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Press Releases
February 24, 2010
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega commends Congressman Abercrombie for passing of H.R. 2314, Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the House, by a vote of 245 Yeas to 164 Nays, passed H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009. This legislation will give Native Hawaiians the right to organize and form their own government similar to that of the Native American tribes and indigenous Native Alaskans.
"Yesterday, the House took a historical step towards affording our Pacific brothers and sisters the opportunity to organize their own government similar to the First Americans and the indigenous Native Alaskans. This legislation is a culmination of 10 years of hard work by the congressional delegation from Hawaii and I want to recognize the efforts of my good friends Congressman Abercrombie and Congresswoman Hirono, as well as the hard work of Senators Akaka and Inouye," Faleomavaega said.
"For the past 10 years, the Congress has debated the status of Native Hawaiians and whether they should be treated in the same way as Native American Indians and Native Alaskans. Opposing views claim that this legislation would create a race-based government setting a new precedent for communities across the U.S. But as myself and my colleagues have been arguing, the Congress has the constitutional power to provide for the recognition of the indigenous people of this nation prior to European contact irrespective of whether it is in the 48 contingent states, Alaska, or Hawaii," Faleomavaega explained.
"Native Hawaiians are in fact indigenous, aboriginal people living within what is now the borders of the United States, and it is unfortunate that even today the status of some 400,000 indigenous Native Hawaiians have yet to be afforded the same recognition as our first Americans."
"Similar bills have been approved before by the House only to fall short in the Senate. And while the Senate has yet to vote on the current bipartisan legislation, I am hopeful that with the leadership of Senators Akaka and Inouye the Senate will approve this important piece of legislation. President Obama has also indicated that he will sign the legislation if it reaches his desk," Faleomavaega said.
"Again, I want to recognize Congressman Abercrombie, Congresswoman Hirono, and all the supporters of this historical legislation. I want to thank Chairman Nick Rahall and the Committee on Natural Resources for his leadership. And I also want to commend Haunani Apoliona and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for their commitment to protect the rights of Native Hawaiians. I want to especially acknowledge Senator Akaka for his kokua for Native Hawaiians and all Pacific Islanders."
"On a different note, I want to take this opportunity to wish my good friend, Neil, a fond farewell as he resigns from his commitments in the House this Friday to pursue the Governorship for the State of Hawaii in the November elections. Neil and I have both worked closely for the past 20 years. In the Committee on Natural Resources, we both fought hard for the protection of our environment and for the rights of all indigenous groups. Neil will be truly missed as he is a true friend and one who has continued to work both sides of the aisle. He has represented Hawaii's First District well and I wish him the very best," Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2010
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega asks President Obama to visit American Samoa
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on February 2, 2010, one day after the White House announced that President Obama would be visiting Australia, Indonesia and Guam, Faleomavaega wrote to the President and asked if could also stop in American Samoa, if it all possible, on his return from Australia to Washington.
Faleomavaega followed up his request with letters to top White House officials, including White House Chief of Staff Mr. Rahm Emanuel and Ms. Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor and assistant to the President for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. Faleomavaega has also enlisted the help of House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
"If it is at all possible for President Obama to stop in American Samoa on his return from Australia, I think it would be a nice way for the President as Commander-in-Chief to just say thank you to the thousands of our Samoan men and women who currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, especially since no President has visited American Samoa since Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1967," Faleomavaega said. "A visit by President Obama would be especially meaningful to the people of American Samoa since he is the first President of the United States born and raised in Hawaii. Because his family is very much part of our Pacific family, our people would be deeply honored and very proud to welcome him to our islands."
"As I stated in my letter to the President, the Iraq war death rate per 1 million population is higher for American Samoa than any other State or Territory, and I enclosed two articles by USA Today for the President's information which commends our military men and women for their outsized sacrifice."
