Press Releases from Congressman Faleomavaega

Press Releases_

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 21, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega opposes planned lawsuit to make citizenship clause of U.S. Constitution apply to U.S. Nationals

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today his opposition to a planned lawsuit by the Constitutional Accountability Center (CAC) that would make the citizenship clause of the U.S. Constitution apply to persons born in American Samoa. The Congressman expressed his opposition in a letter to the CAC.

"It has come to my attention that the Constitutional Accountability Center is preparing a lawsuit to grant U.S. citizenship to anyone born in American Samoa or as they are known under U.S. immigration law as U.S. Nationals. The purpose of the lawsuit is to challenge Congressional authority to either deny or grant U.S. citizenship especially to those born in U.S. territories. In the case of American Samoa, Congress has not enacted a law to grant U.S. citizenship to those born in American Samoa." Faleomavaega said.

"The application of the U.S. Constitution to American Samoa poses some interesting questions on a culture that has been in existence for over 3,000 years. I do believe the choice of becoming a U.S. citizen belongs to the people of American Samoa, and not by judicial legislation." Faleomavaega added.

"The planned lawsuit is a wakeup call to remind our Samoan community to be more actively engaged in determining what the territory’s political future will be. It concerns me that the future of our territory may well be determined by outside forces and not by the will of the people."

The full text of the Congressman's letter, which was copied to Governor Togiola, the Lieutenant Governor, President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House and has been distributed to all Fono members, is included below:

I am writing to express my serious concerns with the Constitutional Accountability Center's (CAC) proposed plan to file a lawsuit in federal court to make U.S. citizenship automatic for individuals born in American Samoa. As you have noted, the current naturalization process has proved to be burdensome to many American Samoans. However, I cannot offer my support to the CAC's efforts for the simple reason that the issue of U.S. citizenship for American Samoans should be decided by the people of American Samoa and the U.S. Congress, not by a federal court.

The CAC's proposed lawsuit poses much uncertainty as to whether our Samoan culture will be protected or challenged in federal court. As you are well aware, the application of the U.S. Constitution to American Samoa presents significant threats to our Samoan traditions founded on a 3,000 year old culture. In Craddick v. Territorial Registrar of American Samoa (1 ASR 2d 11 (1980)), the American Samoa High Court upheld cultural preservation laws in American Samoa. However, this ruling is not a binding precedent in federal district courts. Moreover, there is a possibility of a third party challenge to our cultural traditions that may not necessarily be in compliance with federal law and certain provisions of the U.S. Constitution.

It should also be noted that the federal court's ruling in King v. Morton (520 F.2d 1140 (1975)) decided that the constitutional right to a jury trial applied to American Samoa despite objections from 13 witnesses, including traditional leaders, who testified against having jury trials in the territory. The court's reasoning in King, was that American Samoa institutions had become sufficiently Americanized; therefore, jury trials should be required in criminal cases as it is in accordance with the requirements of "due process" in the U.S. Constitution. Consequently, the federal court created a new mandate by judicial legislation that brought American Samoa in compliance with the U.S. Constitution, despite the uncertainty as to whether jury trials could be effectively implemented in the territory.

My concern is that the application of certain constitutional issues to American Samoa such as "due process" and "equal protection" may pose a threat to other aspects of our laws that were enacted to protect and preserve our Samoan traditions and culture.

In light of the CAC's initial purpose in filing this lawsuit, I would nevertheless like to inform you that I have introduced an amendment to change certain provisions of the federal immigration law to benefit our U.S. Nationals. The proposed amendment would allow U.S. nationals to apply for U.S. citizenship directly from American Samoa, rather than having to travel to a state and maintain residence for three months before qualifying to apply to become a U.S. citizen.

It is critical that the people of American Samoa be given an opportunity to decide for themselves whether or not they want U.S. citizenship.

Faleomavaega concluded his letter by stating, "I cannot support a lawsuit that will cause a federal court to authorize this process, especially when this issue is still uncertain in the minds of the people of American Samoa."

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February 15, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega introduces legislation to expedite Naturalization process for U.S. Nationals

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has introduced legislation (H.R. 4021) to waive certain naturalization requirements for U.S. nationals living in American Samoa.

