[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 24750-24755]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    MOURNING THE LOSS OF LIFE ON AMERICAN SAMOA AND SAMOA AFTER THE 
             EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 816) mourning the loss of life caused by the 
earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in 
American Samoa and Samoa, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 816

       Whereas, on September 29, 2009, at 1748 UTC, a powerful 
     earthquake struck below the ocean about 140 miles southwest 
     of Pago Pago, American Samoa, and 125 miles south of Samoa, 
     centered only 11 miles below the seabed;
       Whereas the earthquake registered 8.3 on the Richter scale 
     and is recognized as the world's largest earthquake of 2009;
       Whereas a second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 
     occurred at 1808 UTC in the vicinity of the first one;
       Whereas the first undersea earthquake created a massive 
     tsunami that crashed into American Samoa, Samoa, and 
     neighboring Tonga, sweeping cars and people out to sea as 
     survivors fled to high ground;
       Whereas the tsunami, with towering waves that reached up to 
     20 feet in height and penetrated one mile inland, caused 
     death and destruction on a nearly unprecedented scale;
       Whereas the death toll, as of October 7, 2009, is estimated 
     at 32 in American Samoa and 135 in the Independent State of 
     Samoa;
       Whereas many individuals and families affected in this 
     region are now lacking basic survival necessities and there 
     remains the risk of numerous additional deaths due to 
     shortages of clean water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation, 
     and basic healthcare;
       Whereas the human cost of this disaster transcends mere 
     statistics and has resulted in deeply personal tragedies for 
     numerous families and communities in the region and 
     throughout the world;
       Whereas children in the United States Territory of American 
     Samoa running for home unknowingly ran in the direction of 
     the tsunami;
       Whereas the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai'lolo, 
     Nua, Se'etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, 
     Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga'itua, Pagai, 
     Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula in American Samoa were 
     devastated by the disaster;
       Whereas in response to this disaster and call for 
     assistance, the people of the United States have responded 
     with a generous and heartfelt outpouring of aid;
       Whereas a team of more than 300 responders from the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, 
     the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health 
     and Human Services (HHS) and other Federal agencies is on the 
     ground in American Samoa coordinating relief and recovery 
     operations;
       Whereas the United States Navy (USN), the United States 
     Coast Guard (USCG), the Hawaii Air National Guard, and the 
     U.S. Army Reserve American Samoa, under the leadership of 
     Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command 
     (PACOM), and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Iuniasolua T. 
     Savusa, Senior Enlisted Leader, PACOM, with the support of 
     Major General Robert G.F. Lee, the Adjutant General, State of 
     Hawaii, provided critical transport of the life-saving and 
     life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate 
     needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 
     14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 
     800 cots, and 9 pallets of medical supplies and medical 
     equipment in support of American Samoa's mass care 
     operations;
       Whereas foreign governments, including Kazakhstan, the 
     People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Palau, 
     Thailand, Samoa, Fiji, Grenada, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Republic 
     of China (Taiwan), Indonesia, Nauru, Australia, Cambodia, 
     Vietnam, Japan, Pacific Islands Forum members, and the 
     Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) sent messages of 
     support and offers of aid to the people of American Samoa;
       Whereas organizations including the Li Ka Shing Foundation, 
     the Hanwha Group, Save the Children, the American Red Cross, 
     Habitat for Humanity, Latter-day Saint Charities, Catholic 
     Charities, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee 
     (JDC), National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, 
     StarKist, Bumble Bee, the National Football League (NFL), and 
     many others are providing assistance;
       Whereas the Samoan community in areas such as California, 
     Utah, Washington, and Hawaii have been instrumental in 
     helping their ``aiga'' abroad;
       Whereas President Barack H. Obama telephoned the Governor 
     of American Samoa and American Samoa's Delegate to the United 
     States House of Representatives to personally extend his and 
     the First Lady's condolences to the families and loved ones 
     of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami 
     in American Samoa and the region, and to assure the Governor 
     and the Delegate that he would speed the deployment of 
     resources and provide the tools necessary for a full, swift, 
     and aggressive response;
       Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also 
     telephoned American Samoa's Delegate in his capacity as 
     Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, 
     the Pacific and the Global Environment to convey her sympathy 
     and offer her full support which subsequently included the 
     authorization to airlift emergency supplies to Samoa;
       Whereas Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a press 
     statement on behalf of the entire Congress promising to 
     quickly address the needs of American Samoa and the Americans 
     who live there; and
       Whereas Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Majority 
     Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Chairman John F. Kerry of the Senate 
     Committee on Foreign Relations, Chairman Howard L. Berman of 
     the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman Nick J. 
     Rahall, II, of the House Committee on Natural Resources, as 
     well as many other Members of Congress also offered 
     expressions of support in the aftermath of the devastating 
     tsunami: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) mourns the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and 
     tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American 
     Samoa, Samoa, and Tonga;
       (2) offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the 
     families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims, and to 
     Head of State His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese and Prime 
     Minister Tuilaepa

