inform EF and Sablan that

Democrats have cleared H.R. 3940 for UC. On September 16, at

4 pm, Republican cloakroom informs Democrats that 2 holds

have been placed including one by Senator DeMint (R-SC).

Senate ends business for the day and does not go in Session

on Friday. On September 18, Saturday night, Senator Bingaman

and Senator Murkowski's staff inform EF and Sablan that there

is nothing they can do to overcome Senator DeMint's hold. On

September 20, EF's office contacts Senator DeMint's Chief of

Staff at 10:29 am. At 11:52 am, Senator DeMint's Chief of

Staff responds stating he has forwarded EF information and

comments to policy staff for review. On September 21, at

11:28 am, Senator DeMint's staff informs EF office that

Senator DeMint will agree to let minimum wage section pass,

but expresses concerns about Guam provision. EF office

informs Rep. Bordallo's office of concerns raised about Guam.

Rep. Bordallo's office begins process of working out

compromise regarding Guam provisions. On September 27, at

4:36 pm, Rep. Bordallo's office and Sen DeMint's office reach

agreement on new language regarding Guam provision. On

September 28, at 9:45 am, Senator DeMint's office informs

Republican cloakroom that he has released his hold on H.R.

3940 pending the change in language regarding the Guam

provision. Change is made and H.R. 3940 is hot-lined again.

At 1:36 pm, Democrats begin hotline process. At 3:48 pm,

Democratic staff informs EF and Sablan that Senator Coburn is

raising questions but Senator Murkowski's staff is trying to

resolve his concerns. At 4:13 pm, EF speaks with Senator

Majority Leader Harry Reid asking that bill be placed on

floor for DC once it clears the Democratic and Republican

cloakrooms. However, Senator Murkowski's staff is unable to

clear Senator Coburn's hold. At 4:42 pm, EF office contacts

Senator McCain's office asking for help to release Senator

Coburn's hold. Senator McCain's office agrees. At 5:17 pm, EF

office phones Senator Coburn's office. At 6:03 pm, Senator

Coburn's office informs EF's office that Senator Coburn has

agreed to release his hold. At 6:09 pm, Senator McCain's

office also informs EF office that Senator Coburn has agreed

to release his hold. Senate passes H.R. 3940 by DC. At 10:28

pm, EF sends letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi,

House Majority leader Steny Hoyer, Chairman Miller of the

House and Committee on Education and Labor, Leader and

Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Committee on Natural

Resources requesting that H.R. 3940 be brought to the House

floor for immediate passage.

On September 29, at 8:05 am, EF office phones House

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's Chief of Staff again requesting

that H.R. 3940 be brought to Floor for passage. ML Hoyer's

office states that Republican Leadership must be on board. At

10:33 am, EF office contacts Republican Leader John Boehner's

Chief of Staff, Republican Whip Eric Cantor's Chief of Staff,

Republican Staff Director for Ranking Member John Kline of

the House Committee on Education and Labor, and Republican

Staff Director for Ranking Member Doc Hastings of the House

Committee on Natural Resources, providing copy of EF letter

to Republican leadership. At 10:38 am, EF office contacts

Rep. Flake (R-AZ), member of the Resources Committee and LDS

Member of Church, requesting help in getting support from

Republicans, including Ranking Member Doc Hastings of the

Natural Resources Committee. At 10:39 am, Rep. Flake's office

informs EF office that message will be forwarded to Rep.

Flake. At 12:08 pm, Rep. Flake sends message saying he will

speak to Ranking Member Doc Hastings of Natural Resources

Committee. At 12:31 pm, Republican Leader John Boehner's

Chief of Staff responds thanking EF office for bringing this

to his attention and stating that they will respond

appropriately base on conversations with their two Ranking

Members. At 12:30 pm, EF speaks to Ranking Member Doc

Hastings on House floor, and also Rep. Flake who has also

spoken to Ranking Member Hastings. Ranking Member Hastings

and Ranking Member John Kline of the Education and Labor

Committee agree to let bill go to the Floor by suspension. At

12:38 pm, EF office informs Majority Leader Hoyer's office

that Republicans will agree to let the bill be brought to the

House floor by suspension instead of UC, meaning a voice vote

will be requested and that the measure must win by a vote of

290. At 5:18 pm, ML Hoyer's office agrees to put bill on

House floor. ML Hoyer calls EF. At 8:52 pm, EF office begins

providing Samoa News with regular updates.

On September 30, at 12:19 am, EF office informs Samoa News

that vote is taking place. At 12:27 am, EF issues press

release stating bill passes House by a vote of 386 to 5. At

12:31 am, EF office emails White House requesting assistance

to get bill on President's desk for signature. At 8:00 am,

White House emails EF office thanking EF for flagging the

bill for signature. At 8:36 am, EF office contacts Majority

Leader Hoyer's Chief of Staff requesting assistance to get

the bill from the House to the White House. At 8:40 am, ML

Hoyer's COS states he is working it. At 10:58 am, Majority

Leader Hoyer's Chief of Staff informs EF office that he has

taken the bill to the Clerk's office and that it is at the

Parliamentarian's office awaiting clearance, then it goes to

Speaker Pelosi, then to the Senate, then to the President of

the United States for signature. At 5:06 pm, White House

informs EF that President has signed H.R. 3940. At 5:09 pm,

EF office informs Samoa News bill has been signed. Samoa News

issues breaking news flash. At 5:38 pm, EF issues press

release announcing that bill has been signed into law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information on federal expenditures to American Samoa.