"Currently, U.S. nationals are required to follow the same procedures for naturalization to become U.S. citizens, as legal permanent residents, or green card holders who come to the U.S. from every nation in the world. These procedures, which may take longer than a year to complete, include filing of an application, interview, finger printing, test of English proficiency, test of knowledge of U.S. history and government, and requires that an applicant lives within the United States a minimum of three months prior to applying for naturalization." Faleomavaega said.

"I find that many of these procedures are unnecessary for U.S. nationals living in American Samoa," Faleomavaega said. "For example, why should a U.S. national living in American Samoa be required to take a test on U.S. history, government, civics, or English proficiency when our public school system is the same as anywhere else in the United States?"

"For over 100 years now," the Congressman continued, "American Samoans have demonstrated their loyalty to the United States with the signing of two Deeds of Cession in 1900 for Tutuila and Aunu’u and in 1904 for Manu’a which govern the political relationship between the United States and American Samoa. American Samoans have also joined the U.S. Armed Forces and fought and died for the United States during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf wars, and most recently the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. American Samoa also has a per capita enlistment rate that is among the highest in the nation."

"Despite the historical relationship and the sacrifices that American Samoans have made on behalf of the United States, U.S. nationals are still required to travel to the States and live there for 3 months in order to apply for naturalization. My legislation will ease this travel burden by allowing U.S. nationals to apply for citizenship directly from American Samoa. After all American Samoa is a territory of the United States." Faleomavaega said.

"As American Samoans we are considered non-citizen nationals, but have defended the United States in times of war as if we were citizens. I am hopeful that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate will stand and support this critical legislation which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions by our people to the United States and give U.S. nationals living in American Samoa an option to apply for U.S. citizenship directly from American Samoa." Faleomavaega concluded.

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February 10, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega announces a draft bill to repeal Congressional approval for amendments to American Samoa constitution

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has sent a letter to Governor Togiola dated 10 February 2012, seeking his input on a draft bill to repeal the 1983 law requiring Congressional approval of amendments to the constitution of American Samoa. Faleomavaega also expressed his intent to discuss the draft bill with leaders and members of the Fono.

The full text of the Congressman’s letter to Governor Togiola is included below, and posted at www.house.gov/faleomavaega

Dear Governor Togiola:

I am writing to inform you that I have prepared a draft bill to repeal the law that requires congressional approval of amendments to the Revised Constitution of American Samoa. (Section 12 of Public Law 98-213 (December 8, 1983)).

The law that the draft bill will repeal, came about in 1983 after a dispute between the Assistant Secretary of Interior and the American Samoa Government (ASG). For whatever reason, Mr. Pedro San Juan, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Territorial and International Affairs, attempted at that time to remove the Attorney General of American Samoa. At the request of Governor Peter Tali Coleman, Congressman Fofo Sunia introduced a bill to amend 48 U.S.C. 1662, as a way to "... prevent the Assistant Secretary of Interior from removing the attorney general who was, appointed by the popularly elected Governor and confirmed by the legislature..." Floor Statement by Rep. Fofo Sunia. Congressional Record. House Report 98-174 (1983). The removal of the Attorney General would have undermined the authority of the elected governor of American Samoa, and thereby contradicted the concept of a elected governor to appoint members of his cabinet, which included the Attorney General.

Addressing Rep. Fofo's concerns, Congress enacted under Title 48 U.S.C. 1662a, the new law which now states:

"Amendments of, or modifications to, the constitution of American Samoa, as approved by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to Executive Order 10264 as in effect January 1, 1983, may be made only by Act of Congress." (emphasis added)

In the opinion of officials of the Department of Justice at the time, Rep. Fofo's amendment was unnecessary, since Congress could have addressed the problem without requiring Congressional approval of an amendment to the American Samoan Constitution. The actions by former Assistant Secretary San Juan were rare and unlikely to occur again. An indication of the possibility of an event occurring again was reaffirmed by San Juan's successor, Assistant Secretary of Interior Robert Montoya who at a congressional hearing held May 8, 1984 stated that "if things would revert back to the way it was in the past (before the Sunia amendment passed), any changes would have to be something where there was complete agreement with the elected leadership of American Samoa." Revised Constitution of American Samoa, US Senate Hearings before the Subcommittee On Energy Conservation and Supply, Comm. of Energy and Nat. Resources. Pg 43-44 (98th Cong. 2d Sess.) (May 8, 1984). Currently, the Department of Interior has allowed ASG to operate under an elected governor and a legislature to administer the affairs of the territory.

The Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) gives Congress plenary or absolute authority over all U.S. territories which includes American Samoa. Congress officially ratified the two Deeds of Cession on February 20, 1929 (48 USC 1661). In this Act of 1929, Congress then delegated its authority over Tutuila, Manu'a and Aunu'u to the President or his designee. Under Title 48 U.S.C. Section 1661 (c): it specifically states:

"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)

It should be noted that for some unknown reason it took Congress some 29 years before finally approving or ratifying these two Deeds of Cession. Added to this delay in approving the Deeds was the fact that Congress by an Act in 1925, annexed Swains Islands (Olohenga) and declared it "part" of American Samoa, when in fact American Samoa’s Deeds were not ratified or accepted by the Congress until 1929.

Congress, while delegating its authority over "all" civil, judicial and military powers to the President concerning the administration of these islands, the President by Executive Order then assigned the authority to the Secretary of the Navy. In 1951, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 10264 which transferred administrative responsibility for the islands to the Secretary of the Interior. The transfer of all administrative, judicial, and military authority to the President from Congress has not been amended since 1929.

As of now, before any changes can be made to amend any provision of the 1969 Revised Constitution of American Samoa requires, first the approval of the majority of the voters, then the approval of the Secretary of Interior, and finally approval of the Congress. It should be noted there is no guarantee that such amendments will be approved by the Congress.

Another area of concern is that Congress has never taken the opportunity to carefully review the provisions of American Samoa's Constitution. For example, the selection process of our local Senators. There will likely be questions raised why our Senators are not elected. While we can argue that it was a way to strike a balance between our culture and democracy, I am certain some Members will insist on the election of our Senators and that the Senators should be represented not just by our Matai or Chiefs, but all the people living in their districts.

As you are aware, Section 3, Article I of American Samoa's Constitution clearly states as a written policy:

"It shall be the policy of the Government of American Samoa to protect persons of Samoan ancestry against alienation of their lands and the destruction of the Samoan way of life and language, contrary to their best interests. Such legislation as may be necessary may be enacted to protect the lands, customs, culture, and traditional Samoan family organization of persons of Samoan ancestry..." (emphasis added)

Members of Congress could find the provision providing for "persons of Samoan ancestry" in violation of the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution. These members of Congress who object to racial restrictions in the American Samoa constitution could propose legislation to eliminate racially restrictive laws in America Samoa. For example, there are laws that require a 50% Samoan blood quantum to own land, or to receive a Matai title. Since Congress has plenary authority over the territories under the Territorial Clause, any action by Congress eliminating racial restrictions in American Samoa can be challenged, but the results of a federal court decision may not be in our favor.

The proposed legislation will allow the people and leaders of American Samoa to work closely with the Secretary of the Interior. If there are needed changes to be made to the Constitution, it will be a lot easier to make the changes without Congressional involvement.

As a reminder, it took Congress 29 years to approve our two Deeds of Cession that were approved by our traditional leaders in 1900 and 1904. There are no assurances that the Congress will act immediately on any proposed change to our territorial constitution.

Faleomavaega concluded his letter by stating, "I look forward to hearing from you as I welcome your advice on this important matter."

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February 13, 2012

Washington, D.C. - President Obama submits to Congress FY2013 budget proposal including OIA funding for American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that President Obama has submitted to Congress his proposed FY 2013 budget for the federal government, which includes $575.3 million for the Office of Insular Affairs, Department of Interior (OIA). The total OIA budget, an increase of $4.7 million from the FY2012 enacted level, is divided into discretionary and mandatory spending for activities in the Territories.

For total assistance to the Territories, the proposed OIA budget includes $84.946 million, a net loss of $3.097 million from enacted levels in FY 2012. Through this program, $22.75 million, an increase of $35,000 from FY 2012, is proposed for the American Samoa Government (ASG) Operations, which includes $14.240 million for Basic Operations, $7.657 million for LBJ operations, and $855,000 for the High Court.

Under OIA's mandatory Covenant Grants, ASG will receive $9.964 million, a net reduction of $125,000 from FY 2012. These mandatory funds will fund construction projects in American Samoa. Under the discretionary General Technical Assistance program, OIA is proposing $34.474 million, a net reduction of $2.955 million from FY 2012. In the past, OIA has been able to fund several technical assistance projects for ASG through this discretionary funding.

