Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he will be travelling this weekend to Kuwait to meet with troops from American Samoa as well as with other Samoan soldiers who are currently stationed across Kuwait.  From Kuwait, he will continue to Rome to meet with Italian and Holy See officials to discuss critical issues relating to the impact of climate change in the Pacific.

This is Congressman Faleomavaega’s second trip to the Middle East since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Currently, there are more than 200 soldiers from the 100th 442nd Infantry Division stationed in Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They are attached to the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

“I am looking forward to meeting with many of our sons and daughters this weekend,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “This is an opportunity for me to show our support for their tireless work and commitment to serving our country and protecting our freedom.  I will convey to them the warm sentiments of the many families and friends who anxiously await their return, and I am especially looking forward to attending Sunday worship service with our soldiers.”

“As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, I will also be meeting with Italian officials to discuss current projects that are ongoing with many of our Pacific Island countries.  The Italian government is already working closely with our Pacific Island nations to address climate change, and it is my intent to see how the U.S. can match these funds and become part of this initiative.”

“The Vatican is also committed to helping societies which are most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming.  This has been reiterated by Pope Benedict with his continued advocacy for the ‘respect’ of creation and maintaining ‘sustainable development.’  I am hopeful of finding ways in which the U.S. can work with the Vatican and participate through USAID or direct Foreign Assistance to providing necessary aid for our neighbors.”

“I am grateful to Chairman Berman of the Foreign Affairs’ Committee for allowing me to visit our soldiers in Kuwait, and to meet with officials in Italy regarding ways we can work together to address the serious issue of climate change affecting our Pacific Island region.  I also want to thank General Lee of the Hawaii National Guard for his support of my trip to Kuwait,” the Congressman concluded.