[[Page 24751]]

     Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa, as well as to His 
     Majesty King George Tupou V and Prime Minister Feleti 
     Vaka'uta Sevele of Tonga;
       (3) pledges its full support to the people of American 
     Samoa and the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai'lolo, 
     Nua, Se'etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, 
     Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga'itua, Pagai, 
     Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula as they begin the long 
     and difficult process of rebuilding their homes and lives;
       (4) recognizes the humanitarian response that is currently 
     underway and commends the efforts of all persons and relief 
     organizations who continue to alleviate the suffering by 
     providing financial and material support;
       (5) urges continued attention by donors and relief agencies 
     to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken areas, 
     particularly the children and elderly who have been 
     devastatingly affected by this disaster;
       (6) expresses gratitude and appreciation to the foreign 
     governments from around the world that are lending their 
     support to the United States Territory of American Samoa;
       (7) commends the over 100,000 Samoans residing in the 
     United States from American Samoa and Samoa for coming to the 
     aid of their ``aiga'' in the affected islands; and
       (8) pays tribute to the people of American Samoa and Samoa 
     for their strength of spirit and their deep and abiding faith 
     in God which brings hope to all of us.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) and the gentleman from Washington 
(Mr. Hastings) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from American Samoa.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and to include extraneous material on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from American Samoa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution mourning the 
loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on 
September 29, 2009, in American Samoa, in the independent state of 
Samoa and in Tonga.
  On September 29, 2009, a powerful earthquake, which registered 8.3 on 
the Richter scale and is recognized as the world's largest earthquake 
of 2009, struck below the ocean about 140 miles southwest of Pago Pago 
and 125 miles south of Apia, in the state of Samoa, creating a massive 
tsunami, or tidal wave, that crashed into American Samoa, the 
Independent State of Samoa, and the Kingdom of Tonga, sweeping cars and 
people out to sea as survivors fled to high ground. The tsunami, or 
tidal wave, with towering waves that reached up to 20 feet in height 
and penetrated 1 mile inland, caused death and destruction on a nearly 
unprecedented scale.
  The human cost of this disaster transcends mere statistics and has 
resulted in deeply personal tragedies for numerous families and 
communities in the region and throughout the world.
  In the U.S. territory of American Samoa, children running for home 
unknowingly ran in the direction of the tsunami. The villages of 
Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Failolo, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, 
Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Lauli'i, Faga'itua, Masefau, 
Alao, Tula, and Aoa in American Samoa were devastated by the disaster. 
Villages were also wiped out in the independent state of Samoa.
  In response to this tragedy, President Barack Obama speedily deployed 
the tools necessary for a full, swift and aggressive response by FEMA.
  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also offered her full support and 
authorized the airlift of emergency supplies to the independent state 
of Samoa.
  Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a special statement on 
behalf of the entire Congress, promising to quickly address the needs 
of American Samoa and the Americans who live there.
  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, 
Chairman John F. Kerry of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, 
Chairman Howard L. Berman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, 
Chairman Nick Rahall of the House Committee on Natural Resources, as 
well as many other Members of Congress also offered expressions of 
support in these trying times.
  I especially want to thank my colleague and dear friend, 
Congresswoman Laura Richardson, for her working side by side with my 
office in support of our Samoan communities living in her district and 
in Samoa, as well as in American Samoa. Congresswoman Richardson has 
stood by us every step of the way and has earned her rightful place in 
our hearts for leaving no stone unturned in relief efforts.
  I also want to thank our Samoan communities and congregations--
churches from Hawaii, Washington, Utah, and California--which collected 
critical supplies that will now be airlifted or transported by surface 
transportation to Samoa and, hopefully, also to American Samoa.
  I want to also thank the Reverend Liki Tiatia, the Reverend John 
Mailo, the Reverend Misipauena Tagaloa, and High Chief Loa Pele 
Faletogo, who have been instrumental in gathering emergency supplies 
for our families abroad.
  With so many people in need of basic supplies, words cannot express 
how grateful I am to all of my fellow Americans and to our friends from 
around the world who have responded to this disaster and to our call 
for assistance with a generous and heartfelt outpouring of aid. More 
than 300 responders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the 
American Red Cross, the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Department of 
Health and Human Services, and other Federal agencies are on the ground 
in American Samoa, coordinating relief and recovery operations.