"I am pleased that the President's budget request underscores a sustained commitment by the federal government to the interest of the people of American Samoa," Faleomavaega said.

"As Congress proceeds with its vetting process, I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available," Faleomavaega concluded.

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February 13, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Territories propose continued funding under Highway Trust Fund

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that in a joint letter to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the territorial delegates are asking for support to keep the Territorial Highway and the Puerto Rico Highway programs funded through the Highway Trust Fund.

The full text of the letter, addressed to Chairman John L. Mica, is inserted below.

Dear Chairman Mica,

As representatives of the 4.1 million Americans residing in the five U.S. territories, we write to respectfully express our concern regarding Section 1103 of H.R. 7, the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, which would change the source of funding for the highway programs in our jurisdictions. As you are aware, under the bill, annual allocations for the Puerto Rico Highway Program and the Territorial Highway Program would no longer be funded from the National Highway Trust Fund, which has been the historical funding source for these programs. Instead, our highway programs would be funded from a new "alternative transportation account" that would be funded through a one-time, $40 billion transfer from the General Fund.

You have always been a strong champion of the territories and particularly sensitive to our unique transportation needs, as evidenced by the welcome fact that H.R. 7 - unlike its Senate counterpart - does not purport to reduce annual funding for our highway programs below its current levels. Nevertheless, we are deeply concerned that the proposed change could ultimately place these critical programs in jeopardy, because their funding would no longer be tied to a dedicated source of revenue. To the contrary, allocations to the territories would have to compete for funding against, among other things, transit projects in all 50 States, since funding for these projects is also being migrated from the National Highway Trust Fund to the alternative transportation account. If funding for the alternative transportation account runs out, as could well be the case, the territories would have to compete for their federal highway funds in the annual appropriations process, with no legal assurances that funding levels would not be reduced. In that case, the territories would be treated unequally relative to the States, whose highway funding is guaranteed from the Highway Trust Fund.

To obviate this risk, we have filed an amendment to H.R. 7 that would continue the longstanding practice of funding the Puerto Rico Highway Program and the Territorial Highway Program through the Highway Trust Fund. We hope you will look favorably upon our amendment and agree to include it as part of your manager’s amendment.

"The House is scheduled to begin floor consideration of HR 7 later this week, including discussion on our amendment. It is important for all the House members to hear about the concerns and needs of the Territories, and I commend my colleagues from the Territories for their efforts and hard work on this important issue," Faleomavaega concluded.

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February 6, 2012

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Department of Interior awards $1.05 million in FY2012 funding to the Close-Up program

Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that the Close Up Program has been awarded an FY2012 grant in the amount of $1.05 million from the U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs Technical Assistance Fund. The funding was authorized by Congress as part of DOI's budget in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 (P.L. 12-74).

For over twenty years, Close Up has provided civic education programming to young people across the nation with the purpose of inspiring the next generation to become active in our nation's democracy. Each year, Close Up gives students from American Samoa the opportunity to experience the Federal government first-hand, visit historical sites, engage in dialogue with their peers, and voice their opinion with federal representatives in Washington, D.C. This past fall, Close Up also hosted an on-island Youth Summit in American Samoa, which was the first of its kind. The Summit brought together approximately 60 students, along with local educators and government officials.

"I thank Secretary Salazar, Assistant Secretary Anthony Babauta and OIA Director Nikolao Pula for their leadership in ensuring that young people in the U.S. Territories continue to benefit from the Close Up Program," Faleomavaega stated.

"I also extend my gratitude to the Close Up staff for their tireless efforts to serve our young people, as well as the dedication of our local teachers and educators who have contributed to the Close Up Program."

"Each year, I am pleased to host the Close Up groups visiting from American Samoa in my Washington, D.C. office and I thank all of the students who have visited my office to dialogue about civic affairs and share their interest in policy issues that affect American Samoa and the entire nation. I count it a privilege to be able to host our young people and future leaders and I thank Close Up for providing this opportunity. I am also thankful for Close Up's expansion to on-island programming. I have every confidence that the Youth Summit program on-island will not only bring greater access to civic education for our young people, but also enable them to interact with local government officials to discuss policy issues that directly affect the Territory."

"Once again I thank the U.S. Department of Interior and the Office of Insular Affairs and the Close Up Foundation for providing these unique educational experiences for our young people. I have every hope that the Close Up Program will continue to inspire and prepare the younger generation of civic leaders in American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.

