Cong. Henry Brown (Rep.) South Carolina
[courtesy photo]
The Republican Press Secretary at the House Natural Resources Committee has rejected Congressman Faleomavaega Eni’s claims that the Republicans were responsible for the hike in the minimum wage committee for American Samoa but Faleomavaega maintains his stand that it was his Republican colleagues who were at fault.
Jill Strait, the press secretary responded to Thursday’s Samoa News story title “Eni calls Republican stand on ASPIRE shameful.”
She says she “wanted to correct some assertions made by Congressman Faleomavaega, specifically that Republicans were responsible for increasing the minimum wage in American Samoa.”
Faleomavaega was speaking at Wednesday’s American Samoa Protection of Industry, Resources and Employment (ASPIRE) bill hearing before the House subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Ocean and Wildlife, in response to the Republican party’s press statement on Tuesday calling the ASPIRE legislation a tuna bailout bill. (See Thursday’s front page story for more details.)
Strait said via e-mail from Washington D.C. that “increase in minimum wage was not only endorsed by Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi but was later included in a Democrat bill that eventually became law.”
She cited, what she says is “documented” proof of the Democrats being responsible for the hike by including part of a Jan. 13, 2007 story in the Washington Times which states: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) called for the minimum wage to be increased in all U.S. territories, including American Samoa.
“House Speaker Nancy Pelosi yesterday said Democrats will close a loophole in the House-passed minimum wage increase that exempts American Samoa— an action taken after it was revealed that one of the U.S. territory’s main employers is based in her congressional district,” according to the Washington Times.
“I have asked the Education and Labor Committee as they go forward with the legislation to make sure that all of the territories have to comply with U.S. law on the minimum wage,’ Mrs. Pelosi said,” the newspaper reported at the time.
Click to read Washington Times story
Furthermore, according to Strait in her e-mail to Samoa News: the legislation that imposed the new minimum wage levels for American Samoa was H.R. 2206, was introduced by Democrat Congressman Dave Obey on May 8, 2007; this bill, as introduced, included language that increased the minimum wage for both the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa; and It became Public Law 110-28.
“Every Republican who spoke at the hearing [Wednesday] said they wanted to help the situation and maintain or create jobs in American Samoa,” Strait points out. “Republicans are open to other ideas, but cannot support a direct subsidy for one company or support imposing a fee and tax on vessels that have, in some cases, never delivered to American Samoa.”
FALEOMAVAEGA’S REPLY
“I want to thank Ranking Member Henry Brown of South Carolina for his support at the hearing. Although we have differences of opinion about ASPIRE, he and every Republican who spoke at the hearing said they wanted to help us maintain and create jobs, and I know this has come about, in part, because Congressman Brown has visited our Territory and has a special place in his heart for our people,” Faleomavaega told Samoa News late Thursday.
(Brown was among the members of the Natural Resources Committee, including Chairman Nick J. Rahall, that were in the territory in late July this year. As noted during the visit, Brown was the only Republican in the delegation, who had a chance to hear from local leaders concerns about the escalating clause of the federally mandated minimum wage increase.)
“I commend Ranking Member Brown for his leadership and for his thoughtful consideration of our situation, and I look forward to working with him in finding a solution that is a win-win for everyone,” said Faleomavaega.
Regarding the Republican party’s press release issued prior to the Nov. 4 hearing, Faleomavaega said, “I understand that these things happen, as each side wants to make their views known.”
But, on the issue of minimum wage, Faleomavaega said he wants to “set the record straight”, after Samoa News asked for a comment on Strait’s e-mail.
“To understand the issue of minimum wage, you have to start from the beginning of the story, not from the middle as the Republican press office has done,” he said, adding that American Samoa was not included in the original minimum wage bill put forward by U.S. Rep. George Miller— Chairman of Labor and Education Committee or Speaker Pelosi.
“In the stand alone minimum wage bill put forward by the Democrats, American Samoa was exempted. When the bill became attached to the Iraq War bill [in 2007], a Republican, [Rep.] Mark Kirk, offered an amendment to apply federal minimum wage standards to American Samoa as a way to embarrass Speaker Pelosi,” said Faleomavaega.
