FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ----

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that Congressman Don Young, Chairman of the House Committee on Resources will lead a Congressional Delegation to visit American Samoa. The visit is tentatively scheduled for January, 1998.

"I am gratified that my discussions with Chairman Young have resulted in this upcoming Congressional visit," said Faleomavaega. "The Chairman visited American Samoa some years ago, and he indicated that he wants to visit American Samoa to obtain a better understanding of our current economic situation. I am hoping to demonstrate to him the negative impact that NAFTA, GATT, and the repeal of Section 936 are having on our territory. With this visit to Samoa, he will be able to see how much we stand to lose economically."

"I am also pleased to report that Congressman Jim Hansen is expected to participate in the Codel. Congressman Hansen, from the State of Utah, is a senior Republican on the Committee on Resources, and is Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands," continued Faleomavaega. "Chairman Hansen will see our National Park for the first time, and I believe this visit will give him a better understanding of our park's needs."

The Delegation is also expected to travel to Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.