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www.house.gov/faleomavaega (202) 225-8577 
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Press Releases_
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- President Obama signs H.R. 4853 which includes Faleomavaega's compromise to extend 30A Tax Credits for two more years
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that President Obama has signed into law this afternoon H.R. 4853 which includes Faleomavaega's compromise to extend 30a tax credits for 2 more years. The bill was passed by the House last night by a vote of 277-148.
"During the next two years, it is my hope that we will be able to expand 30a tax credit so that new businesses operating in the Territory, like Tri-Marine, can also take advantage of these tax breaks since 30a only applies to companies previously eligible for 936."
"It is my hope, too, that we can modify 30a so that it will be helpful to companies operating at a profit or loss. Right now, 30a is only helpful if the company is profitable."
"For years, StarKist and COS were profitable and received millions of dollars in federal tax breaks, and I am pleased that for more than 20 years we have been able to keep these federal tax breaks in place."
"However, with the dramatic transformation the U.S. tuna industry has undergone, especially with the outsourcing of American jobs and the exploitation of cheap labor, ASG will also need to find new ways to match federal efforts at the local level so that together we can level the playing field for our tuna industry."
"Again, I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to working with them in the 112th Congress to move this agenda forward," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega provides update regarding American Samoa's 30A Tax Credit
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is providing an update regarding American Samoa's 30A tax credit which is one item caught up in a bigger tax bill now being debated nationally.
"Previously, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act and included my provision to convert 30A tax credits to a direct payment of $18 million to ASG."
"The purpose of the $18 million payment was to provide assistance to StarKist, which at the time, was the only remaining tuna cannery in the Territory. According to the GAO, Star Kist was operating at a $17 million dollar per year loss when compared to companies like Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea which outsource American jobs and exploit cheap labor in foreign countries by paying fish cleaners far below what they are paid in American Samoa," Faleomavaega said.
"Since the passage of H.R. 4213 by the House, two developments have occurred. One, Tri-Marine decided to do business in American Samoa and, two, the Senate modified the House tax bill. Although the Senate kept my request for an $18 million direct payment in its version of the tax bill, the Senate did not vote on the bill prior to mid-term elections."
"As a result of the mid-term elections, President Obama began negotiating directly with the Republicans about a tax compromise, with little Democratic input. The bill, known as H.R. 4853, has an estimated cost of $858 billion over two years which would be added to the deficit."
"Also at issue is who should get tax cuts. Many argue that in today's economy, everyone should get a tax cut. Either way, American Samoa's small provision is caught up in this larger debate and, because of this and given there was uncertainty about how the $18 million would be spent, I accepted the best deal we can get right now which is to extend 30A for an additional two years and work in the 112th Congress to modify it so that it works for both StarKist and Tri-Marine and any other business that wants to operate in American Samoa."
"The original intent of 30A was to provide incentives to companies to invest in the insular areas and I believe with the support of both Republicans and Democrats we can revise 30A and make it work like it was initially meant to work. So, if the House and Senate agree to compromise on the larger tax bill which was passed yesterday by the Senate, then American Samoa will have a marker in place for 30A tax credits and we will move forward and build upon this."
"The House is still debating whether or not it will accept the Senate tax bill but it is most likely that the House will amend it in some way. I will keep our people updated as this matter progresses and, as always, I thank our people for their support and prayers," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- Faleomavaega and Samoan Community in Washington, DC celebrate the life of SSG Loleni Gandy with family
Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that he and his wife Hina and the Samoan community in Washington, DC joined with the family of SSG Loleni W. Gandy to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a beloved Toa o Samoa.
The first service or sauniga with the family of SSG Gandy, led by Reverend Dr. Tapaautasi Erika Puni of the Samoan Congregation was held on Sunday morning at Fort Meyer. On Sunday evening, a special family service and viewing was held at the same place, the Old Post Chapel at Fort Meyer, Virginia, where the local Samoan community and military personnel joined with Gandy's wife Faauta; their four sons: Amadeus, Alexander, Tyler, and Lawrence; mother Uti; siblings and extended family.