"In my letter to President Obama, I also noted that American Samoa was hit by the most powerful earthquake of 2009 which set off a tsunami with waves that towered over 20 feet high and which resulted in deeply personal tragedies for numerous families and villages. In response to this disaster which left American Samoa in ruins, President Obama was the first to promise full, swift and aggressive action to help American Samoa rebuild and recover. Our people are grateful to President Obama and the First Lady for their heartfelt support and we also appreciate the untiring efforts of the President's Cabinet Members, especially Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who made it possible for emergency relief supplies to be airlifted to our brothers and sisters in Western Samoa. A stopover in American Samoa by the President and his family at this time in the recovery process would go a long ways to show that under the Obama Administration's watch, residents of America will never suffer again like victims of Katrina did."
"The First Family's visit would also give special meaning to this year's Flag Day Celebration since, in April of this year, American Samoa will commemorate the 110th year of the raising of the US flag in American Samoa. No higher tribute could be paid to American Samoa's veterans - past, present and future - than for the Commander-in-Chief and especially this Commander-in-Chief who is the first ever Commander-in-Chief to be raised in Hawaii, to visit the islands of American Samoa and pay tribute to the sacrifices our people have made for this great nation of ours."
"I remain hopeful that President Obama will give serious consideration to this request, and, on behalf of the people of American Samoa, we look forward to welcoming him and the First Family should his schedule permit him to stopover or even refuel in American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2010
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega nominates 20 young men and women from American Samoa to U.S. Military Service Academies
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has nominated 20 young men and women from American Samoa to the prestigious United States Military Service Academies for the class entering in June, 2010.
"It has always been an honor for me to nominate students from American Samoa to the military service academies," Faleomavaega said. "During this nomination cycle, American Samoa had one slot each at the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and at the U.S. Naval Academy, for which I was permitted to nominate up to 10 candidates to each slot. This year, I also submitted 5 nominations to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
"I am proud of American Samoa's long tradition of supporting the defense of our nation. If accepted, the military academies offer incredible opportunities for these young men and women to continue this tradition while receiving a first-class four year education. I wish all of them every success in their pursuits of becoming officers in one of the branches of the military." Faleomavaega concluded.
The candidates who have been nominated are as follows:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega thanks Secretary Salazar for his commitment to help with ASPIRE
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he met with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar regarding ASPIRE during a meeting held by the Congressional Caucus on Asian Pacific Americans (CAPAC) on Wednesday, January 27, 2010.
"At my request, the Chairman of CAPAC, Congressman Mike Honda, agreed to include the ASPIRE bill as part of our Caucus agenda," Faleomavaega said. "In the course of our discussion, I informed Secretary Salazar that a Congressional hearing had already been held on ASPIRE and that OIA Director Nik Pula testified on behalf of the Obama Administration in support of the principles of ASPIRE, although there is agreement that modifications need to be made."
"Secretary Salazar understands that American Samoa is a single-industry economy entirely dependent on the tuna industry and that our last remaining tuna cannery can no longer compete against low-wage countries like Thailand that pay their workers $0.75 cents and less per hour to clean fish. Secretary Salazar said he would look into how the Department of the Interior can be supportive of our tuna issue, and I thanked him for his commitment."
"Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta accompanied Secretary Salazar to our CAPAC meeting and nine other Members of Congress were also present, including Congressman Honda, Congresswoman Bordallo, Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Joseph Cao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, Congressman Sablan, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, and Congressman Al Green."
"As a follow-up to our CAPAC meeting, I also held a meeting in my office with OIA Director Nik Pula and Chairman Rahall's Committee staff, and we are aggressively working to find a solution that helps save the jobs of our cannery workers and that helps us rebuild after Chicken of the Sea/Samoa Packing closed down its operations in American Samoa without the courtesy of any discussion with our elected leaders."
"Again, I thank Secretary Salazar for his personal commitment and I also deeply appreciate the support of Chairman Nick Rahall of the Committee on Natural Resources. I look forward to our continued work together as we seek to do all that we can do for and on behalf of the people of American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega commends CBS 60 Minutes special feature on football in American Samoa
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on 21, January 2010, he commended the CBS 60 Minutes program for its special feature called "American Samoa - Football Island." In a statement delivered during the Special Order proceedings of the House, Congressman Faleomavaega expounded on some of the challenges facing football programs in American Samoa.
