Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the passage of a bill to provide the American Samoa Government the authority to issue bonds exempt from state and local taxation.

[Press Release, Nov. 5, 2003]

House Passes Faleomavaega Bill To Provide ASG Authority To Issue Bonds

Exempt From State and Local Taxation

Congressman Faleomavaega announced that on November 4, 2003

the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R.

982, a bill he introduced to provide the American Samoa

Government with the authority to issue bonds exempt from

state and federal taxation.

I would like to thank Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member

Rahall of the Resources Committee and Chairman Sensenbrenner

and Ranking Member Conyers of the Judiciary Committee for

their continued support regarding the needs of American Samoa

and for their efforts to bring H.R. 982 to the Floor,

Congressman Faleomavaega said. H.R. 982 would amend the U.S.

Code to allow interest earned from American Samoa bonds to be

exempt from both state and local taxation.

Under the U.S. Code, Congress has expressly provided for

the exemption of state and local taxes for bonds issued by

Guam, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Northern

Mariana Islands. While American Samoa can issue bonds similar

to the other territories, the interest earned from American

Samoa bonds is subject to taxation by the several States,

Washington, DC and the other territories. H.R. 982 would

provide parity to American Samoa.

H.R. 982 will also make American Samoa bonds more

attractive to investors and could save the American Samoa

Government between $20,000 and $50,000 a year in interest

costs on municipal bonds it may issue, the Congressman said.

The American Samoa Power Authority has indicated that it

would like to sell bonds to purchase new diesel generator

sets to accommodate our growing population. This legislation

would lower the interest costs of the prospective sales and

will also enable the government to address deficiencies in

its current infrastructure.

This legislation is identical to H.R. 1448 which I

introduced in the 107th Congress. H.R. 1448 was adopted by

the Judiciary and Resources Committees and was finally agreed

to by voice vote on the House Floor on September 24, 2002.

Unfortunately, the Senate was unable to consider this

legislation before the 107th Congress adjourned.

However, the Judiciary and Resources Committees once again

supported American Samoa's interests by unanimously passing

H.R. 982 in the 108th Congress and I am thankful that my

friends, both Republican and Democrat, also voted in favor of

H.R. 982 when this matter was brought to the Floor for

consideration. This legislation is beneficial and critical to

the needs of American Samoa and in due time will help us

build and strengthen our local economy.

At this time, I also want to thank Governor Togiola for his

support and I look forward to working with my friends in the

U.S. Senate to make sure that this legislation is passed

before the 108th Congress adjourns next year, the Congressman

concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information about the citizenship issue in American Samoa.

[Press Release, June 11, 2008]

Washington, D.C.--Faleomavaega Responds to Governor Togiola's Comments

About Citizenship Legislation

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is

clarifying the intent of H.R. 6191, a bill he introduced to

make it easier for U.S. nationals living in American Samoa to

become U.S. citizens, if they so choose.

``Recently, the Governor has publicly expressed that he

strongly opposes the legislation and, while I respect his

right to oppose, I disagree with his position,'' Faleomavaega

said. ``Also, given that the Governor has made statements

that are not factual, I believe it is important to clear up

the misinformation he has relayed to the newspapers and

radio.''

``First, Governor Togiola states that H.R. 6191 will force

U.S. citizenship on U.S. nationals. This is not true. H.R.

6191 is about choice, not force, and only applies to those

U.S. nationals living in American Samoa who choose to become

U.S. citizens if they wish to apply.''

``Secondly, the Governor states that this legislation is

contrary to the findings of the Future Political Status Study

Commission which recommended that American Samoa not seek

U.S. citizenship for its people at this time. Again, this is

false. H.R. 6191 does not make citizenship automatic for

American Samoa's people. H.R. 6191, which my staff hand-

delivered to Governor Togiola's office on June 7, 2008,

states that the intent of this legislation is to allow

nationals to become citizens by more expeditious means. In

other words, it speeds up the process. It does not make

citizenship automatic.''

``For those nationals who choose to become citizens, H.R.

6191 speeds up the process by doing away with certain

requirements and treating nationals like nationals rather

than foreigners. As the law now stands, in order for a

national to become a citizen, our people must follow the same

procedures as aliens, or foreigners, and this is not right

since nationals owe permanent allegiance to the United

States.''

``For nationals living in American Samoa, it is not right

that our people are currently required to pass an English

proficiency and civics exam given that American Samoa's

education system is patterned after that of public schools in

the U.S.''

``Also, our people should not be required, as they now are,

to move to the mainland to pass the residency requirement.

Our people already live in a U.S. Territory and should not be

subjected to the financial hardship and burdens of moving to

California or Hawaii or elsewhere just to establish

residency. While the Governor may believe that our people

should be treated like foreigners and forced to move and take

exams, I do not and this is where we disagree.''

``I believe the provisions of physical residency and exams

should be waived, and this is what H.R. 6191 does. H.R. 6191

waives the requirements of physical residency but keeps in

place all other provisions of section 316 as to good moral

character, etc. H.R. 6191 also makes sure that U.S. nationals

are required to file an application, complete an interview,

be fingerprinted, take an oath and meet all other

requirements as expressed in the Immigration and Nationality

Act.''

``Regarding the Governor's concerns about H.R. 6191 opening

up the floodgate to foreigners, I am pleased that after all

these years the Governor has finally agreed to stop the flow

of foreigners entering the territory if H.R. 6191 is passed.

If H.R. 6191 accomplishes nothing else, it has been well

worth the effort because ASG should have closed

the floodgate years ago. ASG's weak immigration and corporate

laws, which allow for sponsorship of foreigners, like

Daewoosa, who set up shop and send their money back home,

have brought embarrassment to our Territory and jeopardized

our communal lands and customs. If ASG does not clean up its

mess and establish fair laws for fair business, our people

will lose everything.''

``Regarding the Governor's point that he believes H.R. 6191

will lead to our people being drafted in the U.S. military, I

would respectfully suggest that he review H.R. 6191. H.R.

6191 does not make anyone subject to the draft.''

``Finally, like the Governor, I welcome input, and I

introduced this legislation based on the input of the people.

Many of our people have requested my assistance because, like

me, they believe U.S. nationals who choose to become citizens

should be able to do so without being treated like foreigners

in the process. This is why I introduced H.R. 6191, and stand

by it, and intend to open it up for nationals living in the

U.S. as well,'' Faleomavaega concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information on the political status of American Samoa.

[Press Release, Oct. 2, 2006]

Faleomavaega Testifies Before Political Status Commission

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he testified

before the American Samoa Political Status Commission in a

hearing held on Saturday, September 29, 2006 at BYU-Hawaii in

Laie, Hawaii.

I believe the work of this commission is critical for

American Samoas political future, Faleomavaega said. I am

honored to provide input as the commissioners deliberate our

political status options.

In my opinion, before we get too far ahead of ourselves in

examining our political options we need to look inward to

resolve some lingering ambiguities regarding our current

territorial status. Currently, American Samoas political

relationship with the United States is governed by the two

Treaties or Deeds of Cession signed in 1900 (Tutuila) and

1904 (Manua). These documents provide no clear protections

for our culture, no clear guidance for our relationship with

the United States, and no expression of political unity

between our own islands.

To me, it makes sense that we should address these issues

first before we can develop a roadmap for our future.

Otherwise, unresolved questions will always remain regarding

our internal (Tutuila and Manua) and external (with the

United States) political relationships.

One source of ambiguity in these documents is that, in a

Samoan context, this was understood to be a treaty of

cession, rather than a deed of cession. In the Samoan version

of these documents, our chiefs used the term feagaiga, which

means treaty, but in the English version, the word treaty is

never mentioned. To our Samoan chiefs this treaty

relationship meant that Samoans would maintain a measure of

autonomy the terms of the agreement allowed the U.S. the

right to use the land and the harbor, in exchange for

providing protection against hostile nations. Viewed as a

deed, however, this agreement would have meant that the

chiefs were giving over the land as well as their sovereignty

over the land. The problem inherent in this ambiguity is that

a deed of cession offers our people something less than the

sovereign status that a treaty would provide, and in fact the

term deed implies ownership of property rather than a sense

of the rights and privileges of a sovereign people.

Another source of ambiguity related to these two treaties/

deeds is that they were negotiated separately between the

United States and each of the island groups. Because these

two instruments were two separate acts, by themselves they

did not unite American Samoa into one political entity.

