Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on January 29, 2009 he met with Senator Daniel K. Inouye to discuss high priority projects for American Samoa.

“I am very appreciative that Senator Inouye made time to meet with me to discuss American Samoa’s needs.  The fact that he met with me at a time when he is so busy due to his new assignment as Chairman of the powerful Senate Committee on Appropriations speaks to Senator Inouye’s commitment to, and love for, the people of American Samoa,” Faleomavaega said. 

“Yesterday, we had an opportunity to talk about minimum wage, the stimulus bill, our canneries and the U.S. tuna fishing fleet.  We also had important discussions about establishing a Hawaii Air National Guard unit in American Samoa.  On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, I had a meeting with Major General Robert Lee who is The Adjutant General (TAG) for the State of Hawaii, and also Major General Darryll D.M. Wong, Commander of Hawaii Air National Guard regarding the establishment of a Hawaii Air National Guard unit in Pago Pago.  All of us are committed to working on this high priority project, and I appreciate Senator Inouye for taking the lead on this.  His support will be critical to our success.”

“During our discussions, the Senator recalled that it has been some 17 years since he has been to American Samoa, and he said he wants to visit our people again, hopefully next year.  Given his tremendous responsibilities in the U.S. Senate, we can only hope that his schedule will permit him to visit us again.”

“After having worked with Senator Inouye for some 20 years now, he has my utmost respect and admiration.  He is more than a mentor to me.  He is my friend, and I am deeply appreciative of everything he does for American Samoa.  In a recent letter, I commended him for being selected to serve as the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Simply put, I believe he was destined to serve now when our nation needs him most, and I assured him that he has the full confidence of our people.”

“Truly, we are fortunate that a man like Senator Inouye has our best interest at heart.  It is my privilege to serve with Senator Inouye, and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of the people of American Samoa,” Faleomavaega concluded.

Photo: Maj. General Robert Lee, Congressman Faleomavaega, Maj. General Darryll D.M. Wong.