"The CBS program highlighted that from an island of less than 70,000 people, there are more than 30 players of Samoan ancestry currently playing professional football in the National Football League and estimated more than 200 playing currently in Division I college football," Faleomavaega said.
"Indeed, it is estimated that a boy born to Samoan parents is 56 times more likely to get into the NFL than any other kid in the United States, period. This is an exceptional bit of information considering that the six high school programs in the Territory do not have locker rooms, no weight rooms for training, no proper equipment or other needed facilities and resources. In addition, most of these kids in American Samoa do not start playing organized football until they're in high school."
"For the first time this year, we have organized a Pop Warner football program. What is interesting about this is that a good number of these young Pop Warner players would be disqualified if they were playing in the U.S. for the simple reason that they were too big. I know this is true in the State of Hawaii where, in the Pop Warner program, many of these young Samoan football players had to organize their own "Big Boys" football program because they would be disqualified to play Pop Warner. I know this is true in the little towns of Hauula and Laie in the State of Hawaii."
"The fact that the Samoans have a high success rate of getting into the NFL is most interesting and can be attributed not only to the size of the people but to the values of our Samoan culture. From respect to discipline, one can appreciate that the young men and women of Samoan descent hold true these values with humility. I know that these are values welcomed by any coach in any sport."
"I want to acknowledge and recognize the Polynesian players who were fortunate to make it to this year's NFL Conference Championships. They were, with the Indianapolis Colts, Aaron Francisco and Fili Moala; with the New York Jets, Ropati Pitoitua, Sione Pouha and Wayne Hunter; and with the Minnesota Vikings, Naufahu Tahi. I want to personally congratulate them and their families for their success."
"The success of this new generation of football players is a result of the pathway paved by pioneers like Samoan football player Al Lolotai, who played for the Washington Redskins in 1945, Charley Ane of the Detroit Lions in 1953, Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" Thompson, Manu and his son Marques Tuiasosopo, Dan Saleaumua, Wilson Faumuina, Frank and his son Brandon Manumaleuna, Jesse Sapolu, Junior Seau, Troy Polamalu, Mosi and his son Lofa Tatupu, Domata Peko, Rey Maualuga, Jonathan Fanene, Joe Salave'a, Pita Elisara, Esera Tuaolo, Falaniko and his brother Al Noga, Junior Ah You, and many others."
"I am often asked why Samoan men have so much success on the football field. While there are many factors, I am reminded of the late Green Bay Packers' Coach Vince Lombardi when he said that 'football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.' This is very much part of the heart and soul of the Samoan culture which centers on the importance of families, sharing each other's needs, and respect for others," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega leads CODEL to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Japan
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) from January 4-12, 2010 to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Japan.
The Chairman, along with Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, and Congressman Joe Cao (R-LA), visited Southeast Asia for purposes of addressing U.S. foreign policy as it pertains to Agent Orange clean-up efforts in Vietnam, UXO clearance operations in Laos, the recycling or forgiveness of Cambodia's debt, the establishment of stronger trade ties, and the impact of climate change on the economies of these vulnerable societies. In Japan, the CODEL reviewed military cooperation and troop readiness, focusing on recent frictions over the Futenma base issue and other strains in the bilateral relationship.
In Vietnam, the Members held talks with H.E. Ngo Quang Xuan, Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; H.E. Nguyen Thanh Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and H.E. Pham Binh Minh, Standing Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. A round-table discussion was also held with Ambassador Michael Michalak and included representatives from Vietnam's coordinating agency for Agent Orange Issues and the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation. The Congressional delegation also visited Tu Du Hospital to extend their warmest wishes to the children who are being treated for dioxin exposure. Among other issues, the delegation discussed religious freedom and human rights, noting that the U.S. has a moral obligation to rectify the wrongs of Agent Orange for both Vietnamese and American victims.