Therefore, the fact remains that to this day, there is no

officially declared political union between the island groups

of Tutuila and Manua, only separate understandings with the

United States.

Furthermore, despite what others may have said was the

understanding in the past, these treaties do not provide for

the protection of the basic rights of American Samoas people.

While these two treaties have proven instrumental in

providing stability to the people of American Samoa for the

past 106 years, the deeds do not cover many of the most basic

issues of concern for our people, such as citizenship,

immigration, international trade and commerce, national

security, marine and communal property rights, or membership

in international organizations, to name a few. Rather than

being instruments that express some vague obligation on the

part of the United States to protect our culture, I see these

two treaties as asserting United States sovereignty over our

lands and our lives.

While the Deeds of Cession still stand as the basis upon

which American Samoa can claim a political relationship with

the United States, there is still some confusion even within

the United States government as to the effect of these two

treaties. A review of the U.S. Department of State listing of

U.S. treaties in force makes no mention of any treaty

existing between the United States and the island groups of

Tutuila and Manua.

Also, as a current conflict in federal law illustrates, the

U.S. Congress has its own problems in defining the U.S.

relationship with American Samoa. The U.S. Congress approved

these documents under the 1929 Ratification Act (48 U.S.C.

1661). Section 1661 states as follows:

Until Congress shall provide for the government of such

islands, all civil, judicial, and military powers shall be

vested in such person or persons and shall be exercised in

such manner as the President of the United States shall

direct; and the President shall have power to remove said

officers and fill the vacancies so occasioned. (emphasis

added)

Congress did not ratify the 1900 and 1904 Deeds until 1929,

and then delegated its constitutional authority to administer

the territory to the President, who transferred the

administration of American Samoa to the Secretary of the

Navy, primarily because the U.S. wished to establish a naval

station in Pago Pago Bay.

In 1951, President Truman transferred the administration of

American Samoa to the Secretary of the Interior. The transfer

of all administrative, judicial, and military authority from

the Congress to the President has not been amended since

1929. Notwithstanding this 1929 law delegating authority over

the territory to the President, in 1984 Congress passed a

bill, signed into law by the President (Pub. L. 98-213,

codified at 48 U.S.C. 1662a), that now requires congressional

approval of any amendment to the territory's constitution. In

view of this new law, several questions and problems are now

being raised. First, why does American Samoa now require

Congressional approval of any amendments to its territorial

constitution when Congress never expressly approved the

territorial constitution to begin with? Second, there are

several provisions in our territorial constitution that would

raise serious constitutional issues that Congress has not yet

addressed. In fact, it is questionable if Congress would

approve such provisions in light of the U.S. Constitution.

Unfortunately, Congress has never fully examined the

contradictions between these two statutes.

The question here is whether the territorial constitution

should be subject to congressional or presidential authority.

If the authority is congressional, the 1929 law should be

amended to rescind the authority delegated to the President;

if the authority is presidential, the 1984 law should be

rescinded and the approval of changes to our constitution

should be returned to the complete authority of the President

via the Secretary of the Interior. In either case, we have to

face the fact that our present constitution and our current

measure of sovereignty are nothing more than an extension of

the presidential power of the Secretary of the Interior.

As we discuss our possible options in our quest for a

greater measure of self-government, where are we now in our

relationship with the United States? American Samoa is

described as an unorganized and unincorporated territory of

the United States. American Samoa is considered unorganized

because since 1929 Congress has not officially organized a

government for the separate island kingdoms of Tutuila and

Manua under one organic act. Our territory is unincorporated

because, according to Supreme Court decisions regarding the

constitutional rights of insular territories, Congress has

never intended to incorporate American Samoa into the Union.

From 1900 to 1951, the U.S., through the Department of the

Navy, appointed military officers to govern the affairs of

the islands. According to the 1921 Codification of the

Regulations and Orders of the Government of American Samoa,

on May 1, 1900 Commander Benjamin Tilley, the first naval

commandant of Tutuila and Manua, declared that the

Governor, for the time being, of American Samoa is the

head of the Government. For fifty-one years, this self-

made regulation governed American Samoas course with one

appointed Naval Governor after another acting as the maker

of all laws and appointments with little regard for the

will of the people. During this period of martial law

there were no elected leaders.

With the transfer of power in 1951 to the Department of the

Interior, American Samoa experienced little more than a

transition from military to civilian rule. Civilian-appointed

governors still had full authority over island affairs. In

the 1960s a territorial constitution was drafted and there

began to be some involvement from the Samoan Legislature. One

unintended consequence of the law passed in 1984 requiring

Congressional approval of amendments to the American Samoa

constitution is that, whereas between 1960 and 1984 our local

leaders had extensive practice at constitution-writing, after

the law was passed this practice ceased. To date, the final

steps toward some measure of self-government were taken when

in 1977 the first Governor was elected by popular vote and in

1980 when American Samoa elected its first Delegate to the

U.S. Congress.

Given this background and history of our political

relationship with the United States, Faleomavaega offered the

following recommendations. First, Tutuila and Manua must

officially declare a union as one political entity or

governing body, thereby sanctioning its authority to deal

with the United States as we negotiate our future status.

This would address one of the major shortcomings of the

separately negotiated Deeds of Cession.

Second, I would recommend that a national convention be

called to deliberate the specific provisions of the 1900 and

1904 Deeds of Cession. As I mentioned, these Deeds do not

provide any real protection for our communal lands and

culture as our forefathers intended. I believe we need to

formulate a statement of principles underlining our desire to

either amend certain provisions of the two deeds or establish

an entirely new agreement with the United States. The

provisions of any such agreement should define our political

relationship with the United States, whether it is a covenant

status like the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,

free association status like the Federated States of

Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, commonwealth

status like Puerto Rico, or even an Organic Act such as the

one governing Guams relationship with the United States.

Third, once we have defined what American Samoas

relationship should be with the United States under the terms

of an agreement that is agreeable to both sides, the

leadership of Samoa should then call a constitutional

convention and organize a government based upon the terms and

conditions outlined in the agreement, not the U.S.

Constitution. Moreover, I believe this must be done as soon

as possible the longer this uncertainty surrounding these two

Deeds remains, the further we drift from our forefathers

treaty intentions and risk the erosion of our culture, of

becoming less Samoan and more American or, in other words,

Americans of Samoan ancestry. As it stands, we cannot claim

loyalty to the United States and at the same time refuse to

apply federal standards that are incompatible with our local

traditions and land-tenure system.

To summarize, Faleomavaega said, what I asked of the

esteemed members of the Political Status Study Commission is

that, before they become too deeply involved in examining all

possible future options, they focus first on clarifying the

original sources of authority underpinning our current

political relationship with the United States, the two Deeds

of Cession, as a foundation for a unified approach to

determining our political future.

The full text of the Treaties/Deeds of Cession, in English

and Samoan, as well as the 1929 and 1983 laws discussed in

the Congressmans statement are available on Congressman

Faleomavaega's website at www.house.gov/faleomavaega/ historical.shtml ____

[Press Release, May 24, 2007]

Future Political Status Study Commission Report Now Available Online

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that a copy of the

Future Political Status Study Commission Report is now

available online for the public and particularly members of

the Samoan community all around the world to read.

``Many people in our Samoan community, especially those

residing outside of American Samoa, have contacted my office

to request copies of or to find out how to obtain a copy of

the Future Political Status Study Commission Report,''

Faleomavaega said. ``So, I am pleased to inform everyone that

a copy of the report is now available online on my website

and on the American Samoa Governor's website for anyone to

read.''

``I want to congratulate and thank The Honorable Tufele

Li'amatua--Chairman, The Honorable Tuaolo Fruean--Vice

Chairman, High Talking Chief Fofo Sunia--Executive Director,

and all the Commissioners and staff of the Future Political

Status Study Commission for the tremendous work they did in

completing this report.''

``Now that we have the report, everyone concerned should

take time to thoroughly review the Commission's

recommendations, especially our Fono and the Administration.

As I have stated before, I believe the next logical step in

this important process is for the Fono to conduct hearings to

discuss the different recommendations made by the Commission.

Only after such a careful review and discussion I feel we

should proceed to the next steps or implementation,''

Faleomavaega concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the U.S. Treasury's $20.4 million stimulus payout to qualifying residents in American Samoa.

