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| Congressman Faleomavaega sent a letter today to Governor Lolo and the Fono leadership regarding President Barak Obama’s speech at his Inauguration on Monday, January 21, 2013 at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The inauguration was attended by an estimated nearly a million people who were on the National Mall were able to witness the oath ceremony and parade. “I was so moved by the President’s speech that I felt it necessary to want to share copies with Governor Lolo and the leadership and members of the Fono,” Faleomavaega said. “So many thoughts of how our country was found was profoundly described by the President. He was also able to share the challenges that are before our nation, and it is something that I hope the leaders of the American Samoa Government will be able to recognize and appreciate.” The text of the Congressman’s letter is included below: In his speech, President Obama was able to convey the challenges that our nation will be facing in the coming years and his Administration’s priorities. I strongly believe that it is important that the leaders of the American Samoa Government embrace and recognize the President’s sentiments. We can all agree that we face a similar crisis in our Territory, by trying to boost the economy while at the same time pay our debts. Importantly, we must ensure that we provide for all our people and not for just a few to benefit.. The President highlights the threat of climate change and because we are islands in an ocean with levels that are rising each year, we must consider our own local policies in guaranteeing our existence for many years to come. He continues to remind us about the importance of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and we must make sure that all those who qualify are able to utilize these critical programs. As we move forward in the next few years, we are tasked in making critical decisions because of our national debt. The U.S. Department of Interior will also be making changes. As you know, President Obama will be nominating a new cabinet, including a new Secretary of Interior given that Secretary Kenneth Salazar will be retiring in the coming months. This will also include the nomination for the post of Assistant Secretary of Insular Affairs. I am hopeful that the President will nominate candidates who will work hand-in-hand with the leaders of our Territories. “I look forward to meeting you in near future and discussing how we can move forward and better help our people,” Faleomavaega concluded. |
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