From 1995 to 2001, the amount of federal expenditures from federal agencies to American Samoa totaled over $1 billion. The following is the amount of federal expenditures per year:

1995: $116,008,922

1996: $115,099,073

1997: $174,193,691

1998: $150,888,302

1999: $171,449,811

2000: $175,979,717

2001: $181,203,793

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark S. Myerson for his extraordinary care and skill.

Dr. Myerson is one of the world's foremost experts for foot and ankle surgery. Orthopedic surgeons from around the world turn to him for direction.

Dr. Myerson studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. He did his residency in orthopedics at Sinai Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland. He completed a Fellowship for foot and ankle surgery at the Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York. He founded The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at the Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and now serves as its Medical Director. He is rated among the best doctors in the world.

Dr. Mark Myerson's research and dedication to finding the best solutions for foot and ankle injuries has led to his authoring two foot and ankle textbooks. He also has authored various chapters in scientific textbooks and is published in numerous professional and medical journals.

Dr. Myerson has pioneered surgical techniques that have revolutionized the diagnosis,

treatment and recovery of disorders of the foot and ankle. He provides one-of-a-kind treatment options for foot and ankle injuries ranging from the routine to the complex. From football players to ice skaters, professional athletes have trusted Dr. Myerson to help them return to their elite level of play. Parents have trusted Dr. Myerson's skills in relieving their children's foot and ankle pain associated with rare birth defects. Others, injured in traumatic accidents that crush the foot or ankle, have trusted Dr. Myerson to help them recover from their debilitating injuries. Dr. Myerson has performed many surgeries that have saved and prolonged careers, and led to patients being able to once again enjoy their daily activities.

Many patients believe Dr. Myerson is the best of the best, and so do I. I can never thank Dr. Myerson enough for what he has done for me. Because of his skills, I am able to walk again, and I will always be grateful to God for bringing Dr. Myerson into my life.

On a personal level, I am honored to know Dr. Myerson and his son, Lucas, who interned for me years ago. Both father and son are exceptional men. They share their talents with underprivileged communities and impact lives at home and abroad. I wish Dr. Myerson and his family the very best, and I thank him and his staff for all they do to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on the closure of Samoa Packing in American Samoa.

[Press Release, May 7, 2009]

Faleomavaega Informs Governor That Minimum Wage Is Not the Reason for

Samoa Packing Relocating to Georgia

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that, in a letter

dated May 7, 2009 and in response to Governor Togiola's

letter of May 1, he has informed the Governor that minimum

wage is not the reason for Samoa Packing relocating to

Georgia. The full text of the Congressman's letter, which was

copied to the President and Senators, and the Speaker and

Representatives, is included below.

``Dear Governor Togiola:

I am writing in response to the recent announcement by

Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing that it will close

operations in American Samoa effective September of this

year. I am also writing in response to your letter of May 1,

2009. Enclosed for your information is a copy of my letter of

May 7 to Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Chairman of the Senate

Appropriations Committee, which explains my position

regarding the plant's closure, and my request for his

assistance.

While you have suggested that the cannery is leaving due to

minimum wage increases, the company has made it clear that

minimum wage is only one of many reasons that influenced its

decision and, frankly speaking, I believe minimum wage was

the least of its reasons, especially considering that the

company is relocating to Lyons, Georgia where effective July

24, 2009, minimum wage rates are $7.25 per hour, compared to

American Samoa's current rate of $4.26 and American Samoa's

projected rate of $4.76 per hour effective July 2009.

That Chicken of the Sea would relocate and immediately pay

workers in Georgia double the moneys is not fair to our

Samoan workers who spent the last 50 years making Chicken of

the Sea one of the most profitable brands of canned tuna in

America. It is also not fair that our cannery workers have

been paid way below the national average when the vast

majority of ASG workers have salaries comparable to national

minimum wage standards.

If it is possible to increase salaries of departments by as

much as $10,000, why would ASG leaders not support an

increase of 50-cents per hour for private sector tuna cannery

workers? Regardless of what your position is about the

poorest among us, now is not the time to be pointing fingers.

We need to work together to find a solution, and my office

has already had discussions with the U.S. Department of Labor

(DOL).

Enclosed for your information is a point of contact to

assist you with ASG's application for national emergency

funds to provide job training for our workers. According to

the DOL, the request for this assistance must be made by you,

and must originate from the Governor's office. Your staff may

contact Adri Jayaratne at [email protected] for further

information on how to apply for a national emergency grant.

This information may also be accessed at http:// www.doleta.gov/neg/eligibility.cfm. I will send a letter of

support to the U.S. Secretary of Labor prior to the

submission of ASG's application.

However, before any action can be taken by Congress or the

DOL, I have been informed that ASG will need to provide the

DOL and Congress with documentation showing the legal status

of our cannery workers. Samoa Packing's current workforce

consists of 2,172 active employees of which 274, or 13%, are

American Samoans, 87%, or 1,821 workers are Western Samoans,

and 3.5%, or 77 employees, are other foreign nationals. The

total payroll for all workers for the cannery including

benefits annually is approximately $22-$23 million.