                              {time}  1130

  Organizations including the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the Hanwha Group, 
Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity, Latter-Day Saint charities, 
Catholic Charities, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, 
tuna canneries like StarKist, Bumble Bee, even the Polynesian 
professional football players with the National Football League and the 
coalition of various Samoan organizations like the Office of Samoan 
Affairs and many others that are providing assistance.
  The United States Navy, the Coast Guard, the Hawaii International 
Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves in American Samoa provided critical 
transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment 
to meet the immediate needs of the survivors.
  On behalf of the people of America Samoa, I express my gratitude for 
all of those who have stood by us when we have needed you most.
  I also join with Governor Togiola Tulafono and First Lady Maryanne 
Togiola Tulafono of American Samoa conveying my deepest condolences to 
the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims, and to the 
Head of State, his Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese and Prime Minister 
Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa, as well as to His 
Majesty King George Tupou V and Prime Minister Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele 
of Tonga.
  As we begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding, we thank 
God for the prayers you have offered on our behalf and express 
appreciation to all persons and relief organizations who continue to 
alleviate our suffering.
  In memory of those who are no longer with us, I urge my colleagues to 
support passage of House Resolution 816, mourning the loss of life 
caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 
2009, in American Samoa, Independent State of Samoa and the Kingdom of 
Tonga.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as my friend from American Samoa said, a terrible 
tragedy occurred on September 29, 2009, in the South Pacific. American 
Samoa and Samoa were struck by separate tsunami waves which devastated 
numerous communities on each of the islands. We offer our deepest 
sympathies

[[Page 24752]]

