Faleomavaega commends Natural Resources Committee markup of Political Status Bill Friday November 20, 2009

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(BASED ON PRESS RELEASE)—Congressman Faleomavaega has announced that the House Committee on Natural Resources, on November 18, 2009, ordered to be reported by unanimous consent, bill number H.R. 3940. If approved by the House, [then] Guam, American Samoa and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) would receive grants and other assistance to facilitate a political status public education program.

“I want to thank Chairman Nick Rahall, Ranking Member Doc Hastings and members of the Natural Resources Committee for their support. I especially want to thank the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, my good friend Congresswoman Madeline Bordallo for her leadership and for continuing to look out for the interest of all insular areas,” Faleomavaega said.

“When it was first introduced, HR 3940 gives authorization to the Secretary of Interior to extend assistance to the Government and people of Guam to facilitate a public education program regarding political status options for the Territory. That includes assistance in the form of grants, research, planning assistance, studies, and agreements with Federal agencies, to facilitate public education programs regarding political status options for Guam,” Faleomavaega explained.

“I commend Chairwoman Bordallo for her willingness to work with Congresswoman Donna Christensen and myself. Following the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and Oceans and Wildlife hearing on November 5, 2009, HR 3940 now extends the same assistance to include American Samoa, Guam and the United States Virgin Islands,” Faleomavaega noted.

“The question of political status remains a critical matter in the insular areas.  And while the resolution is the prerogative of the people of each respective Territory, Congress shares a huge responsibility.  That responsibility includes helping each respective territorial government decide a political status according to the peoples’ aspirations. The bill, HR 3940, embodies such responsibility and provides the much needed assistance to help educate and inform the people about viable political status options,” Faleomavaega stated.

“As HR 3940 now awaits House approval, I will continue to work with my fellow delegates and colleagues to resolve any concerns on this issue,” Faleomavaega concluded.

(Source: Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Office, Wash. D.C.)
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Comments to this story (3)
Tama Samoa Moni  wrote:
20 Nov 2009 12:52 PM
This is visibility, issues that affects us and what we must do to tackle them and prepare ourselves for the future. There is still a grey cloud on our relationship with the United States. Some say it is majority who want status quo, but how did they come to this majority designation. Was there a vote? Who were contacted and are those results available for review? On the other hand there are quite a few who prefer that we re-visit this portion of our relationship with the United States. They believe that we can get more help and assistance if we discuss and agree on other possiblities out there. We still want status quo, but that doesn't get us too far, and that could be discussed in another forum. WE cannot become citizens, we cannot vote in national elections, etc., etc., and etc. I am one that wants us to call a Constitutional Convention with every sector of our society be represented. Let's not make it the "old ways" where only the high and high talking chiefs, professionals from various professions, are invited. We need to invite the youth, the young women associations, church leaders, cannery leaders/workers, and many others across the territory.
Maverick  wrote:
20 Nov 2009 07:16 AM
Absolutely critical that the people must be aware and understand their government. it's functions, the three branches of government(checks and balance),the constitution,the bill of rights, elected officials background and education, citizenship, federal court, due process, taxation , civil rights, samoan affaires stands, district governors responsibilities, county and village councils relative to the central government, etc. HR 3940 would certainly help facilitate, educate the mass for they must be informed and truly understands the distinguish between separation of church/state as well as the culture vs the constitution. Thank you Eni, suggesting that the national convention may be postpone at least two more years 'til people are enlightened and be inform of their constitutional rights as well as the best possible political status option(s).
Thank You is so Overated nowdays  wrote:
20 Nov 2009 05:20 AM
And I thank my mother, my cat, my village, my dog, my unschooled kid, my yada, and my fada! O.k Eni, we get it! You want to thank everybody from Maine to the tip of the Hawaiian Island Chains near the Japanese coastline-- we get it--- brownnosing works and for you, all the time.