“Republicans went so far as to perpetuate a false story that suggested Speaker Pelosi was exempting American Samoa from minimum wage increases because she was accepting campaign contributions from StarKist’s then parent company, Del Monte, which was one of her hometown companies,” Faleomavaega says.
“To give their false story legs, House Republicans wore stickers on the House floor emblazoned with the StarKist logo and the words, ‘Something’s Fishy’,” he said and noted that the Washington Times and other media outlets carried the story.
“At that point, so as not to jeopardize the Iraq bill and funding for our troops, the Democrats accepted the Republican position,” he added. |
Comments to this story (24)
Kris A. Asuega wrote: |
10 Nov 2009 06:11 PM |
| Fa'afetai, alofaaga mo Samoa. I couldn't agree with you more as well. I'm also aware of lots of families in the Island who depends on the Fishing Industry as their main financial resorces. But, as you mentioned unless it is replaced with high tech jobs/and or other professional services, the economy will continue to be in the same "saymo" situation. The question is, When can American Samoan start changing that thought process? I say that they need to start the process now. They need to gratually faced out the Fishing Industry, and slowly introduce the other high tech jobs as you alluded to and raise the minimum wage right away. Fa'afetai tele lava. |
Alofaaga mo Samoa (baby.lsmpele-s) wrote: |
10 Nov 2009 11:02 AM |
| Thank you Kris, and indeed I applaud the thought. Can’t argue with you in as far as making ‘changes’; but whether it be in this lifetime or the next, it is a gradual movement that doesn’t happen overnight as I’m sure you’re aware. In as far as all the bright ideas and investments, etc., couldn’t agree with you more on that either. Lastly, I believe if the environment is fit for our next generation (or today’s) of professionals to return to American Samoa and make a nesting back home, then so be it. As is the case that American Samoa could at this time use the help, why not. The fact still remains though that you don’t just completely neglect the many lives that have been dependent on the fishing industry as this remains still a strong vehicle that contributes to running the economy today. And until it can be replaced with other high-end tech jobs and/or professional services, etc. as you seem to allude, it is still a reliable source that keeps the American Samoa economy going. Fa'afetai; soifua ma ia manuia lo tatou atunu’u peleina o Samoa. |
Kris A. Asuega wrote: |
10 Nov 2009 03:33 AM |
| Talofa, "alofaaga mo Samoa". We can disagreed, but hear me out, the fact of the matter is, American Samoa needs a whole lot of changes. But first, change the leadership in the Government and our representation to Washington.D.C. Change our thinking process and try to eliminate the thought that you've mentioned about the fishing industries as the only major industries in American Samoa that provide one third of jobs throughout the Island. Well to me, the fishing industries is for the people who lives in American Samoa with no or little education. But, what about the children of American Samoans who are seeking better education from a far, and want to return home after they completed their education? Working for the fishing industry cleaning fishes? Wow, lets begin to think out of the box and see what we can find. I bet we can survive by investing in other means than just the fishing industries. Fa'afetai tele lava. |
TB wrote: |
09 Nov 2009 07:57 PM |
| The bottom line is ppl, the damage had done.they stuffed it up and cause, the poor workers paid the price by losing their jobs.if they can do their theory I'm sure they can do their prac at the same time.Better luck next time!! |
Alofaaga mo Samoa (baby.lsmpele-s) wrote: |
09 Nov 2009 04:29 PM |