In Cambodia, the delegation met with Prime Minister Hun Sen, Secertary of State Ouch Borith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong, Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh, Governor Sou Phirin of the Siem Reap Province, and World Heritage officials. Meetings focused on trade, debt forgiveness, the impact of climate change on Angkor Wat and efforts to capture benefits of the tourist economy for the poor of Siem Reap. Faleomavaega also attended the National Day celebration of the overthrow of the Pol Pot regime.
"In 2008, as part of my assignment as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, it was my privilege to visit Cambodia," Faleomavaega said. "To this day, I cannot erase from my mind the images of Toul Sleng. Neither can I forget the killing fields where I saw massive graves of some 9,000 bodies buried one on top of the other, a sickening reminder that the Khmer Rouge had beaten to death or buried alive innocent people whose blood now cries up to God for justice that most assuredly will come."
"Knowing of Cambodia's suffering, I want to do everything I can to lend a helping hand and this is why I came back to Cambodia," Faleomavaega continued. "In February 2008, I held a hearing calling upon the previous Administration to support legislation which would make it possible for Cambodia's debt to be recycled or forgiven. Regrettably, the previous Administration did not act. However, based on my recent discussions with Cambodia's leaders and in close cooperation with Ambassador Hem Heng, we are working to bring this issue to the attention of the new Administration in hopes that this matter can be set right. We are also working in Congress to gain the support necessary for a favorable outcome, and I commend Congressman Jim McDermott and the House Committee on Ways and Means for the work they are doing to improve trade relations and level the playing field for Cambodia. I also commend our U.S. Charge d'Affaires, Theodore Allegra, for the outstanding work he is doing to promote better relations between the U.S. and Cambodia. Cambodia could have no better friend and the U.S. could have no better representative than Mr. Allegra. He is the kind of diplomat our country can be proud of and I appreciate all he did to make our visit successful."
In Laos, the delegation met with H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, Vice President of the National Assembly and Chairman of Foreign Relations Commission; and other parliamentary members. Members of the delegation also visited the Hmong Refugee Resettlement Camp in Ban Pha Lak, the first delegation to visit since resettlement occurred. In addition to expressing serious concerns about the Hmong resettlement, the delegation also discussed UXO clearance operations and committed to assisting Laos in this effort.
In Japan, the delegation held discussions on U.S.-Japan relations with some of the country's key leaders. The Members visited Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at his residence and held talks with Cabinet Minister Mizuho Fukushima, who serves as Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety, Social Affairs and Gender Equality, as well as Rep. Tomoko Abe, a member of the Social Democratic Party, the second largest party in the ruling coalition. In addition, the group met Koichi Takemasa, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"On behalf of my colleagues, I want to thank our U.S. Ambassadors and Embassy personnel for their assistance. While it was regrettable that our U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos was unavailable to meet us upon our Sunday arrival, we were appreciative that the Prime Minister was able to work us into his Sunday schedule. We also express our appreciation to U.S. Ambassadors Michalak, Huso and Charge d'Affaires Theodore Allegra of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, respectively, and their staff, for their assistance and insights."
"Above all, I want to thank His Excellency Le Cong Phung of Vietnam, His Excellency Hem Heng of Cambodia, and His Excellency Phiane Philakone and the gracious leaders of Southeast Asia who made this historic CODEL possible. This CODEL was unique in that it was the first Congressional Delegation comprised entirely of Members of Congress whose roots are from the Asia Pacific region. I can assure the leaders of Southeast Asia that, as a result of this historic CODEL, it is our intention to do all we can to improve and strengthen relations with Southeast Asia and I will be holding oversight hearings on these matters in the near future," Faleomavaega concluded
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega meets Japanese Prime Minister to discuss US-Japan relations, base issues
The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Rep. Eni Faleomavaega, along with Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) and Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA), visited Japan last week to hold discussions on U.S.-Japan relations with some of the country’s key leaders. The Members visited Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at his residence and held talks with Cabinet Minister Mizuho Fukushima, who serves as Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety, Social Affairs and Gender Equality, as well as with Rep. Tomoko Abe, a member of the Social Democratic Party, the second largest party in the ruling coalition. In addition, the group met Koichi Takemasa, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Much of the discussion in the meetings focused on alliance relations, including the planned relocation of a significant portion of American troops on Okinawa’s main island to a new base on that island, as well as to Guam. Faleomavaega and Cao also visited Hiroshima to view ground zero of the 1945 nuclear bombing of the city and the adjacent Peace Museum.