The special family service was led by Reverend Calvin Samuelu of Satauro o le Manumalo (CCCAS) church of Anchorage, Alaska, where SSG Gandy and Faauta served as deacons before they changed duty stations. During the service, Rev. Samuelu was assisted by Rev. Dr. Tapaautasi who offered the pastoral prayer and a special message from the scriptures for the family. SFC Sene Polu, another Toa Samoa who is recovering from serious injuries resulting from an IED explosion in Iraq and Assistant Pastor in the Samoan Congregation at Fort Myer, read the scriptures in Samoan. The Samoan Congregation prepared hymns and music for the service and Congressman Faleomavaega offered special remarks and condolences on behalf of the people of American Samoa to the family.
SSG Gandy's Commanding General, Brigadier General Mark Corson of the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, also spoke and shared a quote from one of SSG Gandy's young comrades in Iraq who described him as a "father figure who applied his love of family to his soldiers."
Faauta and her children shared their heartfelt testimonies of a devoted husband and father. Their eldest son, Amadeus, shared one of his last email correspondences with his father on Veterans Day in which his father told him how proud he was of his decision to follow in his footsteps to join the army. Faauta shared how her husband who would call home from Iraq almost every day to ensure that she and the children were doing well. Their sons then presented a slideshow with pictures of their father played to the tune, "God Bless the U.S.A."
The service ended with special presentations to the family by Congressman Faleomavaega and Rev. Dr. Tapaautasi. Faleomavaega, on behalf of himself and the people of American Samoa presented Faauta and the family a small love gift and a U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of SSG Gandy's service. On behalf of the Samoan Congregation, Rev. Tapaautasi presented the family with a love gift and a wreath and invited everyone to a reception prepared by the Samoan Congregation following the conclusion of the service.
At the reception, held at Ft. Meyer Memorial Chapel Fellowship Hall, Herman Faataualofa, brother of Mrs. Faauta Faataualofa-Maae Gandy, shared words of gratitude on behalf of the families to the local Samoan community and military personnel, noting also that SSG Gandy would have been honored to have such high-ranking military leaders paying their respects to him. He gave special thanks and acknowledgements to The Honorable Congressman Faleomavaega, Rev. Samuelu, Rev. Tapaautasi, the Samoan Congregation and choir, The Honorable BG Mark Corson and other military personnel in attendance.
On Monday afternoon, Brigadier General Corson presented SSG Gandy's Bronze Star Medal to Faauta in a ceremony just prior to SSG Gandy's burial. With the wind chill factor in sub-freezing levels, SSG Loleni Gandy was laid to rest at Arlington National Ceremony with full military rites and honors, including an honor guard, the firing of three volleys each by a seven service member team, and the playing of taps.
Following the folding of the flag, Brigadier General Gracus Dunn presented Faauta, her four sons and Loleni's mother, Uti, each with a special U.S. flag in honor of SSG Gandy. Also attending to pay their respects to the fallen Toa o Samoa was the Honorable John McHugh, Secretary of the Army, Deborah Mullen, wife of the Honorable Admiral Michael Mullen who is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Patrick Hallinan, Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery. They each took turns in kneeling on one knee in front of Faauta and her children and mother - Uti offering their condolences and thanking them for Loleni's service to the country.
Following the burial services, Congressman Faleomavaega welcomed Faauta, Uti, and the whole family to his office on Capitol Hill for refreshments and a personal tour of the Capitol. The Congressman took them to the Floor of the House Chamber where they sat in the front rows that are usually reserved for the President's Cabinet and the Justices of the Supreme Court during a State of the Union address. The tour ended with a photo op on the steps of the Capitol.
