[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF REPRESENTATIVE ENI FALEOMAVAEGA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2017

  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of 
a true statesman, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega.
  I'm Congressman Paul Gosar and I represent Arizona's Fourth 
Congressional District.
  I am also Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Chairman of 
the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and 
Mineral Resources, and Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on 
Oversight and Government Reform.
  I would like to start by thanking Congresswoman Amata for her great 
leadership in the House of Representatives and for organizing this 
bipartisan special order today to pay tribute to our colleague Eni.
  On February 22, 2017, a Member of the House who served the Congress 
and represented the people of American Samoa for 26 years, passed away 
out West while at his home in Utah.
  Eni was a patriot who honorably served this great nation in uniform 
in the U.S. Army. Unfortunately, he was exposed to Agent Orange during 
one of his tours, something that negatively impacted his health for the 
rest of his life.
  Eni did not let this incident hold him back though and went on to 
serve our great country for nearly three decades as the Delegate for 
American Samoa. He also served the territory as its Lieutenant 
Governor.
  I got to know Eni through our work together on the House Committee on 
Natural Resources. Eni was a passionate and effective member on issues 
impacting the Pacific.
  Eni was a devoted husband and father of five children. Eni and his 
wife were active members of their church.
  Family, friends and colleagues were saddened to learn of his passing 
last month. This demonstrates just how much he will be missed. I am 
confident there will be a large turnout next Saturday the 25th at his 
memorial service and subsequent reception that follows to celebrate his 
life.
  Again, I would like to thank Congresswoman Amata for organizing this 
most worthy tribute to our colleague Eni. Eni left big shoes to fill, 
but Congresswoman Amata has stepped up, continued the excellent 
representation the people of American Samoa have come to expect, and 
become an effective leader that is respected throughout the country.
  I know Eni would be proud of the Congresswoman and the great work she 
has done for American Samoa.

                          ____________________