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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2009

Washington , D.C. -- Congressman Faleomavaega expresses deep condolences in the passing away of Paramount Chief, Senator Tuitele

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni today expressed his deep condolences in a letter to Mrs. Fesala’i Tuitele, in the sudden passing of her husband, the late Paramount Chief and Senator Tuitele Fofo Tony Tuitele, in their residence in Leone on the evening of March 1, 2008.

"It is with deep regret and great sorrow that I write to express my sincere condolences on the untimely and most heartbreaking passing away of your husband, le Afioga i le Fa'atuiolemotu and Senator Tuitele, Fofo Tony Tuitele. Such a sudden misfortune is often times hard for any of us to understand; and for it to befall at an unexpected and unfortunate manner is something only the benevolence of God can explain in time," Faleomavaega said in his letter to Mrs. Tuitele.

"Senator Tuitele was best known for his soft spoken manner, his intelligence and contemporary knowledge of local and national affairs. These placed him well within his time. His honesty and spiritual dedication, values he believed were good for the people of American Samoa, made him well respected and loved by many who knew him well," wrote Faleomavaega.

"On a personal note, every available time we would have, Senator Tuitele and I spent long hours discussing some serious issues affecting our people, both living in the territory and in the United States. Senator Tuitele was always trying to do what was right, and what was best for our people. His passion to fully debate contemporary issues like the stimulus package, minimum wage, the global economic crisis, technological communications and the changing culture always fueled our conversations," Faleomavaega reminisced in his letter.

"I was really looking forward to continuing our communications and friendship the first chance I got back again - but now this misfortune has befallen, and I am without words to express my deep sense of sorrow to you and the family."

"Senator Tuitele's sudden passing will leave a great void in all of us whom he touched; and I pray that God will grant comfort to you, your children and to your family in this saddest of times," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2009

Washington , D.C. -- Faleomavaega commends Steve Shallhorn and Greenpeace for their efforts in conserving and protecting the environment

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he received a statement from Greenpeace International strongly objecting to the transshipment of MOX nuclear fuel between Europe and Japan. Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.

In a statement received via email, Greenpeace demanded an immediate stop to all shipments of plutonium Mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel. It noted also the danger and risks associated with the shipment of MOX nuclear fuel, including health risks and potential terrorists attack.

"I applaud Greenpeace for continuing their campaign to conserve and protect the environment and to promote peace in the world," Faleomavaega said. "Their protest of shipment of MOX fuel between Japan and France, exemplifies their undying commitment to a world of peace and to the conservation of the environment."

"I especially want to commend Steve Shallhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Greenpeace in Australia-Pacific, for his efforts to maintain a nuclear-free Pacific and for keeping us informed on this latest shipment of MOX nuclear fuel."

"Over the years, Greenpeace has been a strong advocate for the small Pacific Island states fighting to keep the Pacific nuclear-free. As I have stated in a recent press release and also in a statement I gave on the House floor, the unnecessary and unjustifiable transshipment of MOX nuclear fuel demonstrate the imperialistic behavior of several major countries, often at the expense of others. In my opinion, Japan , France and all nuclear states should keep their own nuclear waste and nuclear materials in their own backyards, and not threaten the lives of others," Faleomavaega added.

"I hope to continue to work with Mr. Shallhorn and Greenpeace as I consider legislation to put a stop to the dangerous and high-risk shipments of radioactive wastes across international waters," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- American Samoa death rate in the Iraq war is highest among all States and U.S. Territories

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that a recent report published in USA Today on the death rates for each state, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories since the start of the Iraq war shows American Samoa continuing to have the highest rate of deaths per 1-million populations in all of the United States. Published on March 18, 2009, the report (A Statistical profile of America's war dead in Iraq) shows American Samoa leading the United States with a death rate of 138.8 per 1-million population, more than twice that for U.S. Virgin Islands which has the second highest death rate of 54.6, and more than four times that for Vermont with a death rate of 32.2 - the highest among the 50 States and fourth highest overall.

The same report shows that more than 4,250 U.S. service members have died in the war with the highest percentage of the deaths among our military services being in the Army - 73 percent, Marines - 24 percent, Navy - 2 percent, and Air Force - 1 percent.