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January 26, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega alerts public of President Obama's proposal to transfer the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to the U.S. Department of Interior

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that President Obama's recent proposal to reorganize and streamline federal agencies includes a transfer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI).

"I would like to inform the public that this is the latest proposal for reorganization and streamlining of federal agencies proposed by the Obama Administration," Faleomavaega stated.

"It is important to note, however, that Congress has the final word on any upcoming federal agency reorganization. At this point the President has asked Congress for the authorization to officially submit his proposal. If this authority is granted, the President's proposal must then go up for a Congressional vote," Faleomavaega added.

In a January 13, 2012 press conference, President Obama announced that there are several changes he would implement if Congress were to return to the President the authority to propose departmental reorganization and streamlining. This authority was first granted during the Great Depression to allow for immediate executive action and restructuring. However, Congress removed this Presidential authority in 1984 during the Reagan Administration.

According to the White House, the streamlined proposal is expected to save $3 billion and better serve businesses. Overall it would consolidate six federal agencies into a single department that focuses on business, trade, and economic growth, while eliminating redundancy and inefficiency. The core business and trade components of the DOC would be consolidated with five other agencies: Export-Import Bank, Office of U.S. Trade Representative, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Small Business Administration, and the Trade and Development Agency. However NOAA, which is more than 60% of the DOC's $7.161 billion budget (FY 2012), would be transferred to the Department of Interior.

NOAA was formed in 1970 as a conglomeration of three of the oldest existing agencies in the federal governments: the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, formed in 1807; the Weather Bureau, formed in 1870; and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, formed in 1871. President Nixon placed NOAA in the Department of Commerce, apparently due to his frustration with his then Secretary of Interior. NOAA's current activities fall into five broad categories: satellites, weather, fisheries, oceans and coasts, and scientific research.

"Considering American Samoa's position in the Pacific and our reliance on the environment and especially the seas for our survival and economic vitality, NOAA's services and programs have been significantly tied to our Territorial affairs," Faleomavaega stated.

"I intend to keep the public informed of the latest developments regarding the potential restructuring of NOAA as this issue evolves. In speaking of NOAA, I also wish to remind the public that the comment period for the Fagatele Bay expansion proposal has been extended until March 9th," Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.

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January 24, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega thanks NOAA for extension of time

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has been informed by the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that NOAA has agreed to extend the comment period for the proposed rule to add five new sites to the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Sanctuary).

"I want to thank NOAA and the Sanctuary officials for extending the comment period until March 9, 2012," Faleomavaega said. "During the recent town hall meeting I convened at the Fono Guest House on January 11, 2012, I respectfully made the request for an extension and I especially want to thank Mr. Dave Basta, Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and Ms. Genevieve Brighouse, Superintendent of the Fagatele Sanctuary."

"As I said then, the January 6th deadline was impractical given that it immediately followed the Christmas and New Year holidays and the public did not have enough time to submit their comments. Making things even tougher, many have expressed concerns that they do not have access to computers while some do not have the technical skills to fully utilize and access the website to submit comments online," Faleomavaega noted.

"Therefore, I am very pleased that NOAA has decided to extend the comment period on this sensitive issue. In light of this recent development, I encourage all stakeholders and interested parties who were going to send our office their petitions to do so immediately. It is my intent to submit my final comment no later than around the end of February next month," Faleomavaega added.

"Again I want to thank the officials at NOAA and the Sanctuary for their willingness to accommodate the needs of our people. I am very pleased that the public is allowed more opportunity to participate in the discussion and express their views on this important issue," Faleomavaega concluded.

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January 19, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega congratulates Polynesian players in this weekend's NFL playoff championship games

Congressman Faleomavaega today sent his personal congratulations to the Polynesian players that will be playing this weekend in the National Football League (NFL) Conference Championship games that will decide which teams will play in Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This Sunday, January 22, 2012, Mike Iupati and Isaac Sopoaga and the San Francisco 49ers will play against the New York Giants in the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship game in San Francisco. While In the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship, Haloti Ngata and the Baltimore Ravens will play against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

"I want to congratulate Mike, Isaac, and Haloti for their success this season," said Faleomavaega. "These Polynesian warriors have overcome difficult circumstances this season that began with a long drawn out player's lockout and a competitive NFL schedule. Through pain and injury all season we must commend them for making it this far. This NFL season is best described as the 'survival of the fittest.'"