[Press Release, Apr. 28, 2008]

U.S. Treasury Sending $20.4 Million to ASG To Pay Out Economic Stimulus

Payments to Qualifying Residents

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the American

Samoa Government will receive $20.4 million from the U.S.

Department of Treasury to be paid out to qualifying residents

as part of the Economic Stimulus Package that was signed into

law to jumpstart the economy.

Faleomavaega and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo urged the

Leadership of the House and Senate to include the Territories

in the stimulus package and make child tax credits and tax

rebates available to qualifying residents. The Members were

successful in their efforts and, prior to the bill being

signed into law, in a letter dated January 29, 2008,

Faleomavaega informed Governor Togiola and the Fono that, for

American Samoa, the U.S. Treasury would send a check of an

estimated amount and ASG must have a plan approved promptly

to disburse the money quickly.

In a joint letter dated February 15, 2008 to Secretary

Henry M. Paulson of the Department of Treasury, Faleomavaega

along with Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Congresswoman

Donna Christensen, and Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuno

also urged the Secretary to implement an arrangement that

will provide for the funds to be transferred in advance of

the actual payouts of the rebates.

``Today, Secretary Paulson has honored our request and I

thank him for informing my office that he has accepted ASG's

plan for distributing stimulus payments to residents of

American Samoa, and that ASG will receive a check for $20.4

million in order to payout tax rebates and child tax credits

to those who qualify,'' Faleomavaega said. ``This payment is

in accordance of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 that was

signed by the President on February 13, 2008.''

``The stimulus package was easily passed by both the House

and Senate and I, again, thank Chairman Charles Rangel of the

House Committee on Ways and Means and Chairman Max Baucus of

the Senate Finance Committee for supporting our request to

include the territories in the Economic Stimulus Act of

2008.''

``I also commend Governor Togiola and our local Tax Office

for acting quickly and submitting a plan that has been

approved by the U.S. Treasury. I am especially pleased that

the people of American Samoa will benefit from these rebates

which will help bolster our local economy,'' Faleomavaega

concluded.

The full text of Secretary Paulson's letter of April 28

informing Governor Togiola of the approval of ASG's

Distribution Plan was forwarded to Faleomavaega's office by

the U.S. Department of Treasury and follows:

Dear Governor Tulafono:

Thank you for your letter of April 23, 2008, submitting the

Distribution Plan for the Recovery Rebates (the Plan) in

American Samoa. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, P.L. 110-

185 (the Act), requires that I approve American Samoa's plan

for distributing stimulus payments to residents of American

Samoa. The Act also requires that once such a plan is

approved, the Treasury Department make a payment to American

Samoa in an amount estimated as being equal to the aggregate

benefits that would have been provided to residents of

American Samoa by reason of the amendments made to the

Internal Revenue Code by section 101(c) of the Act if a

``mirror code'' tax system had been in effect in American

Samoa.

In accordance with the Act, I approve the Plan, a copy of

which is enclosed. Also, we have estimated the aggregate

benefits that would have been provided to residents of

American Samoa by reason of section 101(c) of the Act if a

mirror code tax system had been in effect in American Samoa

at $20.4 million. A payment in this amount will be made by

the Treasury Department to American Samoa to fund the prompt

distribution of stimulus payments to resident of American

Samoa pursuant to the Plan.

Sincerely,

Henry M. Paulson, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on Senate and House hearings on a bill to protect the voting rights of American Samoa's active duty service members and overseas voters.

[Press Release, July 14, 2004]

Senate Holds Hearing on Faleomavaega Bill To Protect Voting Rights of

Active Duty Service Members and Overseas Voters

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the Senate

Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and

Forests held a hearing on H.R. 2010, a bill he introduced to

protect the voting rights of active duty service members and

overseas voters whose home of residence is American Samoa.

At this time, I want to thank Chairman Larry Craig and

Ranking Member Ron Wyden for holding this hearing and for

entering the full text of my statement into the record,

Congressman Faleomavaega said. I also want to thank Senator

Daniel Akaka who is a senior member of both the Energy

Committee and the Subcommittee on Public Lands. Senator Akaka

was instrumental in getting this hearing held and I thank him

for his support and kind words.

At today's hearing, Senator Akaka said, ``H.R. 2010 was

introduced by my good friend, Eni Faleomavaega, a senior

member of the House who couldn't testify himself because of

the centennial celebration for the islands of Manua. On this

occasion, I d like to send the people of American Samoa our

best wishes as they celebrate the 100th anniversary since the

stars and stripes were first raised by their traditional

chiefs.''

Senator Akaka continued by saying, ``I do not have a

question, Mr. Chairman, but a comment as someone who is very

familiar with the challenges of transportation and

communications out in the Pacific. This bill would resolve a

long-standing problem in electing the Delegate from American

Samoa: How to conduct a run-off election in just 14 days in a

territory with a very large number of absentee voters and

only two regular flights from the U.S. each week? This bill

would provide for election of the Delegate by a plurality

vote. Or, if the local government wants, by a majority vote

following a primary election. It would resolve a long-

standing problem.''

Chairman Craig thanked Senator Akaka for his opening

comments and I also thank Senator Akaka for being at today's

hearing. Although I was invited to testify before the Senate

Subcommittee, I thought it was equally important to attend

Flag Day celebrations being held in American Samoa to

recognize Manua's 100 year relationship with the United

States, Congressman Faleomavaega said. This celebration is an

historic event and I am pleased to be with the people on this

important occasion and, again, I am pleased that Chairman

Craig recognized the importance of Flag Day and included my

written testimony in the Committee records.

I am also pleased to welcome the MV Sili to Manua. It is

most fitting for our new vessel to arrive from Louisiana just

in time to commemorate Manuas history and to honor our

traditional leaders and chiefs, past and present. The arrival

of this vessel has been more than a year in the making and I

am grateful to our friends in the House and Senate who

supported our efforts to set aside funding for this vessel.

When Republicans in the Senate wanted to cut funding for

the Territories from the Tax Act of 2003, Democratic Senator

Benjamin Nelson from Nebraska fought hard to help us keep our

funding in place. Later, Republican Chairman Bill Thomas of

the House Ways and Means Committee sent me a letter saying

that he was pleased he could assist me in this effort.

Because we were successful in including the Territories,

American Samoa received more than $10 million from the Tax

Act of 2003 and I am grateful that Senator John Breaux of

Louisiana and Ranking Member Charles Rangel of the House

Committee on Ways and Means stood with me in establishing

Congressional intent on how these funds should be spent,

Congressman Faleomavaega said.

I am also pleased that Governor Togiola stood with me and

agreed that $5 million should be set aside for the purchase

of a new vessel for Manua. I am also thankful that Senator

Breaux put us in touch with one of the best shipyards in the

world located in Louisiana and then personally made sure that

American Samoa was receiving one of the best vessels

Louisiana had to offer at a cost of $4 million. I consider

Senator Breaux a good friend and I can say with certainty

that he is also a friend of American Samoa.

This year, we have much to be thankful for including this

historic legislation which is moving through Congress to

protect the voting rights of our active duty service members

and our college students and other overseas voters. H.R. 2010

is a bipartisan bill which is supported by Republican

Chairman Richard Pombo and Ranking Democratic Member Nick

Rahall of the House Committee on Resources, Faleomavaega

said.

On May 5, 2004, the House Committee on Resources passed

this bill by unanimous consent. On June 14, 2004, a

Republican controlled House passed H.R. 2010 without

objection. I am pleased that the Senate is now

considering H.R. 2010 and I would like to note for the record

that on October 29, 2003 the House Committee on Resources

also held a hearing on this bill. On behalf of the U.S.

Department of the Interior, Mr. David Cohen, the Assistant

Secretary for Insular Affairs, was invited to testify but

declined citing that this was a local issue.

Locally, H.R. 2010 is supported by the Governor of American

Samoa, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House,

and 85% of those surveyed in American Samoa agree that

overseas voters and active duty service members should have

the right to vote in federal elections held in the Territory,

Faleomavaega said.

Given that Assistant Secretary Cohen accepted todays

invitation to testify before the Senate Subcommittee on

Public Lands and Forests, I am pleased that his testimony was

supportive. Two weeks ago, when the Senate first informed me

that H.R. 2010 would be considered today, I called Mr. Cohen

to discuss the bill and determine where the Department of

Interior stood on the issue. Assistant Secretary Cohen and I

came to an understanding prior to the hearing and I thank him

for his support.

