[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23458]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE PEOPLE OF AMERICAN SAMOA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2009

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my heartfelt condolences 
and deepest sympathies to the people of American Samoa as they cope 
with the effects of the powerful earthquake and tsunami that struck 
American Samoa, Independent Samoa and Tonga yesterday, September 29, 
2009.
  Our fellow Americans in American Samoa are presently facing tragic 
losses of life and property as a result of the most devastating of 
circumstances. It has been reported that survivors of the deadly 
earthquake-triggered tsunami described how they watched the in-rushing 
sea swallow up coastal towns and villages leaving devastation in its 
wake.
  At least 111 people are confirmed killed in Independent Samoa, 
American Samoa's neighbor to the north and on Tonga and officials in 
the Polynesia region have expressed fears the toll will rise as rescue 
workers struggle to reach outlying villages submerged and flattened by 
the wave.
  Additionally the island is without telephone service; homes and 
government buildings have been destroyed and the airport runway has 
been severely damaged. I applaud President Obama for his prompt 
response in declaring this a major disaster. I also want to commend our 
colleague, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega for his efforts facilitating 
the relief efforts that are currently underway.
  Last month, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting American Samoa 
where we were graciously hosted by my good friend Congressman Eni 
Faleomavaega and the American Samoa Fono. In Pago Pago and the village 
of Leone, two areas severely hit, we were showered with beautiful and 
ornate traditional gifts and received with the warmest of welcomes and 
hospitality.
  American Samoans in the Pacific and in the mainland United States are 
an integral part of our country's history and of our American social 
fabric. They are our brothers who fight valiantly in our wars and 
contribute immensely to the prosperity of our country. Today, I send my 
thoughts and prayers to the victims and their family members in this 
moment of grief and tragic loss. We stand in solidarity with our 
brothers and pray for their speedy recovery.

                          ____________________