Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Aumua Amata, issued the following statement in reaction to the appointment of Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT) to lead the Department of the Interior.

“I could not be happier with the selection of my friend and classmate Ryan Zinke for the Interior Secretary post. Ryan and I served together as freshmen on the House Natural Resources Committee, and I know from my experience working with him these past two years, that he is the right man for the job.

“Ryan has a clear and informed understanding of the issues which the Department of the Interior has oversight, and I am confident that he will use that knowledge in the best interest of the United States and its people. Ryan and I sit right next to each other when the House Natural Resources Committee meets, and because of this, we have had a chance to really get to know each other and share our views on the issues facing our nation.

“He has told me about his beautiful home state of Montana, and I have told him about American Samoa and the fact that our people enlist in our armed forces at a rate ten times that of those in the states; something I know is very important to Ryan, as he is a veteran himself. Through these conversations, I have also learned that he is a man who truly cares and wants to help all Americans, including those in the territories.

“As a former Navy Seal, who was a Team Leader on Seal Team Six, Ryan has undoubtedly proven his resolve under fire and will assuredly excel as the new head of Interior. I look forward to continuing to work with Ryan as he steps into his new leadership role, and have the utmost confidence that he will do an amazing job in leading the Department.”