Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he joins with the nation in congratulating President George W. Bush on his second inauguration.

“At noon today, George W. Bush was sworn in to his second term as President of the United States and Members of Congress joined with thousands on Capitol Hill as he took the oath of office,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “I join in congratulating President Bush who now serves as the nation’s 16^th second-term President.”

“Last November, the people of this nation went to the polls and expressed their will by electing George W. Bush to a second term and, although I have disagreed with some policy decisions, I support the will of the people and I support President Bush,” the Congressman said.  “Free and fair elections are what make our nation the greatest democracy on earth and I commend President Bush on his re-election.”

“I also thank the people of American Samoa for freely electing me to serve as their Representative to the United States Congress and I will continue to work with the President and his administration to get the job done for American Samoa.  As I have always done, I will continue to work in a bi-partisan manner with both Democrats and Republicans because American Samoa simply cannot afford to play partisan politics and favor one party over the other,” Faleomavaega said.

“The truth is, it takes Republicans and Democrats to get things done in Washington and this is why President Bush also reaches across party lines to get the job done for America.  In the case of American Samoa, President Bush also supported and signed into law legislation which I introduced to allow American Samoa’s troops to fully participate in federal elections held in American Samoa and I am thankful for his support.”

“Again, I commend President Bush on this historic occasion and I also thank the people of American Samoa for their support and prayers and confidence.  I look forward to working with the President and his administration and I also look forward to serving the people of American Samoa in the 109^th Congress,” the Congressman concluded.