and condolences to the many victims in the region.
  The outreach of support and humanitarian efforts to assist each of 
the islands in their recovery efforts has to be commended. Federal 
agencies, military services, foreign governments, relief organizations, 
and private citizens have all reached out to assist these island 
nations.
  These islands face months, if not years, of recovery actions. They 
will depend on Congress and the continued efforts of the Federal 
Government, relief organizations, and private citizens to recover.
  I urge all of us to be steadfast in our support for the communities 
on American Samoa and Samoa and assist them to recover from this 
terrible event.
  Finally, I would like to commend and extend my best wishes to our 
friend and colleague, Eni Faleomavaega, who has worked tirelessly on 
behalf of his constituents to meet the needs of his constituents who 
have suffered much during this very, very difficult period.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and gentleman 
from Washington for his support and endorsement as well as the chairman 
of our Committee on Natural Resources, Nick Rahall, for his support.
  At this time I would like to yield 2 minutes to my distinguished 
friend and colleague, the gentlelady from the State of Hawaii (Ms. 
Hirono).
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 816 which 
expresses the condolences of the Congress to the Samoans following the 
natural disasters in the South Pacific.
  I cannot stress how much these terrifying events were so deeply felt 
throughout the State of Hawaii because of our close familial, 
historical, cultural, and geographical ties to these islands.
  I would like to extend a heartfelt ``mahalo''--my thanks--to Hawaii's 
Army Air and Army Guard Medical Communication and search and rescue 
specialists who assisted in the recovery efforts. It is worth noting 
that this was the first time the Hawaii National Guard had deployed 
such a sizable tax force outside our State in support of a Pacific 
partner.
  I would also like to thank the 15 Red Cross volunteers from Hawaii 
who focused on outreaching to the families who lost loved ones in the 
disasters and served meals that included local favorites like spam and 
saimin. I would also like to thank the many Hawaii businesses who made 
monetary or in-kind donations.
  The outpouring of support for relief efforts from Hawaii's Samoan 
community has been tremendous. I know that much of their strength in 
the wake of these disasters is derived from their personal faith for 
which I have long had great admiration.
  I want to close by letting my dear friend and colleague, Congressman 
Eni Faleomavaega, know that I stand ready along with other Members of 
Congress to continue to support his efforts to help the people of 
American Samoa and Samoa in any way that we can.
  Mahalo.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the gentlelady for her kind remarks from 
the State of Hawaii.
  At this time, I would like to yield 4 minutes to my good friend from 
California, Congresswoman Laura Richardson.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and 
I rise in strong support of H.R. 816, to mourn the loss of the lives 
and all of the tragedy that we had with the earthquake and the 
subsequent tsunami that devastated American Samoa and the independent 
State of Samoa.
  May I first of all take a moment to really commend Congressman Eni 
Faleomavaega from American Samoa. There is no tougher time as a Member 
that we have when a disaster hits our community to respond where he has 
been working over the last week visiting all of the territories, all of 
the areas to assess and to understand how we can help best.
  You might ask how I got involved. Why would an 8.3 magnitude 
earthquake 120 miles away, that caused a tsunami, that caused death 
throughout many of our communities, why would I be engaged? Well, in 
the United States we have over 80,000 Samoans who live here, over 
52,000 who live in California, and almost 30,000 of those actually live 
in my district. So this is beyond an issue of just a concern of a 
community that had a disaster. It's actually family and friends and 
people that I've worked with for a long time who are looking for help 
and assistance.
  So when we stand today, I want to stand in full support with 
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega to really look at the tragedy that has 
happened but also how we can move forward. The Congressman has been 
successful in working with the Secretary to be able to send aid this 
very week that's going to go to western Samoa which the chairman has 
been a chairman over for many years on the committee. But we need to 
continue to work so when disasters like this occur, we can get help and 
assistance quickly, and time should not be with delay.
  I also want to thank Secretary Clinton publicly for her assistance. 
We appreciate the initial efforts that had been done in American Samoa, 
but much more needs to be done, and we will work in concert to ensure 
that that continual work supplies things that many people care 
desperately for actually get to the people.
  As I conclude my comments, I want to say that as Members, as we stand 
together to deal with this tragedy, people should know that there are 
over 60 organizations in my district who have now donated over 200,000 
pounds of various supplies: water, food, clothing, things that people 
desperately need. But what they really need is they need to also know 
from us as leaders that they're not there alone, that we are watching 
what's happening, we are watching the response of FEMA and the other 
aspects of our government, and we are committed to them not only today 
but we're committed as they're going to have to rebuild which will take 
for many months to come.
  I commend you, Congressman, for all your efforts. You passionately 
lead the people in your community. We're fortunate to have you here. 
And I will work with you and other members of our caucus to ensure not 
only this support, but all of the support that you need that you have 
us right there standing side by side.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute to again 
express my sincere appreciation to the comments by my dear friend and 
colleague, Congresswoman Laura Richardson.
  Just to give my colleagues a sense of what took place, as I said 
earlier in my remarks, it was an earthquake right on the fringe of the 
Tonga Trench. The Tonga Trench is one of the two deepest trenches in 
the world, second only to the Marianas Trench. And when the earthquake 
struck at almost 7 in the morning, it caused tremors in the Samoan 
Islands for about 3 minutes, but the shock wave was traveling at about 
500 miles an hour. So there was no way that anybody could possibly 
prepare for this disaster to occur because in a manner of minutes--I've 
seen tidal waves before, and what happens is that the water is totally 
sucked out from the shoreline from the reefs so pretty much you can 
prepare yourself to anticipate the coming of the tidal wave.
  What made this disaster so different is the fact that the tremors 
occurred for about 3 or 5 minutes, then 5 minutes later, the tidal wave 
was up there 20 feet in height coming to the many people who were so 
surprised and shocked that early morning at 7 o'clock when the tidal 
wave came in.
  So we're looking at two disasters: an earthquake that caused a lot of 
problems and then the tsunami. So the two disasters occurred at the 
same time.
  I wanted to share that with my colleague that this is what made a 
very unusual disaster was because there was no way that anybody could 
properly prepare for what was coming when this earthquake occurred.
  At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my 
colleague