"This is a monumental occasion for American Samoa given that Mike and Isaac of the 49ers were both born and raised in American Samoa. They represent the success and the endless possibilities that football has provided for our local youth and high school programs. We must never forget to recognize the many players who came before them that laid the foundation for the many Polynesian players who are now playing in both the collegiate and professional levels."

"I want to also recognize the parents and families for their endless support and prayers for their sons. Their sons' success would not have been possible without their many sacrifices. I wish Mike, Isaac, and Haloti all the best this Sunday," concluded Faleomavaega.

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January 19, 2012

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Treasury approved $10 million to help small businesses in American Samoa

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he was recently informed by the U.S. Treasury that a total of $10.5 million has been approved for American Samoa under the State Small Business Community Initiative (SSBCI).

"As I mentioned in a past press release, the SSBCI program was one of two programs that Congress created through the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to help small business gain access to new credit line and critical capital that will spur job creation," Faleomavaega said. "The other was the Small Business Lending Fund."

"I am very pleased that the American Samoa Government (ASG) was able to go after the SSBCI funding to help small businesses in the Territory. As a major source of employment, small businesses in American Samoa would receive much needed capital to help them expand and hire more workers," Faleomavaega added.

"It is my understanding based on my conversation with U.S. Treasury officials that while the application has been approved, ASG would still need to sign a finalized agreement however, for the funding/allocation process to be completed," Faleomavaega added.

The administering agency will be the American Samoa Office of Federal Programs, which will use these funds to support a new collateral support program called the American Samoa Credit Support Program that will provide cash collateral to lenders to support new small business lending.

"For more information on how to apply for the SSBCI program, I encourage small business owners and everyone interested to contact the American Samoa Office of Federal Program in the Governor's Office," Faleomavaega noted.

"I want to thank Secretary Tim Geithner and the officials at the U.S. Treasury for their willingness to work with our local government to ensure that American Samoa receives its fair share of the program," Faleomavaega said.

"I also want to thank Governor Togiola and the American Samoa Government for their hard work to make sure that American Samoa put in a complete application to get approval under the SSBCI program," Faleomavaega concluded.

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January 5, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega reminds the public to testify during the NOAA and Immigration Hearings

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he invites all interested individuals and parties to testify during the two town hall meetings scheduled for next week at the Fono Guest House (Fale Samoa) in Fagatogo. On Wednesday January 11, 2012, the public will have the opportunity to discuss NOAA's proposal to expand the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Sanctuary), and on Thursday January 12, 2012, the chance to discuss two immigration legislative initiatives. Both meetings are scheduled for 4:00 pm.

"The public comment period for NOAA's rulemaking process ends on Friday January 6, 2012, and I encourage those who have yet to submit their comments to NOAA to do so before the deadline," Faleomavaega said. "Meanwhile, it is my intent to transmit to NOAA all testimonies received during the town hall meeting on Wednesday to be considered part of the rulemaking record," Faleomavaega added.

"The next day on Thursday, the public will have the opportunity to express their views on two immigration bills that will benefit people currently residing in American Samoa. One proposed bill will allow for certain long term residents to apply to become US nationals. The other will expedite the naturalization process and allow residents of American Samoa to apply directly for citizenship without leaving the territory. There are strong feelings for and against the proposed immigration bills and I look forward to a constructive lively debate," Faleomavaega added.

"As I stated in an earlier press release, I have received emails and telephone calls from many of our constituents concerning these sensitive issues and I want to provide them the forum to express their views and opinions. Both town hall meetings are open to the public and all interested parties or individuals wishing to give testimony should contact our office in Utulei at 633-1372 to add their names to the list of witnesses," Faleomavaega noted.

"To ensure that all participants get the chance to be heard and counted, it is very helpful if all potential witnesses, including those presenting oral testimony, would also submit written statements", Faleomavaega concluded.

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January 5, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega reminds the public to testify during the NOAA and Immigration hearings

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December 23, 2011

Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega provides further updates about minimum wage delays

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that since the Senate passed S. 2009 on December 16, 2011, he has worked to move the bill forward by clearing all obstacles in the House so that a vote can take place.