| Well Kris, you’re not the only one in for a rough ride on this topic…a quick answer to your concern regarding minimum wage increase, as I am one who would oppose that idea. Although I do not object to putting money into the wage earners pockets, it is a question of how this can affect American Samoa’s economy. The fishing industry is the one major industry in American Samoa that provides for at least a third of the island’s employment. By increasing minimum wage this can lead to an increase in the cost of living as well as closure to many of the businesses that can’t afford to stay open; therefore leading to a domino effect to the economy. I’m finding it difficult to understand why this simple concept wasn’t something that could’ve been sold to the republicans as Pelosi so well prepared for instead the bill got amended with this other entire ‘garbage’ story behind it (pardon the expression). I would like to believe something can still be done to rectify the damage and place American Samoa back into the ‘exempt from wage increase’ as was initially proposed. I am somewhat flabbergasted that no thorough planning was ever created to prepare for the wage hike as many seemed to have proposed for yet completely unaware of the consequences. It would seem even though we are a very small island with not a whole lot of issues (compared to other states, or countries) our issues can certainly be handled a whole lot better than to try and create more unnecessary complications that are not well planned-out or thoroughly thought-out. A major issue currently is finding the right people to sit in the right places and to help alleviate some of our not so major issues. God bless our loving people of Samoa and the United States of America for which we stand by. |
rita wrote: |
09 Nov 2009 08:34 AM |
| If I can remeber from the past news on samoa news. Eni DID push for the increase of the minimum wage. He did belittle the samoan people for not trying to move forward. He belittled the govenor for not supporting minimum wage. Samoa news, please look in the archive news and post Eni's past comments of supporting the minimum wage. So stopping pointing the finger and trying to blame others. Just do what is good for Samoa, that is why we elected you there. Eni is starting to be arrogant and forgetting why he's there. Down look down on us NOW when we are the one's that put you there. Remember the people that made who you are. |
Kris A. Asuega wrote: |
09 Nov 2009 05:12 AM |
| TALOFA ilo tatou atunu'u, as I rumbled through all your comments and opinions, I found myself lost, misunderstood and with great disatisfaction to the main issue in question. The main issue here as far as I'm concerened is can we raise minimum wages in American Samoa, or not? As I previously indicated in my comments in the past, "YES" that we need to raise the minimum wage. Lots of you disagreed and felt that if we raise the minimun wage in American, Star kist and Van Camp would leave the Island and therefore leaving American with no jobs. It seems to me that Star Kist and Van Camp are holding us American Samoan hostages. We as the people of American Samoa should never and remotely allow previously mentioned companies to threaten our economic growth by continue to hang that thought over our people. You all blamed the Rebublic and or the Democrat for not making the proper decision on this issue, but never about your self. We all need to look at ourselves and blame the invidual instead of the parties in question. Lets leave the politics aside and make the right decision to benefit Manu'a and Tutuila's future. Lets not forget the reason why we all leave the Island, is to better our way of living and economically. Let's return back home and give back what our Country deserved. . |
Anonymous wrote: |
08 Nov 2009 08:30 AM |
| Does .36 per hour increase in wages a "Slap in the Face" to our dignified workers sound all too familuar? It should.
This is one of the few things that our Congressional Delegate, and our must "Esteemed" Governor ever had in common; they were both in favor of the increase in the Minimum wage!