[[Page 24753]]

from the Virgin Islands, Donna Christensen.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I thank you for yielding, and I want to rise also 
in strong support of H.R. 816, mourning the loss of life caused by the 
earthquake and tsunami that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American 
Samoa and Samoa, and to extend my thoughts and prayers and that of the 
people of the Virgin Islands to the victims of that 8.0 magnitude 
earthquake and tsunami that devastated our brothers and sisters in the 
U.S. territory of American Samoa and the Nation of Western Samoa and to 
offer our condolences to those that lost loved ones as a result of that 
tragedy.
  Like my colleague from California, I've been to American Samoa 
several times with the Congressman. We were there in early August and 
visited his own village of Leone--which we heard so much about in the 
wake of the earthquake and the tsunami because they were so hard hit--
and I remember how the people came out and welcomed us. They fed us. We 
had a joyous time with them. That evening they showered us with so many 
gifts, and we just hope that we can return those gifts to them in their 
time of greatest need.
  As I speak to you, there is a young girl--and I wish I had her name 
with me--who has started a drive at home for the people of American 
Samoa and Western Samoa. When I go back home on Saturday, I will join 
her at one of our shopping centers to continue to raise supplies and 
funds to help our neighbors.
  I know as a Congresswoman from the U.S. Virgin Island, a community of 
islands that is also vulnerable to tropical disasters, I am very aware 
of the toll it can take on the people, infrastructure, and our time and 
resources. I know how hard it has been on our colleague, Mr. 
Faleomavaega to be home. I called him one morning, forgetting that it 
was 5 o'clock in the morning in American Samoa, but he was already up 
and preparing to go and visit just another area that had been 
devastated.
  The people of my district, the U.S. Virgin Islands, have asked me to 
express their solidarity with the people of American Samoa at this time 
of their distress, and to extend our support to our colleague, 
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, as they make and we make with them the 
necessary arrangements to mobilize and deploy urgently needed emergency 
assistance and to assure them that all of the American people, but 
especially those on the other off-shore territories, are ready to 
assist them.
  In visiting American Samoa you cannot help but be struck by the 
strong community spirit that exists there and the strong faith, and I 
know that will bear them up through this difficult time, but they still 
need our support, and we're here for them.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 
minutes to the gentlelady from Florida, the ranking member of the 
Foreign Relations Committee, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman for the time.
  Mr. Speaker, I was honored to join my good friend, Mr. Faleomavaega, 
in serving as an original cosponsor of this critical resolution. This 
resolution offers the condolences in a heartfelt way of the Congress to 
those who endured suffering and loss in American Samoa and Samoa and 
neighboring Tonga during the tragic events of September 29 and the 
aftermath. We join with the people of American Samoa, Samoa and the 
entire Samoan community here in the United States in mourning those who 
have died in this terrible disaster.