I have been informed that ASG will have to certify the

legal status of our workers at Chicken of the Sea/Samoa

Packing before we can expect federal assistance. Even though

most of our tuna cannery workers are from Western Samoa, many

of them are married to U.S. nationals and U.S. citizens and,

for purposes of helping these families, I am hopeful that you

will send me the necessary immigration documentation showing

that these workers do have legal status so that we may move

forward with assisting them.

I am also hopeful that ASG will inform my office of what

kind of trust fund is in place for our local workers in the

case of unemployment. As you know, after all these years, ASG

has chosen not to participate in the federal Unemployment

Insurance (UI) program. Under terms of the UI program, when

eligible workers lose their jobs, the UI program may provide

them with income support for 6 months based on certain

calculations. These unemployment benefits are paid out of a

federal trust fund. However, the money for the trust fund

comes from taxes States impose on employers.

The State of Hawaii, for example, has protected its workers

by taxing employers like Hawaiian Air. The State of Hawaii

then sends a portion of those taxes to the federal government

to hold in trust for workers who may become unemployed should

Hawaiian Air lay off some of its workers. Once a worker is

laid off, that worker can apply for unemployment benefits and

the federal government will send that worker a check from the

trust fund.

When workers in American Samoa get laid off, they are not

eligible for UI benefits because ASG has not sent any money

to the federal government to hold in trust for our local

workers. Since ASG chose not to have the federal government

hold money in trust, I am hopeful that ASG has held those

funds in trust at the local level from the taxes it has

collected from StarKist and Chicken of the Sea so that our

workers can seek immediate relief and unemployment checks

come September. In the case of layoffs or closures,

unemployment compensation should have been at the heart of

ASG's lease agreements with the canneries.

If ASG has no local trust fund in place, I would hope that

ASG would support my efforts to bring ASG under the federal

umbrella. My office has contacted the House Ways and Means

Committee and I have every intention of working closely with

Chairman Charles Rangel to devise a program that will require

ASG to set aside a portion of the taxes it collects either in

a local or federal trust fund so that future workers will be

protected in the case of layoffs or plant closures. Like

every American, our workers deserve protection, and they are

entitled to peace of mind in knowing that their local

government reserved a portion of taxes for them, in case of

their unemployment. Every State plus Puerto Rico, DC, and the

Virgin Islands provide their workers with this kind of safety

net, and Guam established a modified program It is time for

ASG to follow suit, if it has not done so already.

While I am seeking a $20 million emergency set aside in the

supplemental appropriations bill, and while I will also ask

to increase operations and CIP funding for ASG, I am not sure

how successful federal efforts might be, especially given our

tuna canneries were recently provided with a $33 million

federal income tax break at a time when the United States is

faced with an unprecedented financial crisis. Prior to this

extension, each cannery received over $5 million per year in

federal tax breaks for almost 20 years, which equates to well

over $200 million, not to mention the tax breaks they got for

the 20 or so years preceding this.

Also, in 1999, at cost of $600,000 from the U.S. Congress,

a U.S. Department of the Interior Secretarial Commission was

established to examine American Samoa's economic condition

and make recommendations to ASG and the Department of the

Interior on how to diversify and expand American Samoa's

economy. This was the first time in American Samoa's 100-

year relationship with the United States that a

Secretarial Commission was established.

This Secretarial Commission was supported by Presidents

Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, chaired by the former

Governor of Hawaii John Waihee, and administered by the U.S.

Department of the Interior. You served as a commission

member. I served as an ex officio member.

In conjunction with the people of American Samoa, the

Commission, over about a two-year time period, developed an

economic plan which offered specific recommendations on how

to diversify the Territory's local economy based on the will

of the people. In fact, over 8,000 people were surveyed at

the request of the Commission by the American Samoa Community

College. In April 2002, the Secretarial Commission issued its

final report. To date, the U.S. Department of the Interior

has failed to move forward on this plan and I must say our

local government officials also have not acted.

I will continue to update you regarding my efforts at the

federal level, and I look forward to working with you and the

Fono to discuss possible options and new steps forward.

The Congressman concluded his letter by stating, ``Next

week, I will be meeting with Bumble Bee's top executive, Mr.

Chris Lischewski, and I will keep you apprised of his

insights and interests in American Samoa. Until then, I

continue to wish you the very best.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the passage of a minimum wage delay in 2010 affecting American Samoa.

[Press Release, Sep. 27, 2010]

Faleomavaega Thanks Senator DeMint for Allowing Minimum Wage Delay to

Move Forward by Unanimous Consent

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is

thanking U.S. Senator Jim DeMint for agreeing to allow H.R.

3940, which includes minimum wage delays for American Samoa

and CNMI, to move forward by Unanimous Consent (UC).

H.R. 3940 was originally introduced in the House by

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and cosponsored by the

Delegates to clarify the authority of the Secretary of the

Interior to extend grants and other assistance to facilitate

political status public education programs for the peoples of

the non-self-governing territories of the United States. It

was modified in the Senate to include language to delay

minimum wage increases in American Samoa and the Commonwealth

of the Northern Mariana Islands.