"Prime Minister Hatoyama's government represents the first significant change in Japanese politics since the early 1990s. Our two countries share a close economic, political and security relationship, and 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, which has helped provide stability throughout the Asia Pacific region. Despite certain disagreements about basing issues, I believe that the bilateral relationship remains vibrant and strong. My visit to Hiroshima, meanwhile, reaffirmed my commitment to helping realize the ultimate goal of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): a world finally free of the scourge of nuclear weapons," Faleomavaega said.
"In 2006, the United States and Japan agreed on a 'roadmap' to strengthen the bilateral alliance. In the aftermath of last year's electoral victory by the Democratic Party of Japan, the new Hatoyama Administration called for changes in the agreement regarding the planned relocation of the Futenma Marine Air Station, currently in Ginowan, Okinawa, to a less densely populated location on the main island. The move from Futenma was to be the first part of a planned realignment of U.S. forces in Asia, designed in part to reduce the footprint of U.S. forces on Okinawa by redeploying U.S. Marines to new facilities in Guam," Faleomavaega added.
"The goal has been to start construction on Guam by 2010 and to complete the relocation of 8,000 marines and their 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam by 2014. On February 17, 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Tokyo to reaffirm the plan with the previous Liberal Democratic Party-led government by signing the bilateral 'Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Japan Concerning the Implementation of the Relocation of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Personnel and Their Dependents from Okinawa to Guam.' That agreement stipulated that of the estimated $10.3 billion cost of the facilities and infrastructure development for the relocation to Guam, Japan would provide $6.09 billion, including up to $2.8 billion in direct cash contributions (in FY2008 dollars). The United States committed to fund $3.2 billion plus about $1 billion for road construction. The relocation to Guam has important economic, social and environmental implications for Guam, as well as for those from the region seeking jobs created by the construction, operation and maintenance of the planned facilities."
"Last week, in a meeting held in Hawaii between Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the new Japanese Government's Foreign Minister, Katsuya Okada, the two sides agreed to shelve the Futenma issue until May and start talks on deepening the bilateral alliance. On January 19, 2010, the day marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Security Treaty, the Japanese and U.S. governments released a joint statement proclaiming that 'the U.S.-Japan Alliance plays an indispensable role in ensuring the security and prosperity of both the United States and Japan, as well as regional peace and stability. The Alliance is rooted in our shared values, democratic ideals, respect for human rights, rule of law and common interests. The Alliance has served as the foundation of our security and prosperity for the past half century and the Ministers are committed to ensuring that it continues to be effective in meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century.' The joint statement also notes that the two countries 'endorse ongoing efforts to maintain our deterrent capabilities in a changing strategic landscape, including appropriate stationing of U.S. forces, while reducing the impact of bases on local communities, including Okinawa.'"
"On the same day, Prime Minister Hatoyama issued an additional statement noting that, 'The U.S.-Japan security arrangements continue to be indispensable not only for the defense of Japan alone, but also for the peace and prosperity of the entire Asia-Pacific region. Under a security environment in which there still exist uncertainty and unpredictability, the presence of the U.S. Forces based on the Treaty will continue to function as a public good by creating a strong sense of security to the countries in the region.'"
"As Chairman of the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over U.S.-Japan relations, I will be following developments affecting the bilateral relationship closely, including basing issues affecting Okinawa and Guam , and will hold an oversight hearing on these matters in the near future," Faleomavaega concluded.