A similar report published also by USA Today on May 27, 2005, two years after the start of the Iraq war, showed American Samoa leading the United States with a death rate of 86.4 deaths per 1-million population. Since the time of that report, twelve more Samoans have died in the war with ten killed in Iraq and two in Afghanistan.

"I am pleased that USA Today is tracking and reporting about this aspect of the war," Faleomavaega said. "This is certainly not something to brag about, but it is a grim reminder of the human cost of this war, and I believe it is important to note the tremendous contribution made by American Samoa through the services of her sons and daughters to our nation's defense," Faleomavaega said.

"I once again want to pay special tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the many freedoms we enjoy each day. To date, 17 of our finest sons and daughters have lost their lives in the defense of our nation and may we continue to remember their sacrifices and the families they have left behind."

"At this time, I want to commend our Samoan sons and daughters who are continuing to serve proudly and in great numbers in our country's armed forces for their bravery and heroism. We will continue to remember you and the rest of our nation's military men and women in prayer for your safety and for a happy return home to your families and loved ones," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega pushes Air National Guard for American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is pushing to establish a Hawaii Air National Guard unit in American Samoa . On January 28, 2009, Faleomavaega wrote to Senator Inouye and also met with the Senator on January 29. On March 12, 2009, he sent a letter to General Craig R. McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. A complete text of the letter, which was copied to Senator Daniel K. Inouye, is included below.

Faleomavaega concluded his letter by stating, "I am hopeful to work with you on this important initiative, and I congratulate you on being the first four-star General in National Guard history."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- American Samoa historic commemorative quarter set to be released in July

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the American Samoa Quarter has been scheduled for release on July 27, 2009. American Samoa would follow Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam in the release schedule for the 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Program. The one-year initiative was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 that Congress passed and became law on December 26, 2007 (P.L. 110-161).

Initially, the U.S. Territories were left out when Congress passed the Commemorative Coin Program Act in 1997, which authorized a ten year program to honor the states by minting twenty-five cent coins to commemorate each of the 50 states through state-specific designs on one side of the coins. According to the enacting language, five states would be honored each year. Since 1997, representatives from D.C. and the U.S. Territories have been proposing legislation that would amend the popular 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act to include 6 new designs emblematic of the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

In 2007, Congress finally granted authorization to honor D.C. and the U.S. Territories by minting twenty-five cent coins to commemorate each of them through specific designs on one side of the coins. In designing the coins, authorization was granted also to include participation from the District or territorial officials, artists from the District of Columbia or the territory, engravers of the United States Mint, and members of the general public.

The final design selected by the U.S. Mint for the American Samoa quarter features the tanoa, fue, and the to'oto'o against a background image of the coastline. The inscriptions on the coin read "American Samoa", "Samoa Muamua Le Atua", "E Pluribus Unum" and the date. The reverse design was by Stephen Clark and sculpted by Charles Vickers.

"This program recognizes the importance of the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories and I want to acknowledge the support of some of my colleagues in Congress. Congressman Mike Castle of Delaware has been unwavering in his support over the years on this important issue. In addition, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton provided leadership and support over the years in introducing legislation in the House of Representatives to include Washington, D.C. and the Territories. Finally, I want to extend my gratitude to my colleagues from Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands, for their efforts and hard work on this particular issue," Faleomavaega said.

"On behalf of American Samoa, I believe it is only fitting for Congress to acknowledge our relationship with the United States with the issuance of a commemorative coin. American Samoa has a long and proud history of supporting the United States. The Tutuila harbor was used as a coaling station for U.S. naval ships in the early part of the century and as a support base for the United States during WWII," Faleomavaega explained.

"American Samoa also has a per capita enlistment rate in the U.S. military that is as high as any State or U.S. Territory. Our sons and daughters have served in record numbers in every U.S. military engagement from WWII to present operations in our war against terrorists. Indeed, the latest numbers on the Iraq War show American Samoa has the highest death rate of 138.8 deaths for every 1 million people, compared to any other U.S. State or Territory. We have stood by the United States in good times and bad and I am pleased this relationship is acknowledged with the issuance of a commemorative coin," Faleomavaega added.

