Congressman Faleomavaega recently hosted close to 50
students and teachers from American Samoa who are in the nation’s capital
for the annual CloseUp program. This year’s group consists of students
and teachers from Fa’asao/Marist, Faga’itua, Leone, Nu’uuli Polytechnic,
Samoana, and Tafuna high schools.
“It is always a high priority for me to make every effort to be
available in DC when our students attend their CloseUp program,” Congressman
Faleomavaega said. “It is very important that I help our students
get a broader view of how the federal government operates, especially the
United States Congress.”
“I take them to the committee rooms of each committee I serve and
to the floor of the House chamber so they can see first hand where their
representative from American Samoa works,” Faleomavaega added. “I
review the legislative process in Congress to give them an understanding
of how the Legislative branch of our federal government conducts its business.”
The day on Capitol Hill lasted several hours. The agenda included
discussion sessions in the meeting rooms of the Resources Committee and
International Relations Committee, and visits to the Congressman’s office
and the floor of the House of Representatives chamber. To keep with
the tradition of past CloseUp visits, the group harmonized the “Lota Nu’u
ua ou fanau ai” which drew a lot of attention and a roaring applause from
the visiting crowd on the House gallery. The day ended on the steps
of the Capitol for picture taking and a traditional styled Samoan farewell
of pese and siva taualuga.
Photos by Solomona Aoelua
Congressman Faleomavaega enjoying and light moment at the end of his
visit with the CloseUp group from American Samoa on the steps of the nation’s
capitol.
Congressman Faleomavaega responding to a question from one of the CloseUp
students. |
![[United States Congress]](congress.gif)