``As I explained in my press release of August 6, 2010,

H.R. 3940 was modified and hot-lined in the Senate. The hot-

lining process is an informal term to describe the procedure

whereby the Leaders inform Senators of their respective party

caucus about changes to the floor schedule and/or proposed

business. Part of the hotline is also to inform Senators of

any unanimous consent (UC) requests the Leaders intend to

eventually make on the floor. It is a way of clearing

legislation by all Senators so that it can actually move to

the floor and be called up, read for a third time, and passed

by UC.''

``H.R. 3940 cleared the hot-line process for the Democrats.

But, the Republicans did not have time to review the bill

before Congress went out of session for the August recess.

When Congress returned in September, a hold was placed on

H.R. 3940 by two Republican Senators. One Republican lifted

his hold and the other, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint of S.C., kept

his hold in place.''

``Since September 20, 2010, my office has been in direct

contact with Senator DeMint's office and by the early morning

of Tuesday, September 21, 2010, Senator DeMint's office

informed my office that they'd be happy to let our minimum

wage provision pass separately,'' Faleomavaega said. ``I did

not announce this publicly because Senator DeMint's office

informed my office that the Guam provisions were a non-

starter for them and, in fairness to Ms. Bordallo, I wanted

to give her every opportunity to work out her provisions

without bringing media attention to the issue.''

``Given the sensitivities surrounding the minimum wage

issue for both Republicans and Democrats, I also did not want

to jeopardize the outcome for American Samoa. In fairness to

Senator DeMint, he also has every reason to seek federal

minimum wage delays in South Carolina because he represents

rural communities that are also struggling to survive. But I

am deeply appreciative that he stood by American Samoa in our

time of need and he has my personal assurances that I will

stand with the people of South Carolina should he ever need

my help and if I'm ever in a position to help him.''

``I also want to personally thank Senator Jeff Bingaman,

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural

Resources, and Senator Lisa Murkowski, Ranking Member. As a

result of their leadership and commitment to this process,

they have hopefully given the American Samoa Government the

time it needs to put together a plan of action to diversify

its economy.''

``Finally, I thank Governor Togiola for his attempts to

help. Although Senator DeMint had already informed my office

that he would let the minimum wage provisions pass

separately, I know Governor Togiola had his heart in the

right place by also reaching out to Senator DeMint.''

``Tomorrow, H.R. 3940 will be hot-lined again and,

hopefully, this time we will clear all holds and delay the

next scheduled increases by September 30, 2010. While I have

mixed emotions about this because I want our workers to

continue to be paid fair wages, I am thankful that our

workers have received a $1.50 per hour increase since minimum

wage increases were mandated in 2007. As our economy

stabilizes and ASG diversifies, I am hopeful that we will

revisit this issue in 2012.''

``Again, I thank all those who have been involved and I am

also pleased that Congresswoman Bordallo was able to work the

compromises she needed for Guam. She and Senator DeMint's

office reached their agreement this evening and Senator

DeMint informed our offices accordingly. This is why we are

able to now speak publicly and inform our constituencies that

Senator DeMint has now released his hold and is allowing H.R.

3940, as revised, to move forward by U/C.''

However, we still must clear the hot-line process again but

I remain hopeful that this will happen before September 30,

2010,'' Faleomavaega concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information on the passage of legislation to increase the number of military academy appointments from American Samoa.

[Press Release, Nov. 24, 2003]

President Signs into Law Legislation Faleomavaega Introduced to

Increase the Number of Military Academy Appointments from American

Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced that President Bush

signed into law today the National Defense Authorization Act

for FY04 which included language Faleomavaega offered to

increase the number of military academy appointments from

American Samoa.

On May 7, 2003, the House Subcommittee on Total Force

unanimously voted in favor of my amendment to increase the

number of military academy appointments from America Samoa to

the U.S. Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy,

and the United States Air Force Academy, Congressman

Faleomavaega said. On May 9, 2003, the Armed Services

Committee also agreed to include this language in the

National Defense Authorization Act of 2004.

This legislation passed the House on May 22, 2003 and the

Senate and the House agreed to the conference report as of

November 12, 2004. I am now pleased that President Bush has

signed this historic legislation into law. As a result of

this new law, American Samoa will be able to send two

students to each service academy. Prior to this law being

passed, American Samoa was only able to send one student to

each academy.

This also means that I will be able to nominate up to

twenty students per academy. Each academy scholarship is

worth approximately $250,000 and each service academy is

ranked among the top rated educational institutions in the

U.S. Given that American Samoa has a population of about

60,000, a per capita income of less than $4,500 and almost

5,000 men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Services, I am

pleased that we may be able to offer more students the

opportunity to attend one of our nations prestigious military

academies.

At this time, I want to thank my colleagues, both

Democratic and Republican, for supporting my initiative to

increase American Samoa's academy appointments and, again, I

commend President Bush for signing this important legislation

into law, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the U.S. Army Reserve Facility in American Samoa.

[Press Release, July 20, 2000]

U.S. Army Reserve Gets Approval to Construct $20 Million Facility at

Tafuna Airport

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) is ready to release to the

American Samoa Government 6.5 acres of land at the Tafuna

Airport so that the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) can begin

construction of its new $20 million training facility.