Source: CBSSports.com
Why are Samoans flocking to the NFL? Watch "60 Minutes" Sunday, 17 January (8-9 PM EST/PT)
Why do more NFL Players come from a tiny group of South Pacific Islands that from any other place in America? "60 Minutes" Finds out - Sunday on CBS New York
60 MINUTES goes to American Samoa to find out how a territory with a population less than the capacity of a pro-football stadium sends more players to the NFL than any similarly populated place in America . In fact, boys born to Samoan parents are estimated to be 56 times more likely to play in the NFL than other Americans, reports Scott Pelley in his story to be broadcast Sunday, Jan. 17 (8-9 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
The Samoan people tend to be on the larger side and the islands' six high schools have sent 10 linemen to the NFL in the last five years. One of those 10 NFL linemen who played Samoan high school ball is the Cincinnati Bengals' Domata Peko, who says Samoans' speed plays a role as well. "The combination of size and ability and speed, that's kind of hard to find. Big dudes who can have nimble feet and are able to run and go sideline to sideline," says Peko. Peko's teammate, another Samoan named Jonathan Fanene, is a defensive end who proves Peko's point with his six sacks and a touchdown this season. Says Fanene, "With the talent that we have, we have to take pride of it, especially when you have the opportunity to come to the mainland."
Fanene's little, well, not so little, brother, 17-yr.-old Aiulua, is poised to follow in Jonathan's footsteps. At 6-5 and 280lbs., he's considering offers from Arizona University and Oregon State. Like many other Samoans, he does a day's worth of chores before school starts. His father, David, thinks the discipline has a lot to do with his kids' football success. "That's how he's been brought up. Discipline. Obedience should be involved in this house and I am expecting our children to obey us," Fanene tells Pelley.
Jonathan Fanene built his family a palatial home in Samoa with the seven-figure salary his NFL career affords him.
Perhaps the most famous Samoan in the NFL, Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu - born in the U.S. to Samoan parents - says the island is lucky to have the option of football. Beyond a career in the NFL, Samoans have little opportunity beyond the military or work in a tuna canning industry based there that is threatening to pull out soon. "The beautiful thing about football is it's allowed us to get into education," says Polamalu. "Football is something that comes naturally to us," he tells Pelley.
There are currently more than 30 Samoans in the NFL and another 200-plus playing Division 1 college football. There are just 65,000 people living on the islands. “What if there were 120 million Samoans," wonders Polamalu. "How many Samoans would there then be in the NFL?"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega congratulates Reverend Tialavea on historic occasion - offering prayer to open the U.S. House session
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that Reverend Samuel "Sam" Tikeri Tialavea, Sr., the General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS), was the Guest Chaplain of the House of Representatives who offered the opening prayer to begin today’s regular session of the Congress.
While the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, The Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, stood close by, Rev. Tialavea spoke in both his native Samoan language and in English offering the following prayer.
"Talofa lava. Tatou tatalo. Le Atua mamalu. Le Atua paia. Le Atua e o le viiga. Silasila maia i le faamoemoe o le nei aso ma ia e faamanuia mai."
"God of the faith of our fathers and Lord of our homage, we embrace you and one another in heart and soul, thought and mind giving you praise and trusting your faithfulness. Bless this day and our activity in your service.
"O Lord, help us to remember that proclamation from ages past, "where there is no vision, people perish.
"Enable us, therefore, to be visionary in our decision-making, particularly with those resolved in your wisdom by the leadership of our nation. Grant this Congress the ability to see, the faith to believe and the courage to leap forward in their journey of determination for tranquility and peace, upholding those virtues by which all may benefit from, in our "home of the brave and land of the free.
"God of the Most High, may your will be done, your vision be known, and your righteousness prevail, both now and forever. Amen."
In the tradition of the Congress, Faleomavaega, as the Representative of the District in which the Guest Chaplain resides, delivered the one-minute opening speech to welcome Rev. Tialavea to the House of Representatives.
"Madam Speaker. It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome Reverend Samuel Tikeri Tialavea, Sr. to the Chamber today. Reverend Tialavea or "Sam" as he is popularly known in our Samoan community is from my District - American Samoa."
"Rev. Tialavea is currently the General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) - a position he has held since 2002. He was appointed Secretariat of the Partnership Consultation Committee on Ministry and Mission o f the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the CCCAS, a post he has also held since 2002. Rev. Tialavea was ordained in the mid 1990's where he became pastor of the Bread of Life Church in Honolulu, Hawaii prior to his election as the General Secretary of the CCCAS. He is also the Chairman of the American Samoa Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster that was reestablished soon after the earthquake and tsunamis that impacted American Samoa in September 29, 2009.