"As I explained in my previous release, S. 2009 included two other provisions besides minimum wage," Faleomavaega said. "One issue is the monitoring of Runit Island and the other is clarifying the temporary assignment of judges to courts of the Freely Associated States."

"Because these provisions were included along with our minimum wage provision, S. 2009 was referred to three different committees in the House - the Committee on Foreign Affairs which has jurisdiction for matters involving our Compact agreement with the Marshall Islands; and in addition the Committee on the Judiciary, which has jurisdiction for matters involving courts and judges; and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, which has jurisdiction for minimum wage. The House Parliamentarian determined that the Committee on Foreign Affairs would be the lead Committee that would decide whether or not the bill moves forward."

"S. 2009 was not referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources which is the counterpart to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of which Senator Bingaman is the Chairman. So, although Senator Bingaman introduced the bill in the Senate with the support of Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski, the bill was not referred to their counterpart Committee in the House which has jurisdiction for Territorial issues."

"This means that the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs also did not have jurisdiction for the bill, even though the bill was titled the Insular Areas Act and Chairman Fleming was so helpful in holding a hearing on the GAO report at my request."

"Despite this unexpected set of circumstances in the House, I had every hope that the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Committees on the Judiciary, Education and the Workforce would support our cause, and also the Committee on Foreign Affairs, of which I am a Member. This is why I have worked aggressively to get each Committee to clear the bill for the House floor, and I am pleased to report that, as of yesterday (Thursday, December 22) my office has been successful in these efforts."

"Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Conyers of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman Kline and Ranking Member George Miller of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and Ranking Member Berman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs have all accepted my request to let the bill move to the House floor."

"Out of respect for Chairman Hastings and Ranking Member Markey of the Committee on Natural Resources, it was important for me and also Chairman Ros-Lehtinen to have their support even though the bill was not referred to their Committee. I am deeply appreciative that Chairman Hastings and Ranking Member Markey agreed to support us when they just as easily could have petitioned the Parliamentarian to refer it to their Committee, too."

"One other hurdle we also had to clear was a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate. Because of the federal deficit, we had to make sure this bill complies with no new spending without an offset. The CBO estimate, which was provided to my office yesterday, indicated that there is no direct spending, and discretionary spending is minimal, which makes our bill in compliance."

"Chairman Ros-Lehtinen's office and I have now informed Speaker Boehner's office that we have successfully met the requirements of the CBO, and that all Chairmen and Ranking Members of jurisdiction have cleared the bill for the Floor, and that Chairman Hastings and Ranking Member Markey have also signed off. With the support of the Speaker's Office and our Democratic leadership, it is my hope that this bill will be brought to the House floor for consideration when we return in January 2012, or soon thereafter."

"I thank Speaker Boehner for the kindness his office has shown us during this process, and I also thank Senate Majority Harry Reid for bringing S. 2009 to the Senate Floor so that it could be passed by UC. I also thank Senator Bingaman for offering S. 2009 since the best way forward was to have the bill first offered in the Senate. I also thank Senator Lisa Murkowski, as well as the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), and Senator Inouye who is always a friend to us."

"Once more, I also thank my colleagues in the House and their staff for helping us to successfully overcome all the obstacles that faced us when the bill came from the Senate to the House. I especially thank Chairman Ros-Lehtinen of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Ranking Member Howard Berman. Without their support and all other Chairmen and Ranking Members mentioned, it would not be possible to get this bill to the House floor and signed into law."

"Finally, I want to thank StarKist for standing with American Samoa through our difficult times. Mr. In-soo Cho, President and CEO of StarKist, called this week to thank me for the support StarKist has received from my office since the time Dongwon purchased the company in 2008. Together, we are committed to revitalizing American Samoa's tuna industry."

"At the same time, I remain hopeful that ASG will put a plan of action in place to diversify our local economy based on the recommendations of the American Samoa Economic Development Commission because I do not believe suppressing wages in American Samoa is the right long-term solution for our Territory. I am only supporting a temporary delay in minimum wage hikes until such time as ASG can implement its plan, and three years should be enough time. S. 2009 will delay wage increases until 2015 and, after this time, it is my sincere hope that our local economy will be able to absorb future increases."

"As we now break for the holidays, I thank the Governor, Fono and the people of American Samoa for their support and prayers, and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. When Congress resumes in 2012, I will provide additional information as further progress is made," Faleomavaega concluded.

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