There was considerable amount of time spent on discussions

between my office, the FAA and the USAR to work out this

deal, and I am just glad that we have resolved it,

Faleomavaega said. With this agreement from the FAA, the ASG

and USAR can now begin the process to secure the property and

enter into detailed lease negotiations.

As it now stands, the FAA has agreed to release the land

from Federal obligation and redesignate the property for non-

aeronautical purposes. The FAA has also agreed to extend a

55-year lease to USAR. For its part, USAR has agreed to pay

fair-market value for the property. Its a win-win for

everybody, Faleomavaega said. Prior to this agreement, the

airport stood to lose Federal funding if ASG leased the site

to USAR at a nominal lease rate. Now that the military has

agreed to pay fair-market value, the airport will retain its

right to Federal funding and will still receive fair-market

rates from USAR. In turn, the military will be able to

construct its $20 million facility on a site that is best-

suited to meet the training needs of our troops.

All that's left is for ASG to submit a formal request to

the FAA Airports Division, Western-Pacific Region to release

the said property, Faleomavaega said. In fact, Mr. Herman C.

Bliss, Manager of the FAA Western Division has already been

notified to expedite the handling of this FAA request and to

coordinate with ASG the preparation and submission of the

release. Beyond the details of the lease agreement,

Faleomavaega also noted Senator Inouyes involvement in

securing funds for construction of the new military facility

in American Samoa. Senator Inouye and I have worked on this

project for the past five years, Faleomavaega said. I am

confident this facility will be both a boon to our economy

and a much-needed and welcome operation.

I thank Senator Inouye for his commitment and assistance

and I also thank Governor Tauese and his staff for their

support in getting this project underway, Faleomavaega said.

I think it's fair to say that we're all looking forward to

groundbreaking and to renewed and strengthened relations with

the United States Army Reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on the passage of the Affordable Care Act and related healthcare funding in American Samoa.

[Press Release, Mar. 25, 2010]

House Passes Final Version of Health Care Legislation, Includes Increase in Medicaid and Health Insurance Exchange for American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that by a vote of

220-207 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final

version of H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education

Reconciliation Act of 2010. The bill now goes to President

Obama for signature.

``As a result of this historic legislation, for the next 9

years American Samoa will receive an increase of $180 million

in its total Medicaid spending cap for a total of $285.5

million,'' Faleomavaega said. ``American Samoa will continue

to receive the 5% increase in its Federal Medical Assistance

Percentage (FMAP) that was signed into law by the President

this past Tuesday. This means that the American Samoa

Government (ASG) will pay 45% of the Medicaid costs while the

federal government pays 55%.''

``This legislation continues to provide $1 billion for the

Territories to participate in the Health Insurance Exchange

program. Each of the Territories will be afforded the option

to participate or transfer their allocation to their Medicaid

program. In this case, if American Samoa chooses not to

participate in the Exchange by 2014, the Territory will

receive an additional $18.75 million for its Medicaid

program.''

``Between 2004 and 2008, ASG has received an estimated $106

million in direct and indirect federal grant funding from the

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As you may

know, ASG receives an additional $23 million per year from

the federal government for the operations of its local

government. ASG continues to be the only State or Territory

that receives federal funding for the operation of its local

government and more than $7 million per year of these

operating funds, provided by the Department of Interior, are

allocated for LBJ and healthcare in the Territory.''

``With the hundreds of millions provided to ASG from the

federal government for healthcare in American Samoa, I have

every confidence that the Fono, together with the local

administration, will work to establish a solid program in

place for our residents who deserve affordable quality

healthcare under the law.''

``Again, I want to thank President Obama and those involved

for making health care affordable for all Americans and for

working with the Congressional Delegates to make certain that

the Territories were included in this historic legislation,''

Faleomavaega concluded.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to especially thank my good friend from New York and the gentlewoman from Florida for their leadership and their support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 714, a resolution I introduced calling for the peaceful and collaborative resolution of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

I thank my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, who have stood with me since 2012 on this issue. I want to especially thank again Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Chairman Steve Chabot for their leadership and support. I also thank Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel for their support and help.

I am so serious about this matter that I have introduced this language as a resolution, as a bill, and now again as a resolution in hopes that the House will take a stand in response to China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to China, I consider myself a fair broker, but it is time for China to stop provoking its neighbors and pursue a course of peace. This is the last resolution I have introduced that the House will consider, and I am proud that this resolution calls for peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

Also, as a matter of observation, Mr. Speaker, two-thirds of the world's population is in the Asia-Pacific region. For years, I have always had a little sense of complaint that it seems that our focus has always been toward Europe and the Middle East. Not that they are not important, but the fact is that issues coming out of the Asia-Pacific region should be given our proper attention.

I have served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee since I first came to the U.S. Congress in 1989. For as long as I have served, it has always been, and continues to be, my belief that the United States should pay more attention to the Asia-Pacific region. As of now, we should pay particular attention to the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

Also, although the United States Government is not a claimant in maritime disputes in either the East China Sea or the South China Sea, the United States has an interest in the peaceful diplomatic resolution of disputed claims in accordance with international law; in freedom of navigation and overflight; and in the free flow of commerce that is free of coercion, intimidation, or the use of force.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the leadership of Vietnam in standing for peace--even when China violated its sovereignty by planting its oil rig, HD-981, in the waters of Vietnam's Exclusive Economic Zone. I also commend Taiwan and Japan for peacefully reaching an agreement to jointly share fishing resources in their overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones through the East China Sea Initiative, which demonstrates that resolutions can be achieved through peaceful means.

Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that we should earnestly seek ways to promote peace, and I thank you for the opportunity I have had to associate with you and our colleagues to carry out our responsibilities in this great Nation.

It has been my distinct honor to serve the people of American Samoa in the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 25 years. I thank them for giving me the opportunity to serve them and this great Nation. I believe I did my best, and I hope I will be remembered for giving all I could to American Samoa and to our great Nation, especially to the Asia-Pacific region, a region that has been too long neglected by our national government.

To borrow the words of Mahatma Gandhi:

I hope my life will be my message.

Mr. Speaker, we will meet again, hopefully, and I extend to each of my colleagues my fondest aloha.

Will the gentleman yield?

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and certainly want to thank him for his most eloquent statements towards me. I feel a little embarrassed by it, but I do want to thank him.

I do want to note, also, that it has been my honor to have served with him and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle very well, on affairs affecting our national interests, our government.

The gentlelady from Florida will note that I have a relative who happens to live in her district. His name happens to be Dwayne Johnson, and if you haven't seen his latest movie, ``Hercules,'' I suggest to my colleagues that you should see the movie ``Hercules'' and see what Samoans are like.

I do want to thank the gentleman again for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following opinion editorial on canned tuna made by child labor.

[From The Hill, Jan. 8, 2014]

Tuna Firms Spar Over School Lunch Access

(By Kevin Bogardus)

The world's largest tuna companies are making a splash in

Washington with a fight over rules that keep some catches out

of school lunches.

StarKist and Tri Marine are clashing with Bumble Bee and

Chicken of the Sea over the Agriculture Department's strict

Buy American standards for where tuna is cleaned, canned and

shipped.

Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea lose under the rules.

Both companies have facilities that process tuna in the

United States, but their product is also cleaned overseas.

Under the USDA standards, their tuna cannot be served in

schools, denying them access to a lucrative market.

StarKist, on the other hand, has a major operation in the

U.S. territory of American Samoa. Tri Marine is building up a

new facility in the territory as well.

The two factions are sparring over language in the House

agricultural appropriations bill that would require the USDA

to issue a report on how the department could revise its Buy

American standards, including ``the option for less than 100

percent of the value of the tuna product be United States

produced.''

The language could be slipped into the omnibus spending

bill that lawmakers aim to release sometimes this week. If it

becomes law, that report could clear the way for Bumble Bee

and Chicken of the Sea to begin selling to schools.

Millions of dollars in government sales are at stake,

including for American Samoa, where tuna is a linchpin of the

island economy.

The fight over the provision has become bitter, with both

sides hurling charges of child labor and inhumane working

conditions at the other.

``I suspect most members don't have the facts yet on where

Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea source their tuna. And if

they would be informed, they would not be supportive of this

language,'' said Jim Bonham, chairman of the government

affairs practice at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

Bonham lobbies for Tri Marine, founded in Singapore, and

StarKist, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh but owned by

Korea's Dongwon Industries. StarKist's tuna qualifies for the

USDA's school nutrition program because it's processed in

American Samoa, and Tri-Marine's catch should as well once

its plant is up and running.

But their competitors want in on the action.

``For years, we have been trying to revise these standards.

So instead of 100 percent U.S. content, we would revise it

down to 80 percent,'' said Jeff Pike, CEO of Pike Associates,

which lobbies for Bumble Bee. ``We are buying fish from U.S.

boats. We are working with U.S. fishermen. We have a U.S.

factory and we are the only U.S.-owned major brand.''

Tuna purchases by the U.S. government represent a

significant chunk of change. The USDA's purchases of canned

and pouched tuna have equaled around $20 million per year

over the past decade.

The provision under scrutiny could upend that market,

critics argue.

``The parameters of the study are so narrow, we know what

the outcome will be. It asks them [the USDA] to come up with

multiple options to erode the Buy American standards,''

Bonham said.

Bumble Bee's advocate contends that changing the standards

would simply bring competition to American Samoa's tuna

industry.

``There is a lot of sympathy for American Samoa. I'm

convinced, even with the change, the government will still

buy tuna from American Samoa,'' Pike said. ``Tuna is high in

protein. Tuna is low in fat. What is your objection to

putting competition into the school lunch program so kids can

eat more tuna fish?''

American Samoa has consolidated lobbying forces to protect

its golden industry. Last summer, StarKist, Tri Marine, the

Chamber of Commerce of American Samoa and others formed the

Stronger Economy for American Samoa Coalition.

The group has worked to promote American Samoa, including

highlighting a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette op-ed by Pittsburgh

Steeler Troy Polamalu that discussed the ``economic

distress'' in the territory.

Mark McCullough, a coalition spokesman, said loosening the

Buy American standards would hurt American Samoa.

``Congress needs to be partnering with the islands' public

and private industry leaders on a new economic development

plan, not costing more Americans their jobs by weakening what

it means to buy America,'' McCullough said.

