“On May 21, 2003, I wrote to Admiral James Loy, Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration.  In my letter, I informed Admiral Loy that I had serious concerns about TSA’s failure to hire airport security screeners from American Samoa.  In fact, I pointed out that since October of last year, we had been promised that approximately 15 airport security screeners would be hired in American Samoa and that as of May 21, 2003 not one U.S. national or citizen from American Samoa had been hired.”

         “Furthermore,” Congressman Faleomavaega said, “airport security screeners from Maui were brought in to work at the Pago Pago International Airport and airport security screeners from the mainland were encouraged to apply for jobs in American Samoa.  A hiring freeze had also been put in place that precluded TSA from hiring U.S. nationals and citizens from American Samoa to work as airport security screeners.”

         “Upon learning of these matters, I informed Admiral Loy that under no circumstances would I allow TSA, or its contractors, to mismanage the hiring process and place American Samoans at a disadvantage.  On July 11, 2003 and in response to my concerns, I received a letter from Admiral Loy dated June 27, 2003.  In his letter, Admiral Loy stated that TSA is not transferring screeners from the mainland to fill billets at the airport in American Samoa.  He also said that TSA’s assessment contractor, CPS Human Resources Services (CPS), has tested and assessed over 140 individuals vying for screener positions in American Samoa.  On June 24, TSA gave CPS permission to hire 15 part-time screeners for the Pago Pago International Airport.”

         “Admiral Loy went on to say that 377 applicants applied, 324 applicants were considered and qualified.  150 applicants were scheduled for the Phase I Test.  140 applicants completed the Phase I Test.  37 applicants passed the Phase I Test.  27 applicants were scheduled and completed the Phase II Test.  13 applicants passed the Phase II Test, Drug Test, Fingerprint Check, and form the current ready pool.”

         “I am pleased that all applicants will be hired from American Samoa and I want to once again thank the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable Norm Mineta, and my colleagues in Congress for working closely with me to make sure that U.S. nationals, as well as U.S. citizens, could be hired to work as airport security screeners,” Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.