"While plans for an event to mark the release of this historic quarter are still ongoing, I share with you all a sense of pride and honor in this memorable chapter in the history of our Territory of American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega strongly opposes shipment of MOX nuclear fuel in the South Pacific

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he strongly opposes the shipment of plutonium mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel in the South Pacific. In a statement he made on March 18, 2009 on the House Floor, Faleomavaega expressed his strong objection to the shipment of MOX nuclear fuel that left the port of Cherbourg France on March 6, 2009 bound for Japan. The shipment of 1.8 tonnes of MOX nuclear fuel, enough to produce 225 nuclear weapons, was scheduled to travel via the Cape of Good Hope, the Southern Ocean, the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand and the south-west Pacific Ocean.

The latest shipment is part of an ongoing process involving several major countries with nuclear programs that are committed to utilizing recycled nuclear fuel. Using a procedure known as "reprocessing", plutonium and uranium are chemically extracted from highly radioactive products contained in spent fuel from commercial reactors. Most of the extracted plutonium along with the nuclear waste will eventually be returned to the country that provided the spent fuel. Since 1999, several major countries in Europe have been transporting MOX energy fuel to complement shipments of spent fuel from commercial reactors in Japan.

"The unnecessary and unjustifiable transshipment of nuclear waste and nuclear materials demonstrate once again the imperialistic behavior of these major countries often at the expense of others. At this critical point in history when the global community is confronted with tough decisions concerning energy resources for future generations, it is important to remind ourselves of the lessons of the past," said Faleomavaega.

"In 1995, I accompanied Mr. Oscar Temaru, the current President of French Polynesia, on the Green Peace Warrior which took us to Moruroa to protest French nuclear testing. At the time, while the world turned a blind eye, the newly elected President of France, Jacques Chirac and the French government broke the world moratorium on nuclear testing and exploded 8 more nuclear bombs at the Pacific atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa in Tahiti. Adding insult to injury, President Chirac stated that nuclear explosions would have no effect on the ecological environment."

"History shows that for some 30 years, the French Government detonated approximately 218 nuclear devices at Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls in Tahiti. About 10,000 Tahitians are believed to have been severely exposed to nuclear radiation during French nuclear testing."

"Our own U.S. government also contributed to this grim history of nuclear testing in the South Pacific. Indeed, one may argue that it was the U.S. nuclear testing program in the Marshall Islands that set the precedent for France to follow suit and use the Pacific Islands as testing grounds for nuclear weapons. Between 1946 and 1958, the United States detonated 66 nuclear weapons in the Marshall Islands including the first hydrogen bomb, or Bravo shot, which was 1,000 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Acknowledged as the greatest nuclear explosion ever detonated by the U.S., the Bravo shot decimated 6 islands and produced a mushroom cloud 25 miles in diameter. It has been said that if one were to calculate the net yield of the tests conducted in the Marshall Islands, it would be equivalent to the detonation of 1.7 Hiroshima nuclear bombs every day for 12 years."

"Such was the magnitude of the devastation that threatened the Marshall Islands. In addition to the annihilation of the surrounding environment and ecological system, the U.S. nuclear testing program exposed the people of the Marshall Islands to severe health issues and genetic irregularities for generations to come."

"I am inspired by President Obama's recent decision concerning the storage of nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain, Nevada. As a U.S. Senator in 2007, Barack Obama wrote in the Las Vegas Review- Journal that 'states should not be fairly burdened with waste from other states.' Moreover, 'every state should be afforded the opportunity to chart a course that addresses its own interim waste storage in a manner that makes sense to that state,'" Faleomavaega explained.

"The same principle should guide the international treatment of nuclear waste and nuclear materials. I support the idea of a moratorium on all international shipments of nuclear fuel and nuclear waste until the international community has in place an agreement to ensure the protection of our oceans and the environment, economy and population of coastal and small island states. Such an agreement must include mechanism for prior notification and consultation of en-route states before shipment of all hazardous and radioactive materials, environmental impact assessments, a satisfactory liability mechanism and protection from terrorism attacks."

"Until such system is in place, Europe, Japan and all nuclear states, must keep their nuclear materials and nuclear waste in their own backyard, and not endanger the lives of others," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega stands with people of Baha'i Faith in opposing religious persecution

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that as of February 26, 2009 he cosponsored H. Res. 175, a resolution introduced by Congressman Mark Kirk of Illinois , condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights.

