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Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has written to Senate President Lolo Moliga in reply to his invitation to address the Fono during its joint session in July. Congressman Faleomavaega appeared before the Fono in March 2005 where he addressed issues concerning the FBI raid, high ASPA fees, LBJ financial problems and IRS Section 936.
“I sincerely appreciate Senate President Lolo’s invitation for me to also appear before the joint session of the 2nd Regular Session of the 29th Legislature. Traditionally, the joint session has been the time for the Governor to appear before the Fono as mandated by local law and, in a letter dated May 2, 2005, I expressed my gratitude to President Lolo for his consideration.”
“In my letter, I also said that this is an important opportunity for Governor Togiola to address the members of the Fono on issues and policies that are of importance to our Territory. In order not to distract the Fono’s attention from the Governor’s message, it has been brought to my attention that ASCA Section 2.0107 states that annually, at a month to be determined by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and the Congressman, the President and the Speaker shall invite American Samoa’s Delegate to the United States House of Representatives to appear before the Legislature and give an address on federal-territorial issues.”
“In that regard, I have respectfully requested that I speak before the Fono at a separate session sometime between July through September, or at least before the Fono adjourns this year. I have informed President Lolo that I would be happy to discuss with him and Speaker McMoore when the best opportunity would be to speak before a joint session of the Fono on federal-territorial issues.”
“Again, I am thankful for the opportunity that I had to testify before the Fono in March 2005 and I commend President Lolo for inviting me to address the Fono for a second time this year. As a matter of public policy, and throughout my service as American Samoa’s Representative to the U.S. Congress, I have written to the Fono and offered to brief our local leaders about many of the serious issues confronting our Territory including the Andean trade agreement, federal elections, tuna loining operations, etc because, like President Lolo, I, too, have always believed that we should work together for the betterment of our Territory. Given my long-standing commitment, I welcome President Lolo’s invitation and I look forward to testifying before the Fono again in the near future,” the Congressman concluded. |
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