So cut with the finger pointing and get down to the business of salvaging the future of this weak economy of ours. |
Kris A. Asuega wrote: |
08 Nov 2009 05:56 AM |
| Talofa i le tatou Atunu'u. My question is, Why can't we raise the minimum wage in American Samoa. We need new changes in American Samoa by getting rid of Star Kist period. I undestand that everyone of you living in American Samoa or outside have voiced your opinion that Star Kist is the only method to Samons survival. I am an American Samoan borned and raised used to think the same way. But, as I continue to focus my thinking about different ways to help our country better than what it is at the monent, I realized that Star Kist is not the only answer to our survival economically. We need as American Samoans to perhaps looks at other ways to create new jobs on our own by looking at several ways to build or planning and reconstruct infarastructions of the entire Island. These would create lots of jobs for people to work and not leaving the Island. We need to invest in our own people by creating new job skills so our kids can stay home and work after High School and afford to take care of their families like they do in America. Raising the minimun wages can entices educated people such as good Doctors and lawyers alike to live in the Island for a long long time. and provide certain services that we all deserved. Not raising the minimum wage would prevent us American Samoans to pursue the American Samoan dream of living in Paradise. So instead of all the commotions and pointing fingers to each other, lets settle down and talk about the important issues to better our Country. Lets focus for a better Samoan by investing in our kids future, and for their kids children and so on. Please, do not forget our kids, because they are our future. So all I'm saying is to change the way we think in American Samoa and the way we operate our Government. If we continue to stay the same course, we would loose the opportunity to relive our dream or place called "Paradise". Fa'afetai tele. |
Eyes Wide Open wrote: |
08 Nov 2009 02:57 AM |
| If a witness lied while testifying in front of Congress, he would be guilty of contempt of Congress and thrown in jail. But a member can lie in a hearing and nothing happens to him. How can Eni with a straight face blame Republicans for the minimum wage raise when his party has the majority and can pass or stop any bill it wants. Just because a Republican raised the question or even if some Republican introduced an amendment IT CANNOT PASS IF THE MAJORITY (Democrats) DON'T WANT IT. Eni takes us for fools. I also agree with "Eni Tread Carefully." What is gained for us by attacking Republicans? They have NO power right now but could be in charge again and remember elephants have long memories. When the Republicans ran the House, Eni came back here every campaign (the only time he ever comes here) and told us how effective he was because he believes in being bipartisan. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he turns his back. What puzzles me is that almost every witness testified against ASPIRE but he chose to ignore them and only attack Republicans as racists. Everyone from Nik Pula to Bumblebee opposes aspire for the same reasons as the Republicans and even some Democrat members. Are they all racists, too? The shame is on you Mr. Eni. What are you going to do now? |
Angel wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 11:51 PM |
American Governors were alot better. There is NO favorite here. I agreed with Sau Tuiolosega-Tuafono. I am in the same boat with him. I live in Michigan, traveled back and forth to see my people and my Island. The Island is still looks like hell. However, American Samoa should look like Washington D.C. with all that MULAS from the U.S. But they built a Department of Corruption. Too many CHIEFS not enuff INDIANS. Where is the MONEY at? Eni you are full of it too. Stay home and do your homework. |
NOTHING NEW. ONE DUM S AFTER ANOTHER wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 10:37 PM |
| Eni is smart but also stupid. He is very narrow minded. He should becasreful when making attack against the whole party. He just made himself look like a fool to other collegues. This is not the only issue that is important to our people. There will be more other issues coming up and republican will not support our island when help is needed because Eni created this arrogant among those people. he needs to be creative, friendly, and work as a delegate but not as a senator. Republican stands for repossession and democrat stands for demons. Both parties are nonesense. It's all about politics. |
crusader95 wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 06:49 PM |
| i know we are all entitled to our opinions, but lets try and formulate them with the bare facts. the congressman has been serving the island for over 20years without any controversy or incident. democrat or republican, it doesn't matter. lets not point out the dirty politics because it goes both ways. i'm sure that if del monte was based in a district of a republican, they would have done the same thing and does that mean the republicans dont have the best interest of the people of samoa, a US territory. eni has nothing to be ashamed of. apsire was a last resort. dont forget that the company that left samoa moved to the state of georgia. togiola is another story in itself. good luck eni, continue serving your country with dignity. faafetai tele lava.