While the Assistant Secretary focused his comments on the

will of the people, when asked by Chairman Craig how he

believed the will of the people should be determined, Mr.

Cohen said he believed the Committee should rely on the

statements which I included in the Record. As I have said on

many occasions, this matter has been before the people and

the local leaders of American Samoa for the past six years.

Since 1998, I have written to our Governors, past and

present. I have written and testified before our local

Legislature and I have also included copies of my testimony,

my letters, and local responses in the House and Senate

Committee records. These enclosures now on file with the

Committees are more than 70 pages in length. Included in the

record is Governor Togiola's support of H.R. 2010.

Once more, I want to commend Governor Togiola for

supporting this bill as we have always agreed that our

military men and women should have the right to vote

especially when they contribute almost a million dollars per

year in taxes to our local government. I also thank the

President of the American Samoa Senate, the Honorable Lutu

Tenari S. Fuimaono, and Speaker Matagi Ray McMoore for their

support, Faleomavaega said.

H.R. 2010 is an historic bill. It is a bill that

immediately restores the voting rights of our overseas voters

and active duty military members. It is also a bill that

makes clear in no uncertain terms that the American Samoa

Legislature is vested with the authority it needs to

establish primary elections for the office of the

Delegate, if it so chooses.

H.R. 2010 also protects American Samoa's future in the U.S.

Congress. Without H.R. 2010, future Delegates could miss out

on key committee assignments as a result of delayed outcomes

and run-off elections. Like Governor Togiola, I do not

believe American Samoa's future should be weakened or

disadvantaged and this is one more reason I appreciate his

support of H.R. 2010.

Given the importance and urgency of this bill, I thank the

members of the House Resources Committee, both Democrats and

Republicans, who unanimously voted in favor of this bill.

H.R. 2010 is the right thing to do and, as a Vietnam veteran,

I will not rest until we fully guarantee that our active duty

service members have the right to vote in federal elections

held in American Samoa.

To alleviate any concerns that I will personally benefit

from this legislation, I offered an amendment in the nature

of a substitute for purposes of changing the effective date

of this bill from January 2004 to January 2006. This

amendment was unanimously supported at mark-up by the House

Resources Committee and, as such, any change in law will not

go into effect until the 2006 election cycle, Faleomavaega

said.

As I have repeatedly stated, H.R. 2010 in no way affects

how the American Samoa Government chooses to elect its local

leaders and, having made every change requested of me by our

local leaders and after years of good-faith efforts on my

part, I believe the time has come to do right by our overseas

voters and men and women in the military. Our sons and

daughters have fought and died to preserve our freedoms and I

will do everything I can to protect their right to vote.

Again, I thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the

Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests for holding

this historic hearing on H.R. 2010 and I am hopeful that they

will support its successful passage. In a dramatic moment

before the hearing came to a close, Senator Akaka said, ``As

a person from the Pacific, I want to make a final comment

about H.R. 2010.''

Chairman Craig granted the Senators request and Senator

Akaka said, ``As you know, Mr. Cohen, H.R. 2010 will resolve

a long standing problem made worse by the current conflict in

the Middle East where many American Samoans are now serving.

Those Americans are fighting for democracy and I speak out in

support of this bill. Mr. Chairman, I believe we should act

quickly to pass this bill so that those men and women will

have the opportunity to vote to help select their

representative to the U.S. House of Representatives.''

Like Senator Akaka, I also believe the Senate should act on

this bill and I thank my dear friend Senator Akaka for

standing with the people of American Samoa on this important

issue. I also thank our men and women from American Samoa who

are serving on active duty at a time when our nation is at

war. I wish them the very best and I pray for their safe

return, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information on the passage of a bill to protect the voting rights of American Samoa's active duty service members and overseas voters.

[Press Release, Oct. 11, 2004]

Senate Passes Faleomavaega's Bill To Protect Voting Rights of American Samoa's Active Duty Service Members; President Bush Expected To Sign

Bill Into Law Within 30 Days

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on Wednesday

September 15, 2004 the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural

Resources passed, by unanimous consent, H.R. 2010, a bill he

introduced to allow military and overseas voters to

participate in federal elections held in American Samoa. On

the evening of Sunday October 10, 2004, the United States

Senate also unanimously passed H.R. 2010 and the bill has now

been sent to President George W. Bush who is expected to sign

Faleomavaega's bill into law within the next thirty days.

First and foremost, I want to thank American Samoa's

military men and women who are proudly serving our country at

a time when our nation is at war, the Congressman said.

American Samoa's sons and daughters have fought and died for

the right to vote and, as a Vietnam Veteran, I promised I

would do everything I could to make sure our military men and

women could fully participate in federal elections held in

American Samoa.

This is why I introduced H.R. 2010 and why I am thankful

that this bill has enjoyed the full support of Republicans

and Democrats in the House and Senate. For the record, it

should be noted that not one Republican or Democrat in the

House or Senate objected to H.R. 2010 and I am thankful to my

colleagues for their support.

No matter what is said, Congress is not about who is in the

Majority. Congress is about seniority, friendship, and

influence. It takes both Republicans and Democrats to get the

job done and it also takes the support of our local leaders,

Faleomavaega said. This is why I commend Governor Togiola,

the late Senate President Lutu T. Fuimaono, and Speaker

McMoore who also stood in support of H.R. 2010.

I also commend the people of American Samoa, the

Congressman continued. Of those surveyed, more than 85%

agreed that our active duty military members deserve the

right to vote and, as a result of your support and prayers,

H.R. 2010 has now passed the House and Senate and has been

sent to the President of the United States who is also

expected to fully support this bill. Once signed, H.R. 2010

will become effective in 2006. Again, H.R. 2010 is an

historic bill. It is a bill that restores the voting rights

of our college students and active duty military members and

makes clear in no uncertain terms that the American Samoa

Legislature is vested with the authority it needs to

establish primary elections for the office of the Delegate,

if it so chooses.

While my opponents continue to call this a plurality bill,

nothing could be further from the truth, Faleomavaega said.

Those who understand this bill know that this bill includes

both plurality and majority voting. If, for example, the

American Samoa Legislature establishes primary elections, the

general election for the office of the Delegate will be by

majority. If the American Samoa Legislature fails to

establish primary elections, the general election for the

office of the Delegate will be by plurality. Either way, our

military men and women and college students will have the

right to vote for their Representative to the United States

House of Representatives.

Also, H.R. 2010 in no way affects how the American Samoa

Government chooses to elect its local leaders. Furthermore,

this matter is not new to the people or the Legislature of

American Samoa. The truth is this matter has been before the

people and our local leaders for the past five years. Since

1998, I have written to our Governors, past and present. I

have written and testified before our local Legislature and I

have brought this matter to the attention of our people

through press releases, newsletters, radio and tv programs.

In 2001, I also conducted a Congressional survey and 85% of

those surveyed agreed that American Samoas active duty

service members should be afforded the same rights and

privileges as every other American serving in the U.S. Armed

Forces.

Having made every change requested of me by our local

leaders and after years of good-faith efforts on my part, I

am pleased that once the President signs H.R. 2010 into law

our military men and women and college students will have the

right to vote in federal elections held in American Samoa and

will no longer be disenfranchised from the process as a

result of Public Law 95-556 which was passed on October 31,

1978, Faleomavaega said. Federal, or PL 95-556, requires a

runoff election to be held only 14 days after the general

election. As Governor Togiola said, this creates a situation

where it is virtually impossible for American Samoas Election

Office to send out absentee ballots to the men and women in

the military and expect to receive them back in time for

those votes to be counted in a run-off election. In other

words, this is an injustice that has been made worse by the

current conflict in the Middle East where many American

Samoans are now serving and fighting for democracy.

H.R. 2010 corrects the injustice and, for this reason, I am

thankful that the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of

Representatives, Governor Togiola, the late Senate President

Fuimaono, Speaker McMoore, and 85% of those surveyed in

American Samoa agreed with me that some measure should be put

in place to assure that the votes of our military men and

women are counted in federal elections held in American

Samoa, Faleomavaega said. I am also thankful that Senator

Akaka, a senior Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and

Natural Resources, spoke out in support of H.R. 2010 and

urged the Senate to act quickly to pass this bill so that

American Samoas military men and women will have the

opportunity to vote to help select their representative to

the US. House of Representatives.

