Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called him to extend condolences to the people of American Samoa and Samoa. 

“I was deeply touched that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took time to call and extended her condolences to the people of American Samoa and Samoa,” Faleomavaega said.  “In our phone conversation, it was clear that her heart was heavy and that she was sorry to hear about what happened to us and our cousins in Samoa.”

“She asked me to convey her sympathies to the victims and families and said she is offering her full support to help us through this devastating crisis.  She noted that FEMA is working closely with my office and the Governor’s office to provide relief for American Samoa, and that the U.S. Department of State and USAID are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Samoa, as we have requested.”

“I informed Secretary Clinton that the first chance I have I will be going to Samoa to determine how we can best assist Samoa in its time of need.  She asked me to give her an update and said not to hesitate to contact her.”

“I said, ‘You will definitely be hearing from me,’ and she said, ‘Yes, I know.’  Secretary Clinton and I had a very warm exchange and I am so proud that she is our Secretary of State.  She is the right person to help remake America and restore America’s stature at home and abroad.”

“Secretary Clinton also told me she had the opportunity to visit with our Pacific Island leaders at the United Nations in New York last week, and I thanked her for her sensitivity and interest in the Pacific region.”

“I look forward to working with Secretary Clinton as we begin to rebuild and, once more, I thank her for her thoughtful concern,” Faleomavaega concluded.