Del. Eni Faleomavaega (D), American Samoa's delegate on

Capitol Hill, has sought to substitute the report language

with his own measures that would target Bumble Bee and

Chicken of the Sea. One proposal would have USDA study

whether child labor was used to process tuna bought by the

government.

Faleomavaega's aides have given a PowerPoint presentation,

obtained by The Hill, that cites human rights reports that

blast Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea for using Thai

facilities, where workers allegedly suffer terrible

conditions while cleaning tuna.

``It is disgraceful to suggest that poor kids in Asia

should be forced to provide tuna sandwiches for America's

school lunch program. Bumble Beeware! It is time for America

to know the truth about Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea,''

Faleomavaega said in a statement to The Hill.

In opposition to the language, Faleomavaega has sent

letters to select members of the House and Senate Agriculture

panels, Appropriations agriculture subcommittees and to

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). The delegate has

also asked for help from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi

(D-Calif.), according to his office.

``I suspect most consumers don't want to buy child labor

tuna. . . . Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea are kicking a

hornet's nest here,'' Bonham said.

StarKist's critics said the company has used the Thai

plants as well, but its supporters say the company has made

sure not to sell any foreign-processed tuna to the U.S.

government.

StarKist has had to contend with a Food and Drug

Administration ``warning letter'' for poor workplace

conditions in 2011. That halted its tuna sales to the USDA,

but backers of the company say the issue has since been

resolved.

Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea also have their

supporters in Congress. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.)

introduced legislation last year that would loosen the Buy

American standards for tuna.

``It simply provides more flexibility to the Department of

Agriculture's canned tuna purchasing program. The Tuna

Competition Act is designed to bolster domestic industry,''

said Mattie Munoz, a Sanchez spokeswoman.

Bumble Bee has a tuna canning plant in Santa Fe Springs,

Calif.--based in Sanchez's district--that employs more than

300 workers.

``Congresswoman Sanchez is always happy to fight for job

creators in the 38th District. However, it is important to

note that this bill will help US tuna producers nationally,''

Munoz said.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about National Emergency Grant funding in American Samoa.

[Press Release, Oct. 20, 2009]

Faleomavaega Thanks U.S. Department of Labor for Releasing Over $24

Million to Assist Clean-Up and Recovery Efforts in American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the U.S.

Department of Labor has released over $24 million in National

Emergency Grant Funds to assist clean-up and recovery efforts

in American Samoa.

``I want to personally thank my good friend and former

colleague, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, for releasing

more than $24 million in National Emergency Grant funds to

help American Samoa rebuild,'' Faleomavaega said. ``The

people of American Samoa are deeply appreciative of the

support we are receiving from the federal government in the

aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck our

islands on September 29, and I thank the Obama

Administration, the U.S. Congress, FEMA, Secretary Solis, and

all others for standing with us as we begin the long and

difficult process of rebuilding our homes and lives.''

``I also want to thank Senator Inouye and Senator Akaka for

their unwavering support. Earlier today, we released a joint

statement applauding Secretary Solis' decision to release

more than $24 million in aid and, during these trying times,

I want to thank both Senators for their heartfelt words and

condolences.''

``With the outpouring of prayers being offered in our

behalf, I have every confidence that American Samoa will

rebuild but we will never be the same without the ones we

have lost. This is why I continue to convey my condolences to

the families and friends who have lost loved ones, and pledge

to do all I can as we work to recover.''

The full text of the U.S. Department of Labor's

notification, which was sent to Faleomavaega, Senator Inouye,

Senator Akaka, and to members of the Congressional Asian

Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), of which Faleomavaega serves

as Vice-Chair, is included below:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about efforts to establish a National Guard presence in American Samoa.

[Press Release, Sept. 28, 2005]

Faleomavaega Requests Expedited Assistance in Establishing a Hawaii

National Guard Presence in American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that as a follow

up to his discussions with Major General Robert Lee, Adjutant

General for the State of Hawaii, he is requesting expedited

assistance in establishing a Hawaii National Guard presence

in American Samoa.

General Lee and I have been discussing how best to

establish a National Guard Unit in American Samoa,

Congressman Faleomavaega said. We have agreed that the best

way is to establish a branch of the Hawaii National Guard in

American Samoa. Governor Linda Lingle of the State of Hawaii

supports our efforts as does Governor Togiola.

At this time, General Lee and I have agreed that it is in

the best interest of American Samoa that our Guard unit

should be a weapons of mass destruction and civil support

team which will respond to terrorist threats and natural

disasters. Our team will be locally recruited in American

Samoa and will be based in the Territory.

The only remaining issue is that we must encourage the

National Guard Bureau to expedite our request. The Bureau has

been working on this request for more than a year and, for

this reason, I have written to General Lee and asked for his

assistance. General Lee is the Commander of all National

Guard Units for the State of Hawaii and our branch would be

under his Command.

Once our request is approved, ASG will need to enter into a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Hawaii.

Governor Linda Lingle and Governor Togiola stand ready to

sign this MOU and I am hopeful that with our latest efforts

this will be in the very near future.