"I want our people in American Samoa of the Baha'i faith to know that I stand with them in opposing religious persecution of any kind," Faleomavaega said. "Iran must be held accountable for targeting people solely on the basis of their religion and for arresting and imprisoning them without due process."

"Even Mrs. Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Laureate who is also the lawyer for seven of those recently arrested by Iran, has been denied all access to the prisoners and their files. This is wrong and the international community and the U.S. Congress must make their voices heard."

"I commend Congressman Kirk for offering H. Res. 175 which now has 30 cosponsors. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon has also introduced a Senate companion bill. Given that this issue is now before the House and Senate, I am hopeful that Congress will take action and send a strong signal to Iran that religious persecution will not be tolerated by the United States or the international community."

"As this legislation moves forward, I will also continue to do everything I can to make my voice heard on behalf of those living in American Samoa who are of the Baha'i faith," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2009

Washington , D.C. -- Faleomavaega Announces initial amount of over $33.3 million for American Samoa under the new Stimulus Package

Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that American Samoa's initial funding entitlement under the stimulus law recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barak Obama totals over $33.3 million so far.

"This amount has been earmarked for American Samoa at this point, and other funding programs are still being reviewed, including those on the competitive level for which American Samoa is also entitled to apply," Faleomavaega explained.

"Under the stimulus package, the highest allocation for American Samoa so far is for State Energy Program at $18.5 million. This is to create programs for fuel efficient systems of living to alleviate the straining budgets of working families; reduce transportation costs, and explore alternate energy sources suitable and adaptable to American Samoa," Faleomavaega said.

"The second highest is through the Department of Justice at $5 million to set up programs to control crimes, improve law enforcement, enhance drug free programs, and assist in investigating and prosecution of all kinds of criminal offenses," Faleomavaega said.

Following are the allocated programs and their amounts beginning from the highest:

"I am very thankful that this money is now available to us for starters under the Stimulus Act. President Barak Obama, in proposing this legislation before Congress, emphasized that this money be made available to all states and territories for short term job creation, and to spur economic development in the long run," Faleomavaega emphasized.

"We have a lot of unemployment problems, especially with our young people, and our economy is in dire need of development. I am confident that our government, business and community leaders will take advantage of this blessing, and work together to use this money for the purposes it was intended and given under," Faleomavaega said.

"Since this additional $33.3 million will have a dramatic impact to our annual budget in terms of significant changes in funding existing programs, and with the implementation of new programs and more jobs, I hope our two branches of government will work together and corporately concur on what is best for us all," Faleomavaega concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- American Samoa's Department of Education to receive $618,000 for Samoan Language program

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that American Samoa's Department of Education (DOE) will receive $618,000 for its Samoan language program for grades K-12. Last night, the Senate passed, by a vote of 62 to 35, H.R. 1105, the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act which the House passed on February 25, 2009 by a vote of 245 to 178. The bill included Faleomavaega's request to provide funding to American Samoa's DOE for purposes of enhancing its Samoan Language program. The funds will be used to provide teacher training and instructional material development.

"Because the Senate agreed to the House version, the bill will now go straight to President Obama for signature," Faleomavaega said. "Also, because these are 2009 funds, the funds will be released to our local Department of Education as soon as the U.S. Department of Education can process the paperwork."

"At this time, I especially want to thank Chairman Obey for his support of my request which I made last year on May 21, 2008 on behalf of our K-12 students and our public school teachers. I have always advocated that we need to do everything we can to preserve our Samoan language as it is the heart of our culture and identity, and I am pleased the U.S. Congress supports this goal."

"The $618,000 that has been set aside by Congress for this program will be used for teacher training and also for instructional material development of reading books in the Samoan language for our students. As we build on this program, I am hopeful that we will be able to acquire additional funds in the future to make certain that our Samoan language will be protected and preserved."

"Under the direction of our local DOE Director, Dr. Poumele, and with the support of her staff and the commitment of our local teachers, I have every confidence that we will be successful in our efforts, and I stand ready to assist in any way I can to provide our students and young people with the support they need to carry our Samoan culture forward to the next generation. I look forward to working with our teachers, students and local DOE as we work together to undertake this worthy endeavor," Faleomavaega concluded.

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