"This is a historic day for American Samoa. To my knowledge, Reverend Tialavea is the first ever Samoan to give the opening prayer to begin a regular House Congressional Session.
"I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Reverend Tialavea's lovely wife - Fa'aipoipoga who is present with us in the Gallery. Also, with her to witness this momentous occasion are Rev. Elder Leatulagi Faalevao who is Vice Chairman of the CCCAS and his wife Vagai, and Rev. Reupena Alo who is Assistant to the General Secretary of the CCCAS and his wife Deanne.
"It is my distinct honor and privilege again to welcome to the House today my good friend, Reverend Sam Tikeri Tialavea, Sr."
Reverend Tialavea and his guests were later hosted by Congressman Faleomavaega to a luncheon in the Members Dining Room and were provided a tour of the U.S. Capitol and other historical landmarks around Washington, DC.
January 8, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega welcomes Secretary Clinton's visit to Pacific Region but expresses dissappointment
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that while he welcomes news that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit the Pacific region from January 11-19, he is very disappointed that some 15 Pacific Island nations are being ignored and marginalized once again.
During her first visit to the Pacific region, Secretary Clinton will visit Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. She will also deliver a speech in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Secretary is not scheduled to visit any other Pacific Island nations.
"For years, I have been outspoken about U.S. foreign policy towards the Pacific region because the only real foreign policy that the U.S. has with the Pacific is with New Zealand and Australia," Faleomavaega said. "My point is underscored by the fact that Secretary Clinton will be meeting with Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea while excluding some 15 Pacific Island leaders who could have gathered in one location to meet her."
"However, in fairness to Secretary Clinton, this is nothing new. The Bush and Clinton administrations also disregarded the needs and concerns of Pacific Island nations, as have most U.S. administrations."
"But, considering that President Obama was born and raised in Hawaii and understands the challenges and needs of the community, I thought these small island nations, however small, would finally be given the time, consideration and respect they deserve."
"I am truly disappointed that President Obama, whom I supported and endorsed from the beginning of his presidential campaign, did not weigh in upon learning that Secretary Clinton's first visit to the Pacific region excluded all Pacific Island nations except Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. At a minimum, the President or the Secretary could have easily called for a summit of Foreign Ministers from the island nations to meet in Samoa, Hawaii, or even New Zealand. That this was not done shows a lack of sensitivity for the region and sends a message that some 15 Pacific Island nations are not an important or integral part of our U.S. foreign policy objectives."
"This is the wrong message to send," Faleomavaega said. "The U.S. cannot afford to take for granted the sacrifices Pacific Island nations have made on our behalf. While New Zealand refuses entry to U.S. nuclear ships, many Pacific Island nations fought side by side with the U.S. throughout WWII."
"The U.S. also used the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) as a nuclear testing ground, exploding more than 67 nuclear bombs, including the first hydrogen bomb ever detonated. Although the U.S. has not fully compensated the RMI for the damage we did and the contamination we left behind, the RMI is still our ally."
"But how long will it be before Pacific Island nations begin to reconsider their relationship with the U.S.? China, Taiwan and Iran are increasing their presence in the region while the U.S. cannot even bother to re-establish USAID presence. Given that most Pacific Island nations continue to support U.S. interests at home, abroad, and in the United Nations, it is my hope that the U.S. will return the favor and support the Pacific Island community."
"China takes the time to meet with Heads of State from small Pacific Island nations and the U.S. should do the same because it is no longer enough to continually fly-over the region. Pacific Island nations deserve something better than fly-by diplomacy."
"While it is very doubtful that Secretary Clinton can adjust her schedule at this late date, at the very least she can make it a top priority to meet in the near future with the some 15 Pacific Island leaders she is excluding on her first trip to the Pacific region. Such a meeting would be a step in the right direction after more than 50 years of U.S. neglect," Faleomavaega concluded.