ps. look into the washington times story. |
Charles V. Alailima wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 06:17 PM |
| The minimum wage issue is a dead. There is no justifiable business or political reason to turn back the clock. How about working on some positive forward looking economic development programs that will give American Samoans and lawful permanent residents a secure future at the eventual US wage rate. Faleomavaega and Togiola, how about engaging the government of Samoa and Tonga in some real cooperative joint economic development? If we are going to have a fisheries industry then get cracking in promoting the modern packaging technology and work with our brothers in Samoa and cousins in Tonga to develop loining operations there or on the high seas. How about giving us some input on how the health care reform act now going through congress is going to be applied here in the territory. This is critical to ensuring that LBJ gets the proper financial support. What about mandates to large employers to provide health coverage? How are private health insurers going to be encoraged to offer health care? How is the public option going to be implemented? How about some real stimulus projects like underwater electric generation at the mouth of the big avas in Pago Pago, the Pala and Leone? Where is your imagination? These are things that are of current importance so stop fighting the old battles of the past and embrace the future. |
Eni Tread Carefully wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 04:07 PM |
Eni, you should tread carefully. it is doubtful that dems will control of the house in 2010, and Pelosi's clout will be defunct.Her position will be voided next year, and you will most likely be stuck in a republican congress. when it's their turn to drive the bus, you're going to have to answer to these insults, is that a position you want to put yourself and the territory in? i respectfully hope you take this to heart, i know you are off island and most likely read all this. |
G. Braunhaus wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 03:35 PM |
HE WANTED THE WAGE INCREASE! DON'T LIE! |
T. T. Manu wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 03:16 PM |
| With all due respect Mr. Eni, you are just full of it and your trying to excuse yourself is utterly ridiculous. You may be able to fool a few but not the rest of us. You and your democratic cohorts have been pushing for the "wage increase" for decades. Let me remind you Sir, in case you missed it or conveniently forgot, that the Repubs had been defeating that bill many times in the past when they were in power. You are now in power, you (democrats) initiated the legislation, you approved and made it into law, and now you don't like it!!! Man-up and admit it that you screwed up big time, trying to blame others is a cop-out. Its insulting! |
Alofaaga mo Samoa (baby.lsmpele-s) wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 02:50 PM |
| Alright, as if we don’t have enough issues of our own, now we have to deal with ‘major issues’ in the U.S. House of Congress; give me a break! Please, we are but a minor issue, had it been handled properly from the beginning as it appeared Speaker Pelosi had submitted the bill with the agreement to exempt American Samoa from the increased minimum wage; we could’ve been spared this whole domino effect to our economy. How is it some Republican (Mark Kirk) who has probably zero understanding of anything pertaining to American Samoa could with ease simply waiver a bill already spoken for amend the bill to accommodate their ignorant personal issues not to withstand behind that bill are actual lives dependent on its passing (indeed dependent also on the way you view the bill)?! The ‘oversight’ doesn’t pertain to exempting American Samoa from the minimum wage increase but it now applies to the ‘oversight’ that could’ve stopped the amendment from getting past a major democratic vote in congress. I just don’t see why there couldn’t have been an even stronger comeback to announce an opposing reject of the republican’s insinuation on this bill. It is times like these where a small issue such as this can end-up in a major battle between these two endless rivalries. Fa’afetai congressman Faleomavaega mo le taumafai; seems as if you were involved from the very beginning until the ‘sharks’ in the bigger tank perhaps had made an even major ground breaking that will now require further patience from home for a solution. Now it’s a matter of finding perhaps more than one way to skin a cat (sort of speak) in getting this issue resolved. It appears your heart is in this matter and much trust is placed on your efforts to see that our ‘small but worthy’ island become spared from the bigger pool of many in the White House who perhaps don’t even recognize where ‘Samoa’ is. Fa’afetai tele lava mo le agaga alofa ma le fesoasoani i o tatou tagata. Soifua ma ia manuia lava taumafaiga mo se lelei atili o si o tatou atunu’u peleina o Samoa.
