Today, leaders of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) applaud President Barack Obama and Secretary Hilda Solis of the U.S. Department of Labor for a federal grant that will create more temporary jobs to assist clean-up and recovery efforts in American Samoa. The $24,857,608 grant will be awarded to the American Samoa Department of Human Resources following last month’s devastating tsunami. 

“On behalf of CAPAC, I thank President Obama and Secretary Solis for their leadership following the devastating tsunami in the South Pacific,” said Rep. Mike Honda, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). “These federal dollars will go a long way to assist recovery efforts in American Samoa, and help rebuild the tens and thousands of lives affected by this disaster. CAPAC members are grateful for the Administration’s support to our communities in the South Pacific.”

Delegate Faleomavaega said: “I want to personally thank my good friend and former colleague, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, for releasing more than $24 million in National Emergency Grant funds to assist clean-up and recovery efforts in American Samoa.  The people of American Samoa are deeply appreciative of the support we are receiving from the federal government since the earthquake and tsunami struck our islands on September 29 and, once more, I thank the Obama Administration, the U.S. Congress, FEMA, Secretary Solis and all others for standing with American Samoa as we begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since 1994, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda.house.gov/capac.