Simply put, H.R. 2010 is the right thing to do and, to

alleviate any concerns that I will personally benefit from

this legislation, I would like to reiterate that I offered an

amendment in the nature of a substitute for purposes of

changing the effective date of this bill from January 2004 to

January 2006. This amendment was unanimously supported at

mark-up by the House Resources Committee and, as such, any

change in law will not go into effect until the 2006 election

cycle.

At this time, I thank Chairman Pete Domenici and Ranking

Member Jeff Bingaman of the Senate Committee on Energy and

Natural Resources for supporting H.R. 2010. I also thank our

Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush, who I am

confident will soon sign H.R. 2010 into law. Above all, I

thank our military men and women from American Samoa who are

fighting for democracy so that you and I and future

generations may live in peace. As a Vietnam veteran, I wish

them the very best and, as always, I pray for their safe

return, the Congressman concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, an opinion editorial on diplomacy in Fiji.

[From The Hill, Jan. 25, 2012]

Landlubber Diplomacy Won't Work in Fiji

(By Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa)

Having no policy of its own, the U.S. marched in time,

applying section 508 sanction law which severed U.S. aid to

Fiji. U.S. sanctions, however, have had no consequence

because U.S. aid to Fiji was less than $3 million per year.

Of consequence is Pakistan. In 1999, when General Pervez

Musharraf overthrew the democratically-elected government of

then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the U.S. waived 508

sanction law, despite the fact that for nearly ten years

General Musharraf never made good on his promise to resign

his military commission and hold free, fair and transparent

elections in Pakistan.

The U.S., like Australia and New Zealand, cooperated with

Pakistan's regime--even providing billions in aid--because we

understood then like we should understand now that engagement

is vital to our interests and necessary if our long-term

objectives are peace, stability and democracy.

Do Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. consider Fiji vital

to our interests? If not, I believe we should given China and

Iran's growing presence in the region. If so, we need a new

way forward.

The U.S. can no longer rely on landlubber diplomacy which

seeks to force democracy by isolation. Every tautai

(navigator) knows--democracy can't be forced. Force is

contrary to the order of democracy and contrary to our innate

desire to choose.

To succeed in Fiji, we must start from the beginning. The

legacy of Fiji's colonial past has never been fully resolved

since Fiji gained its independence in 1970. To date, Indians

control many of the small businesses. Australia and New

Zealand control major banking and commercial enterprises, and

indigenous Fijians control much of the communal land and

military establishment, with

serious divisions existing between traditional leaders and

lower-ranking Fijians.

So far, no resolutions have been established to provide

balance and fairness to both Fijians and ethnic Indians. In

the past 20 some years, Fiji has had four coups and three

constitutions. In the two coups of 1987 and the political

crisis of 2000, ethnic tensions played major roles.

Until we understand this beginning and begin to converse

about it, democracy will not get underway. Having had several

discussions with interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama

and dozens of others during my visits to Fiji, I believe U.S.

leadership can help strengthen bilateral ties and improve

regional conditions.

By employing smart diplomacy in Fiji--which has been the

hallmark of President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary

Clinton's foreign policy initiative even in Myanmar--I have

every hope that we can achieve equal suffrage and other

political, economic and social reforms targeted under the

``Strategic Framework for Change,'' just as the interim Prime

Minister seeks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, the following information about my request for official clarification regarding American Samoa's status before the United Nations Decolonization Committee.

Faleomavaega Visits United Nations and Requests Official Clarification

of US Policy Regarding American Samoa's Status Before the

Decolonization Committee

[Press Release--Mar. 30, 2006]

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on Monday

March 27, 2006 he visited the United Nations (UN) as part of

an official Congressional Delegation (CODEL) led by Chairman

Henry Hyde and Ranking Member Tom Lantos of the House

Committee on International Relations. The CODEL, which

included other senior Members of the International Relations

Committee, met with Ambassador John Bolton, the US Permanent

Representative to the UN, to discuss the current nuclear

crisis with Iran and whether Congress should withhold funding

for the UN when problems of corruption and lack of

accountability continue to exist.

During the visit, Faleomavaega also had the opportunity to

be briefed by Commander Jeffrey J. Jones who has been

appointed by the US Mission to serve as the liaison for the

United States to the UN Special Committee of Twenty-four (C-

24), also known as the UN Decolonization Committee. As a

follow-up to his briefing, Faleomavaega wrote to Ambassador

Bolton to determine American Samoas status relative to US

policies relating to the Decolonization Committee and the

United Nations.

The full text of Faleomavaega's letter to Ambassador Bolton

dated March 30, 2006 follows:

Dear Mr. Ambassador: I am writing to thank you for meeting

with Members of the House International Relations Committee

during our recent visit to the United Nations (UN) and the

United States Mission. I commend Chairman Henry Hyde and

Ranking Member Tom Lantos for leading our Congressional

Delegation and I was pleased to be a part of our important

discussions with you regarding the current nuclear crisis

with Iran and whether Congress should withhold funding for

the UN when problems of corruption and lack of accountability

continue to exist. During our visit to the United Nations, I

also had the opportunity to be briefed by Commander Jeffrey

J. Jones who has been appointed by the US Mission to serve as

the liaison for the US to the UN Special Committee of Twenty-

four (C-24), also known as the UN Decolonization Committee.

As you know, in 1945, the United Nations established the

International Trusteeship Council for the purpose of

reviewing and then making recommendations before the UN

General Assembly to declare certain territories as non-self-

governing, or dependent on colonial powers. Since the

creation of the UN, more than 80 colonies have gained their

independence and 16 non-self-governing territories, as

defined by the UN remain today.

Although the Trusteeship Council no longer exists, the

Decolonization Committee stands in its place. Each year, the

UN Decolonization Committee reviews the status of the 16 non-

self-governing territories which include American Samoa as

well as other US possessions. It is my understanding that the

US does not pay much attention anymore to the activities of

the Decolonization Committee in part because the US has had

frustration over the years in dealing with member countries

like Cuba that continue to view the United States as a

colonial power. A few years ago, I attended a meeting of the

Decolonization Committee held in Havana, Cuba and I can

confirm the fact that the remarks of the Speaker of the Cuban

Parliament were very negative towards the United States.

This aside, it is my understanding that there are no

negotiations on American Samoa underway between the United

Nations and the US Government. Notwithstanding these

circumstances, Commander Jones informed me that the US State

Department does file annual reports about American Samoa with

the Decolonization Committee after consulting with officials

of the US Department of the Interior. These reports contain

information about the economic, social and political

development of American Samoa and, for this reason, I am

requesting your assistance in determining the official

position of the US regarding American Samoas status before

the UN Decolonization Committee. Again, the Decolonization

Committee defines and categorizes American Samoa as a non-

self governing territory.

In recent years, our late Governor Tauese Sunia initiated a

movement to request that American Samoa be de-listed as a

non-self governing territory by the United Nations. However,

neither our US Secretary of State nor our Secretary of the

Interior ever brought this matter before the people and

leaders of American Samoa for consideration. While I suspect

that at some point in time a plebiscite may be needed to

determine whether or not the listing should be continued, I

respectfully request that the Governor, our territorial

legislature, and my office be informed on what procedures

need to be taken before action, if any, is taken by the UN

Decolonization Committee or the US Mission to the UN.

As you can appreciate, it is imperative that the elected

and traditional leaders and the people of American Samoa are

fully briefed and informed about the territorys political

status as a non-self governing territory as defined and

categorized by the United Nations before any action is taken.

Faleomavaega concluded his letter by saying, With this

understanding, I would appreciate receiving a response from

you as to American Samoas status relative to US policies

relating to the Decolonization Committee and the United

Nations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about the funding of an Upward Bound program at American Samoa Community College in 2003.

[Press Release, Oct. 9, 2003]

Faleomavaega Speaks Out About Confusion Surrounding ASCC's Upward Bound

Program

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is

speaking out about the confusion surrounding ASCC's Upward

Bound Program and is also making all letters pertaining to

this matter available to the public.

``On June 22, 2003, Hipa Neria, the Director of ASCC's

Upward Bound Program, called my office and requested my

assistance in finding out whether or not ASCC's grant

application would be funded,'' Congressman

Faleomavaega said. ``In response to Mr. Neria's request, my

office immediately called the U.S. Department of Education

(USDOE), learned that ASCC's grant would not be funded, and

informed Mr. Neria of the USDOE's decision.''