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Let it go already wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 12:49 PM |
| Oh Eni, dont be another Togiola...pointing fingers at this person, that situation, those people...just like him, you're sounding full of excuses. Dont let it become of you. If ASPIRE doesnt pass, then it doesnt pass. Maybe the focus should turn to how to get American Samoa's image out of the gutter thanks to the governor and the many crooks who authorized the wasting away of federal U.S. and local tax payers funds. |
Sau Tuiolosega-Tuafono. wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 12:04 PM |
| I totally agreed with Ms.Straight, the " democrats and Pelosi bill". It's ashamed with Mr.Faleomavaega to pointing fingers to republicans but him and his "democrats colleagues overwhelm passed this bill in law".Majority "republicans disagreed or voting against on this bill", we all understand it kill more jobs and corporate America start moving somewhere else to survive. So,I don't understand where Mr.Faleomavaega came with this ridiculous claimed.He should been "SHAMED ON HIMSELF", what? a looser.Him and governor need to worry on federal investigations coming soon whereabout the 2billions that taxpayer money sending to infrastructural of Tutuila and Manu'a. I just got back from Am.Samoa last September, is ashamed the way government run. Corruptions is way to high for a small island like that,all of us lived in States need to fight back for our Peoples back home.They needs our help, "you need to call your HOME STATE U.S.REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR IN D.C. to force the investigation of corruption back home".Don't be afraid to voice your opinions,or feel free to send me an email if you need help.Tuatalofa@tampabay.rr.com.I'm a very "strong and proud REPUBLICAN here my home State of Florida.Because I believed small government,low tax, freedom and respect the constitutions. Not the way these DEMOCRATS TOGIOLA AND ENI believes,we give you $100 a month and you don't have to go to work.Uncle Sam will taking care you,common!! our ancestor believed hard working will always reward down the road, that's why our Peoples back home are suffering for these "DEMOCRATS BIG GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS OR SO-CALLED SOCIAL GOVERNMENT",they won't go anywhere too much brainwashed by ENI AND CURRENT GOVERNOR TOGIOLA.They were both embarrassed by "CNN BREAKING NEWS" so,they need to find something to taking the distraction away, blaming game right ENI.You got more dirt, just like Togiola,Tauese and late governor Lutali.I'll be more and happy to let it out one of these days.Thank you.
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Purple Heart Recipient "Noble Cause" Vietnam War> wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 11:45 AM |
| The smile on Congressman Henry Brown, means forget you guys, and your ASPIRE, We already sent billions of dollars to your island, and what did you guys do with it, besides luxury travels and bought new cars etc. Fa'alavelave and Luxury personnal business isn't what those monies were sent for. But its for infrastructures, and development Projects. I really think U.S. Congress are getting the message. I have been concerned about it for a long time. |
SHAME ON YOU ENI FOR NEGLECTING YOUR PEOPLE. wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 08:56 AM |
YOU SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED, ENI, you have been representing the people of American Samoa over 20 YEARS and it is YOUR job to see to it that we are put into bills that are good for us. It's also your responsibility to make sure we are EXCLUDED from BAD bills that can hurt us and our economy. All this minimum wage stuff happened on your beat so you must take the blame---there's no one else there but you. You are great at pointing the finger. Either you are blame our honorable Gov. Togiola when something it's your fault. When are you going to admit the fact that the minimum wage hike was your responsiblity at the Congress level? There's no one else there to look after our interests, only you are the person we rely on. All I can say is, our people are getting what they asked for from you, which is nothing. They've asked for nothing all these years and you've given them nothing except minimum wage that caused one cannery to close. The only support you have for ASPIRE is from Togiola (with whom you're always fighting) and StarKist. The bottom line is: you have been in Washington TOO LONG. Get out while you can still hold your head up. Lead, follow or get out of the way and let someone else who actually cares about us to get the job done for us!!!! Togiola is not perfect but at least he's trying to do something for us. |
Bevo wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 08:52 AM |
| Eni, answer me this question. Are the democrats in favor of raising the minimum wage or not? The answer to that question is a resounding YES. They campaigned on it. What the Republicans did was to point out the hypocrisy of the Democrats who for political reasons wanted to exempt American Samoa from the bill. They wanted to slip a provision in there and it just so happens that StarKist is located in...Mrs. Pelosi's district. Now which is it? The Republicans were against the hiking of the minimum wage, in principle, because they know that people lose jobs everytime it's hiked. American Samoa is a prime example of this. So Eni, stop talking against both sides of your mouth. The Democrats control the House. The Democrats pushed the hike in the minimum wage for the whole country. Except American Samoa. Why should we be exempt, and not the rest of the country? The Republicans called their hypocrisy on the issue. |
SURF808 wrote: |
07 Nov 2009 04:35 AM |
| Nice cop out Eni, but I will stick to the Republican version. |
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