Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the Honorable Anibal Acevedo-Vila, Governor of Puerto Rico, has sent letters to the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, as well as to Senator Orrin Hatch and Congressman Jim McCrery, supporting the extension of 936 tax credits for American Samoa.  A copy of Governor Acevedo-Vila’s letter dated November 8, 2005 is included below:

I write to convey heartfelt support for the efforts of my friend and former colleague, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, to extend for American Samoa and the local tuna industry there, Section 936 of the federal tax code.

It is with eager anticipation that Puerto Ricans await the completion of the long overdue economic study and recommendations by General Accounting Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation regarding the economy of Puerto Rico – called for by Senate Finance in October, 2003.  I look forward to working with you and your colleagues on Finance/Ways and Means to come up with a new and efficient incentive that meets the needs of Puerto Rico.

While this study nears completion, I should hope that its delay will not interfere in anyway with the efforts of Congressman Faleomavaega on his extension request.  The economic solutions for Puerto Rico, while under consideration, should not confront current opportunities for American Samoa.

Sincerely,

Anibal Acevedo-Vila

“I am pleased that my very dear friend, Governor Acevedo-Vila, has publicly offered his support for American Samoa,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “His support is critical to our success and comes at a time when some factions are pushing Members of Congress to say no to American Samoa unless 936 tax credits are also extended to Puerto Rico.  Given Governor Acevedo-Vila’s letter, I am hopeful that any outstanding concerns Members of Congress may have regarding Puerto Rico’s position on this very important issue are now put to rest.”

 “Prior to being elected Governor, the Honorable Acevedo-Vila was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and we served together on the Resources Committee.  Together, we successfully fought to save the jobs of our cannery workers by fighting against the Andean Trade Preference Act.  Today, Governor Acevedo-Vila stands with the people of American Samoa once more and, again, I thank him for his friendship and endorsement,” Faleomavaega concluded.