``Upon learning of the USDOE's decision, Mr. Neria provided

my office with additional information and requested my

assistance in defending and obtaining funding for ASCC's

proposal. In a letter dated June 24, 2003, Mr. Neria stated

that he had been informed by his colleagues in Washington not

to write, call, email or make any requests. Given the

seriousness of the situation and my desire to help American

Samoa's students, I wrote a letter dated July 10, 2003 to

Larry Oxendine, USDOE Director of the Federal TRIO programs

which includes Upward Bound. I also faxed Dr. Adele Satele-

Galeai, President of ASCC, and Mr. Neria a copy of my

letter.''

``In my letter, I informed the USDOE that American Samoa

has a dire need for the services the Upward Bound Program

provides. I agreed with Mr. Neria's position that American

Samoa's socio-economic status, educational disparity, and

unique geographical location warranted a second review of

ASCC's application. I also stated that I believed American

Samoa would be credited additional points upon further review

of the Needs Section and I expressed my appreciation for Mr.

Oxendine's reconsideration of ASCC's application,''

Congressman Faleomavaega said.

``As a follow-up to my letter to Mr. Oxendine, my office

continued its discussions with the USDOE. During these

discussions, the USDOE informed my office that more than

1,218 Upward Bound applications were submitted and only 792

were funded. USDOE also informed me that only proposals with

a score of 99.00 or greater were funded and ASCC's proposal

had received a score of 98.33. ASCC's proposal had also been

read and scored by three non-federal readers, as required by

federal law.''

``Although I was informed in July that the review process

could not be reopened, additional funds became available

about three weeks ago at which time the USDOE reviewed the

remaining proposals that had not been funded. Of the

applications remaining, 17 had higher scores than ASCC's

application and all 17 received funding. An additional 17

applications had scores equal to ASCC's application but the

USDOE only had money to fund one of the 17. Mr. Oxendine

chose to fund ASCC's application based on the fact that we

are an underserved area.''

``In a letter dated October 8, 2003, Mr. Oxendine stated

that my letter and the information received from my staff and

President Satele-Galea'i was very helpful in making the

decision to fund ASCC out of the group of 17 applications

with the next highest score. He also said that he was pleased

to inform me that ASCC's program would be funded at $220,000

for the 2003-2004 project period and, subject to future

appropriations, USDOE would be making funding available at

this level for three additional years.''

``Mr. Oxendine also apologized for the delay in informing

my office of his decision. In fact, he said he announced his

decision at a national TRIO conference in San Diego on Monday

September 29, 2003 and he was unaware that my office had not

yet been informed.''

``Again, I apologize for the confusion,'' Mr. Oxendine said

in his letter, `` `but I am sure you will agree that the

final outcome of our mutual efforts was highly successful.'

Like Mr. Oxendine, I do agree that our efforts were highly

successful and I want to especially thank Mr. Neria and Dr.

Satele-Galea'i for working closely with my office to

favorably resolve this issue. ``I also want to thank Chairman

Boehner of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce

for releasing a statement saying that `Congressman

Faleomavaega worked hard to restore ASCC's Upward Bound

funding, and I cannot take credit for his actions.' I

appreciate the Chairman's willingness to step forward and set

the record straight about this matter,'' Congressman

Faleomavaega said.

``Chairman Boehner is a friend of mine and he should be

commended for letting the people of American Samoa know that

he did not restore ASCC's Upward Bound funding. In fact, the

Chairman knew nothing about our Upward Bound funding until he

read a fabricated story published in the Samoa News on

October 1, 2003 which made claims that he worked with Mrs.

Amata Radewagen to resolve this issue.''

``Again, I thank Chairman Boehner for letting our people

know the truth. Neither Congresswoman Deborah Pryce nor the

House Republican Conference brought this matter to Chairman

Boehner's attention. Furthermore, the USDOE informed my

office that it received no letters from Congresswoman Deborah

Pryce or the House Republican Conference regarding ASCC's

Upward Bound Program funding. Other than the calls my office

made, the USDOE received only one phone call in late July

from a caller identifying herself as working for the House

Republican Conference. Mr. Oxendine spoke to this caller only

once and never heard from the caller again until after

September 29, 2003. After September 29, 2003, USDOE received

one more call from this same caller saying she had heard

through the grapevine that an announcement had been made in

San Diego and she wanted to verify the accuracy of this

report.''

``While I would be more than happy to credit anyone who

helped to restore ASCC's funding, I am pleased that the USDOE

and Chairman Boehner have cleared up the confusion

surrounding ASCC's Upward Bound Program. At this time, I want

to thank the USDOE and Mr. Oxendine for supporting and

funding the Upward Bound grant proposal submitted by ASCC.

After working with Dr. Satele-Galea'i and Mr. Neria for the

past several months, I also want to thank them for their hard

work.''

``Most of all, I want to wish our students the very best.

Upward Bound is an important college preparatory program and

I am hopeful that our students will take advantage of the

opportunities this program provides. As always, I am also

hopeful that our young people will pursue their four year

college degrees and return to American Samoa to live and

serve,'' the Congressman concluded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue which has been close to my heart during my years of service as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and Pacific. This is the issue of the ``Comfort Women'' or, as former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton more accurately termed these victims of Imperial Japan's military during the Second World War, ``enforced sex slaves.''

Of all the actions in my almost twenty-six years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, one that affected me most was the convening of my first hearing on February 17, 2007 as the new Chairman of the then Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment. The fact that the issue of the `Comfort Women' was the topic of my very first hearing signified how deeply important this issue was and is to me.

The hearing represented the first official testimony given to a U.S. government entity regarding one of the most egregious war crimes carried out in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. The compelling and courageous testimony of the three victim witnesses, Ms. Yong Soo Lee and Ms. Koon Ja Kim from the Republic of Korea, and Ms. Jan Ruff O'Herne from Australia, brought tears to the eyes of many in the hearing room and left no doubt as to the culpability of Imperial Japan's military in the organization and management of comfort stations.

It was a special privilege that then South Korean National Assembly member and now President of the Republic of Korea, Her Excellency Park Geun-hye, was present as a special guest of the Subcommittee at the hearing. The hearing provided an impetus for the unanimous adoption by the U.S. House of Representatives later in 2007, during the 110th Congress, of House Resolution 121. Introduced by my good friend, Congressman Mike Honda, H. Res. 121 ``expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as `comfort women', during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II.''

In this regard, I wish to draw to the attention of my fellow colleagues the opening of a special art exhibition titled ``The Sorrow and the Hope of `Comfort Women' '' to be held in the May Gallery of Mullen Library at Catholic University in Washington, DC. As you may be aware, Mr. Speaker, Pope Francis met with ``Comfort Women'' survivors during his recent visit to South Korea. The special exhibition, which will be held from November 25, 2014 to January 12, 2015, is being hosted by the National Catholic School of Social Service's Center for International Social Development (CISD) and co-organized by the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues, Inc. (WCCW), whose President is Ms. Christine Choi and Vice President is Dr. Julie Jung- Sil Lee. There will be a seminar held in connection with the art exhibition at Catholic University on November 25, 2014.

I would like to take special note of the fact that one of the artists whose work will be displayed at this exhibition is Eileen Marie Halpin, the daughter of my former staff member Dennis P. Halpin. Eileen graduated summa cum laude in kinetic imaging from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in May 2013. She also attended the Gobelins School of the Image in Paris, France in the summer of 2013. She is currently working as a freelance artist. Eileen sent her artwork last year to ``Comfort Women'' survivors residing in the House of Sharing in Gwangju, Korea. This is a facility which I have visited on repeated occasions during my official visits to South Korea as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. I have spent many hours with my grandmas at the House of Sharing, who are examples to me of courage, strength, and the resilience of the human spirit. These women are my heroes, and I count them among my greatest friends in this life.

Mr. Speaker, although I will soon depart from this esteemed body, I will continue to be a strong advocate for closure for the victims of the greatest crime of organized, coercive sexual trafficking in the twentieth century. The overwhelming majority of these victims came from the Asia-Pacific region, a region which I have proudly represented and continue to call home. The current revisionism involving denier history which has emerged in certain influential quarters in Japan regarding the ``Comfort Women'' and other war crimes related to the Second World War would never be tolerated with regard to the crimes committed in the European Theater during that war. As philosopher George Santayana famously observed, ``those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.''