As always, I thank General Lee for his continued support

for the people and troops of American Samoa. General Lee is

to be commended for his dedication, commitment and

leadership. I also thank Governor Lingle for without her

support we could not move forward in establishing a branch of

the Hawaii National Guard in American Samoa. I also thank

Governor Togiola and, above all, I thank our military men and

women for their service to our country, the Congressman

concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's authorization of emergency relief supplies to Samoa in response to the devastating tsunami of September 29, 2009.

[Press Release, Oct. 10, 2009]

Secretary Clinton Gets It Done; Emergency Relief Supplies To Be

Airlifted from Greater Los Angeles Area to Samoa in Response to

Devastating Tsunami

Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the

Global Environment, Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and

Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-CA), announced today that

the U.S. Department of State called them this morning to

inform them that Secretary Clinton has authorized the use of

funds from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)

to get emergency relief supplies airlifted from the greater

Los Angeles area to Samoa in response to the devastating

tsunami that struck Apia on September 29.

In his capacity as Chairman of the Asia Pacific

Subcommittee which has broad jurisdiction for U.S. foreign

policy affecting the region, including Samoa, Chairman

Faleomavaega personally spoke to Secretary Clinton on Oct 1

and, in letters dated Oct 4 and Oct 5, followed up with her

regarding the specific need to airlift emergency supplies to

Apia, which were gathered by the Samoan communities and

congregations in the greater Los Angeles area.

The Samoan communities in the greater Los Angeles directly

contacted Faleomavaega for assistance because many of their

families and relatives live in his district of American Samoa

or Samoa. Congresswoman Laura Richardson has worked closely

with Faleomavaega throughout this process given that she

represents part of the greater Los Angeles area, and the

Samoan communities living in that area are her constituents.

``I want to personally thank Secretary Clinton for her

untiring efforts in getting these relief supplies

airlifted,'' Chairman Faleomavaega said. ``Since the tsunami

struck, Secretary Clinton has spared no effort in coming to

our aid, and even called upon the U.S. Department of Defense

(DOD) to quickly move these supplies from the West Coast to

Samoa. Last evening, Congresswoman Richardson and I learned

that DOD had agreed to move the supplies but that due to

legalities of moving privately-donated goods, the process

would take too long.''

``In a previous conference call yesterday, anticipating

that DOD might be unable to quickly move these supplies, we

requested the State Department to fund a commercial flight

through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance should we

encounter any problems with DOD,'' Faleomavaega and Rep.

Richardson said. ``Last night, upon learning that the DOD

process would take too long and in consideration of our

request for a more immediate airlift, Secretary Clinton

assessed the options while en route to Europe, and this

morning the State Department informed us that Secretary

Clinton has agreed to fund the flight with OFDA funds.''

``The agreement is that this will be a one-time airlift,

and our Samoan communities should make future donations in

cash, rather than in commodities. We will not be able to

airlift frozen goods, and our offices will work closely with

the communities to gather the supplies to a central location

for the airlift. Also, the airlift provided by the U.S.

Department of State can only be authorized to land in Samoa.

While we were also hopeful to get supplies in to American

Samoa, all matters relating to American Samoa are decided

between the Governor and FEMA, according to federal law.''

``I know from my meeting earlier this week with Prime

Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi that he is thankful to

the Samoan congregations and communities in the greater Los

Angeles area who responded from the heart by collecting

critical supplies that will now be airlifted to those in

need,'' Faleomavaega said. ``For this reason, I want to thank

the Prime Minister for agreeing to accept this gift, and I

also want to thank Reverend Liki Tiatia, Reverend John Mailo,

Reverend Misipouena Tagaloa, and High Chief Loa Pele Faletogo

for all the good work they have done. Reverend Tiatia and

Reverend Mailo will be taking a flight to Samoa to make the

presentation to the Government of Samoa on behalf of our

Samoan community on the West Coast and also on behalf of

Congresswoman Richardson and myself.''

``I especially want to thank Congresswoman Richardson for

working around the clock in support of our Samoan communities

living in her district, and in Samoa and American Samoa,''

Faleomavaega continued. ``Congresswoman Richardson has stood

by us every step of the way and has left no stone unturned in

getting this done. She has been staunch and solid in her

dedication to us, and has earned her rightful place in our

hearts. It is my honor to welcome Congresswoman Richardson

into our Pacific Island family.''

``With so many people in need of basic supplies in Samoa,

it has been a privilege to work with Chairman Faleomavaega to

assist the people of my district in making sure the items

they have collected will soon be in the hands of their

families and friends,'' Congresswoman Richardson said. ``This

feat is only possible because of the dedication of Chairman

Faleomavaega and Secretary Clinton. Over 60 local

organizations in the 37th district of California, including

church groups, non-profit organizations and caring others

collected over 100,000 pounds of essential items to send to

victims of the tragedy that recently occurred. The lives of

thousands of Samoans will be immediately and directly

improved by the actions taken by Secretary Clinton, Chairman

Faleomavaega and all of us who answered the call to help. I

am proud to be a part of this exceptional team.''

``It is clear that change has come and that Secretary

Clinton is restoring America's stature once again, especially

in a part of the world that the U.S. has too long neglected.

We thank Secretary Clinton for her leadership and commitment,

and for standing with the people of Samoa when they need her

most, and we continue to extend our deepest condolences to

the families and friends of those who are suffering so

much,'' Faleomavaega and Rep. Richardson concluded.