"I would like to thank Faauta, the boys, and the family for allowing our Samoan community in Washington, DC and my office the honor of being a part of celebrating the life of their beloved husband, father, son, and brother - our Toa o Samoa, SSG Loleni Gandy. He was a shining example of a real Toa or warrior of Samoa who was deeply committed to the defense of our nation," Faleomavaega stated.
"Loleni was a truly humble man who wanted nothing but the best for his family and fellow soldiers. And it is clear that his love of his dear wife, Faauta, and their four sons, and his love for his dear parents, Larry and Uti Gandy, family and friends, was also a part of his service in the military and relationships with his comrades in the Army. We shall miss this Toa o Samoa."
"I would also like to thank those who helped to serve the Gandy family in their time of mourning. I would like to thank the Department of the Army for granting the family's wish to permit the use of the Fort Meyer chapel for SSG Gandy's family service on Sunday evening. I thank and acknowledge the support of the Fort Meyer Installation Chaplain (COL) Woodbery and his staff. And, I also thank Rev. Dr. Tapaautasi Puni and our Samoan Congregation at Fort Myer for the warm welcome and wonderful service and reception." Faleomavaega continued.
"Today we weep with the Gandy family. Yet we also rejoice in the life SSG Gandy lived and the example he shared with us all. We also rejoice knowing that he is with his heavenly father and that the Lord will comfort you during this difficult time," Faleomavaega concluded.
SSG, at the age of 36, died on November 19th in Balad, Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. He served for seventeen years in the Army with his last duty station at the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his wife Faauta; their four sons: Amadeus, Alexander, Tyler, and Lawrence; his parents Lawrence and Uti Gandy; and siblings Lina Ann and Dale.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2010
Washington, D.C. - American Samoa to receive $120,000 to establish ombudsman program to improve health insurance consumer assistance
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that as of October 15, 2010, $120,000 in federal funds is made available to the American Samoa Government (ASG) from the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). Awarded through the DHHS Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, the discretionary grant will fund a 12-month project to establish an Ombudsman Program in American Samoa to provide health insurance consumer assistance in the Territory.
This grant is part of the Consumer Assistance Program carried out by DHHS to ensure that consumers understand their new rights and benefits under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). DHHS has allocated a total of $30 million to help States and Territories. With these grants, States and Territories will be able to:
"I would like to thank Secretary Sebelius and her staff at the Department of Heath and Human Services for their hard work in implementing the funding for American Samoa and the Territories under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," Faleomavaega stated.
"I am grateful that American Samoa and the Territories were included in the Consumer Assistance Program Grant and that our insurance consumers and providers will have access to pertinent information regarding coverage. For American Samoa, the Ombudsman Program will help ensure that consumers have the most current and accurate information on health care and secure coverage to meet their needs."
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Secretary Sebelius for including American Samoa in the Healthcare.gov website that was specifically created by DHHS to explain the benefits of the new law. Because the website did not initially include the Territories, it gave the impression that we were excluded from the law," Faleomavaega said.
"As a result, the Territorial delegates wrote a joint letter on August 6, 2010 to voice our concern with Secretary Sebelius, and I am very pleased to learn that information on American Samoa and the Territories is now available on the website," Faleomavaega added.
"I will continue to work with Secretary Sebelius and DHHS to ensure that the people of American Samoa are informed and educated about the programs available under this landmark health care act," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2010
Washington, D.C. - American Samoa small businesses eligible for $13.5 million under new SBA law
In response to public inquiries regarding federal financial assistance available for small businesses in American Samoa, Congressman Faleomavaega today reissued his Press Release that was initially sent on September 29, 2010, titled "President Obama Signs Small Business Jobs Act of 2010."
"I want to emphasize that although Congress authorized this as a non-competitive formula grant, ASG must submit an application to the U.S. Treasury with plans for an access credit program for small businesses in American Samoa. Access credit program may include loan guarantees, loan sharing, or collateral programs that already exist in other states to help small businesses. Failure to submit an application in a timely manner may result in the loss of funds," Faleomavaega said.