Mr. Speaker, we owe it to the Nigerian school girls kidnapped by Boko Haram and the Yazidi women and girls enslaved by ISIL not to forget the tragic historic warning offered by the experiences of the ``Comfort Women''. It is my sincere hope that this esteemed body will do all it can to ensure justice for women and young girls everywhere. This is my hope forevermore.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend congratulations to the people of Kazakhstan and President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the occasion of Kazakhstan's national holiday--Independence Day. Under the leadership of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan has reached considerable success in economic development, increased the living standard of its nation and enjoys authority in the region and in the world arena. Promoting the ideals of democracy and progress as well as standing for ensuring comprehensive security and stability, Kazakhstan has become an active member of the global community and America's strategic partner. Successfully hosting the OSCE Summit in Astana, serving as the chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and President Nursultan Nazarbayev's personal contribution to promotion of inter-ethnic and religious tolerance demonstrates that in the last twenty three years of independence Kazakhstan has reached great success in its development as a sovereign, stable and a prospering state.

Kazakhstan plays an important role in Central Asia and by far is a rightful leader in the region. The United States is grateful for Kazakhstan's steadfast friendship and solidarity in the Global War on Terrorism, and its adherence to stabilization and rehabilitation of Afghanistan. President Obama highly commended Kazakhstan's efforts in the organization and holding of Iran 5+1 nuclear talks in Almaty in 2013. The dialogue on strategic partnership between the U.S. and Kazakhstan continues to demonstrate the common vision and commitment we share to solve modern challenges. From Project Sapphire and the Degelen Mountain to the closure of an anthrax factory in Stepnogorsk, Kazakhstan has not just talked but has acted and delivered in making the world a safer place.

Kazakhstan has become a state with stable institutions and a dynamic economy. It has become a member of the international community, recognizing its responsibilities both at regional and international levels to maintain dialogue among religions and cultures. Kazakhstan is especially a stabilizing influence in Central Asia.

This holiday is considered a symbol of freedom and independence of our state. During the short historical period the people of Kazakhstan have managed to construct the democratic, legal and economically independent state.

Kazakhstan has launched an ambitious national program to make the country one of the 30 most competitive nations in the world by 2050. President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced the plan on December, 2013 in his annual state of the nation address and laid out wide-ranging reforms.

The nation's new economic strategy, the Nurly Zhol (Bright Path) announced by President Nazarbayev at a recent state-of-the-nation address on Nov. 11, 2014, serves as a clear vision for efficient and sustainable development in Kazakhstan. In this period of global

economic instability, the strategy will allow Kazakhstan to strengthen its already strong trajectory of sustained growth.

I have every confidence that Kazakhstan will achieve the objectives of the Kazakhstan 2050 strategy and that the United States will support these efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend and brother, Mr. Nguyen An Ha of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen has been working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam since 1993. He was assigned as Political Counselor at the Embassy of Vietnam to the United States in March 2011, and also serves as Deputy Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Nguyen served in the America Department of MOFA. From 2003 to 2007, he worked as Second Secretary of the Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN). From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Nguyen worked as an expert at the Department of International Organization in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 1994 to 1995, he studied at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen graduated from the University of Foreign languages in Hanoi. He is married to Hoang Thi Hai Yen, and he and his lovely wife have a beautiful daughter, Nguyen Hoang Minh Ngoc. Mr. Nguyen is the son of Mr. Nguyen Huu Xuyen and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Huong.

On behalf of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen has spared no effort in strengthening U.S.-Vietnam relations. He has served his country and colleagues with distinction and honor. As Political Counselor, he worked side-by-side with His Excellency Nguyen Quoc Cuong, former Ambassador of Vietnam to the United States, and also with Dr. Luan Thuy Duong, former Minister at the Embassy of Vietnam to the United States, to promote Vietnam's stance in calling for a peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Because of their tireless efforts and leadership, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed for the first time ever a Resolution calling for such support. H. Res. 714, a Resolution I introduced in support of peaceful and collaborative resolution of maritime and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea as provided by universally recognized principles of international law, was unanimously passed by the House on December 2, 2014.

In my official capacity as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, I have relied on Mr. Nguyen's expertise regarding many matters affecting the security of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the U.S.-Vietnam relationship. Mr. Nguyen has been a tremendous help to me and I will miss him when he returns to Vietnam next year.

Because so many in diplomatic missions serve so well, it is rare for me to include a statement in the Congressional Record in honor of diplomats. But Mr. Nguyen has served exceptionally well--in a way that deserves to be recognized and preserved in the records of U.S. history and so I am including a statement as I also did for Dr. Luan Thuy Duong and Ambassador Cuong.

On a more personal note, knowing and serving with Mr. Nguyen, Dr. Duong and Ambassador Cuong has been one of the highlights of my career. I am thankful for our friendship and I will always be grateful to them for all they did to bring about recognition of the interim board of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vietnam. Forevermore, I will also hold a special place in my heart for Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, President Truong Tan Sang, the Politburo, Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong, the National Assembly, MOFA, Public Security and the countless other individuals, departments, organizations and individuals who supported recognition--a cause that meant so much to me.

As I now leave the U.S. House of Representatives, I hope I will be remembered as having given all I could on behalf of the leaders and people of Vietnam, too. Once caught up in a war I knew little about, I thank God I was able to return to Vietnam later in life as both Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. 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 have also advocated for the United States to boost bilateral relations in several sectors, including defense, trade and security. Strong U.S.-Vietnam ties are key to stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and H. Res. 714 is a step forward.

I thank Mr. Nguyen, once more, for his work in bolstering the U.S.- Vietnam relationship. Until we meet again, I wish Mr. Nguyen the very best, and I extend to him my highest regards.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Meruyert Saudabay, born in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Meruyert graduated from George C. Marshall School in Ankara, Turkey. After high school, she moved to Sydney, Australia where she studied for one year at the University of Sydney. She continued her studies in London Richmond University where she studied law. Meruyert obtained her LLM from Georgetown University Law Center.

Meruyert's career began in London's Chevron Corporate office. Her portfolio included merger and acquisitions. She was a member of a leading legal team during the Chevron Texaco merger. After returning to Astana, Kazakhstan, Meruyert worked for Kazakh National Oil and Gas Company (KazMunaiGas) in the Business Development division.

After earning her LLM degree, Meruyert joined communications services firm ``APCO'' where her focus was on Russia and the firm's business development in the Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) countries.

In 2009, Meruyert began her long-anticipated diplomatic career following in her father's footsteps. Meruyert's father--His Excellency Kanat Saudabayev--is a prominent international political figure. He was the first Ambassador ever from an independent Kazakhstan. He served as Kazakhstan's Ambassador to the United States from 2000 to 2007. In 2007, President Nursultan Nazarbayev promoted him to the position of Secretary of State. In 2009, he was appointed Secretary of State- Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 2010, during Kazakhstan's Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Mr. Saudabayev held the position of Chairman-in-Office.

I have known the Honorable Kanat Saudabayev for nearly 15 years. He is my dear friend and brother and has been since we met and began working side-by-side when he was appointed Kazakhstan's Ambassador to the United States. His daughter is my daughter, and Meruyert has made us both proud.

As Meruyert puts it, ``I have worked in multinational corporations. I have experience in lobbying. But my highest honor has been to put my time to use for the benefit of my country.'' In her position as Minister-Counselor at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United States, Meruyert serves her country with distinction. I commend her for her tireless efforts in promoting U.S.-Kazakhstan relations. Meruyert carries forward the vision of President Nazarbayev, who is also my friend.

I applaud President Nazarbayev for changing the course of history and renouncing nuclear weapons. Kazakhstan inherited the world's fourth- largest nuclear arsenal after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 but President Nazarbayev immediately and boldly renounced these weapons and transferred them under great security by means of an unprecedented joint program with experts from Kazakhstan, Russia and the United States.

President Nazarbayev headed this heroic effort because, for more than 40 years prior to Kazakhstan's independence, the Soviet Union used Semipalatinsk in northern Kazakhstan as a test site to detonate more than 500 nuclear explosions. More than one million people were exposed to radioactive fallout.

I continue to call upon the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to recognize President Nazarbayev's contributions to world peace as no other world leader has done so much to safeguard humanity from the terrible dangers of nuclear terrorism.

I also thank Minister-Counselor Meruyert Saudabay for standing with her father and me and many others in strong support of President Nazarbayev's mission to modernize and balance the Nuclear Non- proliferation Treaty.