"The primary objective of the Act is to help small businesses gain access to new credit line and critical capital that will spur job creation so I am hopeful that ASG will follow up with the U.S. Treasury immediately so our local businesses in American Samoa can soon enjoy the benefits offered under this Act," Faleomavaega continued.
Following is a complete copy of the Press Release issued on September 29, 2010.
"Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that President Barack Obama has signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to help small businesses gain access to new credit line and capital investments that will spur job creation.
"Two principal programs - the State Small Business Credit Initiative Program and the Small Business Lending Fund—provide the basic tenets of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010," Faleomavaega added.
"The purpose of the State Business Credit Initiative program, which will be administered by the Secretary of Treasury, is to provide funding to assist local governments in designing credit access programs for small businesses. Under the formula-based program, American Samoa is eligible for a grant of no less than $13.5 million. To receive the funds, the local government is required to file an application with the Secretary, including an implementation plan and program design, which may include loan guarantees, loan sharing, or collateral programs that exist in other states and territories."
"In addition, $30 billion is authorized to establish a Small Business Lending Fund to make capital investments in eligible banks. Data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) suggests that ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank is a potential candidate to apply for the fund under this program," Faleomavaega described.
"Other Small Business Administration (SBA) programs and tax provisions in the new law are also applicable to American Samoa. Small businesses that qualify for loans from banks in American Samoa or elsewhere, such as in Hawaii or Guam, will be eligible for numerous incentives and tax breaks created in the new law."
"The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 underscores a commitment to make small business a top priority and I want to thank by President Barack Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for their leadership on this issue. Small business is essential to our economy as a major source of employment, and I am pleased that the benefits under this new law will be available in American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2010
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega congratulates Hawai'i Circuit Court Judge Fa'au'uga To'oto'o
Congressman Faleomavaega today offered his congratulations to Judge Fa'au'uga To'oto'o, who was recently confirmed as a Circuit Court judge for the State of Hawaii. Judge To'oto'o will be sworn in on October 7, 2010 making him the first judge of Samoan ancestry to be appointed to the Circuit Courts of the State of Hawaii.
On July 13, 2010, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle nominated To'oto'o and submitted his name to the State Senate to fill a judicial vacancy in the First Circuit, which covers Oahu. Following a vote of 5-0 by the Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee, the nomination was then sent to the Senate, where senators supported To'oto'o with an overwhelming vote of 22-0, on August 6, 2010.
Prior to his nomination, Judge To'oto'o served as a District Court judge of the First Circuit since 1994, and previously served as Deputy Prosecutor for the City and County of Honolulu for ten years.
A native of Nu'uuli, American Samoa, and a graduate of Leone High School, To'oto'o later received his undergraduate degree from Missouri Valley College and his law degree from St. Louis University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. He and his family reside in Waimanalo, Hawaii.
In addition to his professional successes, Judge To'oto'o is also a servant to the local community, volunteering with organizations such as Hawai'i Youth Challenge Academy, Mo'okini He'iau Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Waimanalo Community Fairs and Waianae Christmas Parade. He is also Chair of Nu'u Ministries, which sponsors the Lumana'i Awards in recognition of outstanding high school seniors of Samoan decent who have made significant contributions to their schools.
"I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Circuit Court Judge Fa'au'uga To'oto'o. His recent nomination and confirmation to such as prestigious position are a reflection of years of service and hard work. Though the hours and dedication required of someone in his position are demanding, he continues to make time to volunteer his service to the community. For that, he is also to be commended," Faleomavaega stated.
"Years ago, my former law school classmate, Mr. Paul Toyozaki, was serving as Deputy Prosecutor for the City and County of Honolulu while Fa'au'uga was applying for a position as a City Prosecutor. I recommended Fa'au'uga highly to Mr. Toyozaki for his exceptional talent, integrity, and hard work. I was very pleased to hear the news when Fa'au'uga started his legal career as a prosecutor for the City and County of Honolulu, and I am even more pleased to share today the news of his continued success."