I extend to Meruyert my highest and kindest regards and, for the unwavering support they provide to her, I especially thank Meruyert's family including her husband Daulet Orynbayev and their daughter Ayah; her sister Aray; her brother Ermek Saudabayev, his wife Altynai, their daughter Merey and son Nurbol; her brother Yerbol, his wife Elaine Bekmyrza and their daughter Amira; and her father and mother Kanat Saudabayev and Kullikhan Saudabayeva. I wish each of them the very best and I thank them also for the support they have always extended to me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's stopover in American Samoa on November 7, 2010.

[Press Release, Oct. 26, 2010]

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Stopover in American Samoa

on November 7, 2010

Congressman Faleomavaega announced that at approximately

1:20 pm on Friday, October 22, 2010, the Honorable Kurt

Campbell, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian

and Pacific Affairs, called Faleomavaega to inform him that

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would be stopping

over in American Samoa on November 7, 2010, at the

Congressman's request.

``This stopover has been a long-time in the making,''

Faleomavaega said, ``and I appreciate that Secretary Clinton

has chosen to refuel in American Samoa. On February 2, 2010,

I wrote to President Obama asking him to stopover during his

scheduled trip to Indonesia to say thank you to the thousands

of Samoan men and women who currently serve in the U.S. Armed

Forces, especially since the Iraq war death rate per 1

million population is higher for American Samoa than any

other State or Territory, as reported by USA Today which

commended American Samoa for its outsized sacrifice.''

``When the President's trip was postponed, I had the

opportunity to raise the issue again with Secretary Clinton

when she testified before the House Committee on Foreign

Affairs on February 25, 2010. At our hearing, I informed

Secretary Clinton that on February 23, 2010, I met with

Assistant Secretary Campbell and that he let me know that she

might be considering a stopover in American Samoa. `I can

assure you,' I said, `that our people will extend to you the

same warm welcome that they would extend to President Obama,

and we would be honored by your visit. Your presence in the

Territory would be historic and, on behalf of our people, I

would like to personally extend an invitation to you to make

a brief visit as American Samoa is well-positioned to be a

regional leader in our effort to strengthen U.S.-Pacific

Island relations.''

``On March 3, 2010, when Assistant Secretary Campbell

testified before my Subcommittee at a hearing on a regional

overview of East Asia and the Pacific, I reminded him of the

invitation that I extended to Secretary Clinton and again

stated that I believed her visit would give her the chance to

thank the thousands of Samoans who serve in the U.S. Armed

Forces and honor the many who have fallen in the line of

duty, as well as support our efforts to strengthen U.S.

interests in the region.''

``Last month, on September 29, 2010, when Assistant

Secretary Campbell again testified before my Subcommittee at

a hearing on renewed engagement and U.S. policy towards

Pacific Island nations, I informed him that my invitation to

Secretary Clinton still stands.''

``As a result of these repeated and continued discussions

with the U.S. Department of State, I am pleased that

Secretary Clinton made this request a high priority and that

she will be stopping over to pay tribute to our veterans and

our people. Though her visit will be brief and her arrival

will be late at night, it is an honor for our Territory to

receive her in conjunction with her travels to Hawaii,

Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand,

and Australia from October 27-November 8.''

``Secretary Clinton has been a good friend of American

Samoa and Samoa, and more than anyone she stood shoulder-to-

shoulder with us to provide aid in the aftermath of the

tsunami that left untold damage in its wake.''

``I am appreciative that Secretary Clinton authorized an

airlift of supplies gathered by our Samoan communities in LA

and Utah, and that she worked closely with Congresswoman

Laura Richardson and me to see that these necessary goods

were provided to our families and friends in the neighboring

islands of Samoa at a time when they needed these critical

supplies the most.''

``The U.S. Department of State informed my office that they

contacted Governor Togiola's office on Monday, October 25,

2010 to inform ASG of Secretary Clinton's upcoming visit, and

I have every confidence that our local leaders will do their

part in welcoming the former First Lady of the United States

to American Samoa.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include, for historical purposes, information about my opposition to the construction of a McDonald's at Utulei Beach.

[Press Release, Apr. 26, 2006]

Faleomavaega Makes Final Appeal to McDonald's Corporation

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has made a

final appeal to Mr. Jim Skinner, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the

McDonalds Corporation, in a letter dated April 26, 2006. The

letter was copied to Jonathan B. Jarvis, Regional Director of

the National Park Service, Governor Togiola, Lieutenant

Governor Ipulasi, President Lolo Moliga and Senators, Speaker

Matagi R. McMoore and Representatives, Lydia Faleafine of the

DOI in American Samoa, Peter Bush, Managing Director/CEO,

McDonalds Australia, Charles Tautolo, CEO of McDonalds

American Samoa, and Lelei Peau, Chairman, PNRS Board, ASG.

The full text of the Congressmans letter is included below.

Dear Mr. Skinner:

As a follow-up to my letter of May 25, 2005, I am once

again requesting your immediate intervention regarding a

decision made by McDonalds to build a new facility at the

Utulei Beach Park in American Samoa. Utulei Beach is the only

public beach in America Samoa and building at this site goes

against the core values of McDonalds which promotes an agenda

of community involvement, environmental protection, and a

promise to earn the trust of your customers and everyone else

affected by your business.

Most importantly, based upon relevant information including

documents, maps, and other material, there is a signed

agreement (attached) between the American Samoa Government

(ASG) and the US National Park Service (NPS) that places

Utulei Beach Park within the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Program (LWCF) as park land dedicated to public outdoor

recreational use in perpetuity. Also included with the

agreement is a map (attached) clearly showing that the

entirety of the Utulei Beach Park is included in the

agreement which places the proposed McDonalds within a

protected park area and violates ASGs agreement with the NPS.

Because ASG has accepted over $4 million from the federal

government since signing this agreement, I can assure you

that the NPS is prepared to take whatever legal action is

necessary against ASG and the McDonalds Corporation if this

matter is not expeditiously resolved. Please note that both

NPS and ASG are under the jurisdiction of the US Department

of the Interior and any action taken will directly involve

the US Secretary of the Interior and this will not be good

for ASG or for McDonalds.

As you know, last year I copied you on a letter I wrote to

Mr. Charles Tautolo, CEO of McDonalds American Samoa, in

which I requested a copy of the feasibility study of the

proposed plan to construct a McDonalds at Utulei Beach Park.

To date, I have not received a copy of the feasibility study

and I am very concerned about how the McDonalds Corporation

can support construction of a new facility at any location

when no environmental study has been conducted.

I also question how the McDonalds Corporation can support a

lease agreement which is itself under review by the court. In

brief, the Governor initially signed what he thought was a 9-

year lease agreement with an option of renewal for an

additional 20 years plus. However, the legal counsel for the

local Senate noted that the proposed lease was actually for

ten years and, as such, local law requires the lease to be

approved by the local legislature. Consequently, the counsel

for the Senate filed suit in court challenging the validity

of the proposed lease. While the case was pending in court,

the Governors counsel re-drafted the lease agreement to make

sure the terms of the lease was for less than ten years so

that it did not require legislative approval. ASGs attorneys

petitioned the court to dismiss the Senates lawsuit but the

court denied the request so this matter is also pending.

While it was my hope that the McDonalds Corporation would

have interceded and resolved this situation more than a year

ago for no other reason than it was the right thing to do, I

would strongly urge you to take action now before this

situation brings unwanted embarrassment to the McDonalds

Corporation. I would also suggest that you direct your

Managing Director for McDonalds Australia to be more

responsive to the concerns of the people of American Samoa. I

am extremely disappointed that he did not even offer a

courtesy response to my letter of almost a year ago and I

consider his lack of interest in this issue to be

unprofessional and unbecoming of a corporate official of the

McDonalds Corporation.

Considering that this issue now involves the federal

government and based on documentation provided by NPS which I

am convinced is correct, I am trying my best to prevent a

confrontation between the McDonalds Corporation, ASG, and the

US Department of the Interior. For this reason, I am making a

final appeal to you and I am hopeful that at your earliest

convenience you will work to favorably resolve this matter

and support efforts to put an end to construction of a new

McDonalds at Utulei Beach Park.

The Congressman concluded his letter by saying, As I have

previously stated, the people of American Samoa will support

the construction of a new McDonalds in American Samoa at any

other location. We also applaud the many valuable

contributions McDonalds has made in American Samoa and wish

you continued success.