"It is my understanding that when Mr. Toyozaki found out that the Hawaii State Bar Association did not recommend Fa'au'uga as Circuit Judge without any explanation or reason, Toyozaki personally went before the Hawaii State Senate Judiciary Committee, testifying in support of Fa'au'uga and severely criticizing the Hawaii State Bar Association. Numerous community leaders also testified in support of Fa'au'uga, attesting to his character and leadership role in the community," Faleomavaega added.
"Again, I want to congratulate Judge To'oto'o for this monumental accomplishment. I, especially, want to thank him for being a role model to our community and for the years of service he has committed to promoting fairness and justice through the law. I pray for his continued success in the Hawaii's First Circuit Court and beyond," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2010
Washington, D.C. - President Obama signs minimum wage delay into law
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that President Obama signed H.R. 3940 into law. As a result, minimum wage increases in American Samoa will be delayed for 2010 and 2011. The issue of future increases will be revisited in 2012 based on the findings of a GAO study to be completed by 2011.
"In previous press releases and on behalf of the people of American Samoa, I have publicly thanked Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Chairman George Miller (D-CA) and Ranking Member John Kline (R-MN) of the House Committee on Education, Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV) and Ranking Member Doc Hastings (R-WA) of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), and Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-VI) for their leadership and support on the successful passage of H.R. 3940," Faleomavaega said. "Without the support of these key leaders, we would not have been able to pass this legislation which is necessary for stabilizing our economy."
"Without the prayers of our people, I also do not believe this legislation would have passed the House or Senate. The Senate passed the bill by Unanimous Consent (UC). The House passed H.R. 3940 by a vote of 386 to 5. The overwhelming support we received from both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate is a testament to the prayers of our people, and I could not help but note that the final vote took place on the one-year anniversary of the tsunami that claimed the lives of those we loved."
"The final vote was the final vote before Congress went out of session. There is no doubt in my mind that God has heard and answered our prayers."
"At this time, I want to thank House and Senate staff who worked behind the scenes to make this happen including Terry Lierman, Barry Jackson, Steve Stombres, Jody Calemine, Barrett Karr, Todd Young, Anne Thorsen, Al Stayman, Isaac Edwards, Bob Greenawalt, Jim Zoia, Nick Matiella, Clay Lightfoot, Kimberly Wallner, Ed Corrigan, Jed Bullock, Matthew Hermann, John Whitt, Alexis Covey-Brandt, Austin Burnes, Bob Schwalbach, Anne Thorsen, Brian Modeste, Nikki Bullock, Colleen Gilbert, Bonnie Bruce, as well as my personal office staff and many others.
"Finally, I thank President Obama for signing this bill today, and I appreciate the support that Nik Pula, Director of the Office of Insular Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, provided in making White House staff aware that the bill was coming over from the U.S. House of Representatives for signature. I also thank Alejandro Perez at the White House for working closely with my office to bring this to the attention of the President so that our deadline for signature would be met."
"Also, I would be remiss if I did not thank StarKist. I especially want to thank Chairman Kim Jae-chul of the Dongwon Group for his patience and support throughout this long and difficult process. As owner of StarKist, he could've moved his operations elsewhere, but he has not, and I thank him for his commitment to the people of American Samoa."
"I also thank and appreciate Mr. Don Binotto, President and CEO of StarKist. I know that Don's heart is with our people and he is proven over and over again that he is doing everything he can to keep StarKist in American Samoa. Mr. Binotto and Chairman Kim have my personal assurances that I will continue to stand with StarKist and do all I can to level the playing field so that we can maximize and protect the jobs of our local cannery workers who cannot fairly compete against workers that are paid $0.75 cents and less per hour in Thailand."
"Once more, I thank our people, the Governor and also the American Samoa Legislature, and everyone who has been a part of this important effort," Faleomavaega concluded.