                              {time}  1145

  The previous tragic events of 2004 made us all keenly aware of the 
devastation which can be wrought by a tsunami after an earthquake takes 
place in ocean waters.
  Waves from this tsunami in American Samoa were reportedly 20 feet 
high and rushed 1 mile inland, causing unprecedented death and 
destruction. The latest death toll reported is 32 dead in American 
Samoa and 135 dead in Samoa. Children mistakenly running in the 
direction of the tsunami were among the victims.
  The Governor of American Samoa was quoted as saying that the quake 
and subsequent tsunami ranked right up there with some of the worst 
disasters to hit the area. Survivors are in urgent need of necessities, 
including water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and health care. 
Three hundred emergency responders have reportedly been dispatched by 
FEMA. The Red Cross, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department 
of Health and Human Services are coordinating relief and recovery 
operations.
  The U.S. military, under the direction of the U.S. Pacific Command in 
Hawaii, is providing emergency assistance, including food, water, 
tents, blankets, and medical supplies. In this regard, military 
personnel are helping their friends and colleagues, as the young people 
of American Samoa are well known for their patriotic spirit of service 
in the United States military, including in both Iraq and Afghanistan. 
We appreciate and honor that service.
  I urge my colleagues to give their strong support to this resolution.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank my good friend, the 
senior ranking member of our House Foreign Affairs Committee, for her 
kind comments, mentioning also about the military participation of the 
sons and daughters of American Samoa.
  According to the recent reports of USA Today newspaper, American 
Samoans have the highest percentage per annum in the whole United 
States in terms of those who sacrificed their lives in the war in Iraq 
and Afghanistan, with about 136 percent above all States and 
territories. I do want to thank the gentlelady for reminding us of 
that.
  Mr. Speaker, if I could ask how much more time do we have?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from American Samoa has 5 
minutes remaining, and the gentleman from Washington has 16 minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from California, 
my dear friend, Ms. Chu.
  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
816. Last month's magnitude 8.0 earthquake in Samoa, Tonga, and 
American Samoa was devastating, setting off tsunamis that washed over 
islands killing 168 people.
  The quake generated three separate tsunami waves, the largest 
measuring 5.1 feet, completely destroying villages, leaving families 
whose entire lives had washed away with nothing. On the small islands, 
ocean waters washed away houses, cars, and main access roads, making it 
all the more difficult for rescue parties and aid to reach hard-hit 
areas.
  In the aftermath of the disaster, local aid agencies, foreign 
nations, the U.S. Coast Guard, and FEMA instituted a quick and much-
needed response. With the lack of proper sanitation, water and shelter 
continuing to be a problem, I urge relief organizations to bolster 
their efforts to keep residents safe and healthy.
  I commend President Obama for declaring American Samoa a major 
disaster area. My heart goes out to the Samoan community, many of whom 
live in my area of Los Angeles County.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 1 
minute to my namesake and friend from Florida (Mr. Hastings).
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I thank my colleague for yielding. I did not 
ask my distinguished good friend, because I didn't know how many 
speakers he had, and I didn't want to interdict the program as it is 
set forth.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of the resolution offered 
in a bipartisan fashion and demonstrating very strongly how we do 
respond to those who are in need.
  In the case of Eni Faleomavaega, American Samoa has had for a 
considerable period of time a distinguished Member of this body who has 
helped so many of us when we have had difficulties such as in Hurricane 
Andrew. Those that live in these areas, or my friend that just spoke 
from Hawaii, all of us understand these dynamics.
  Eni, our heart goes out to you. As one who has visited American Samoa 
with you on three different occasions

[[Page 24754]]

and had the good fortune of bringing my son there, I just want you to 
know how heavy my heart was when I saw those places, and my heart goes 
out to you and all.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my good friend 
from the Northern Mariana Islands, Congressman Sablan.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago I came to the floor to offer my 
condolences to the people of American Samoa and to their far-flung 
families who were still reeling from the initial shock from the tsunami 
and from the many losses suffered. Today, we meet in a more formal 
manner to broaden the expression of these condolences to include this 
House and all the people we represent from across our Nation.
  I said before that the people of the Pacific, though separated by 
thousands of miles, feel that we are part of one family. We understand 
the vulnerability and isolation of life on an island in the midst of a 
sea, a vast sea. That shared understanding makes us one.
  Today, I rise that all Americans, though separated by experience and 
culture, by language and distance, are part of one family. It is 
inexplicable how this may be so, but this evidence makes clear that it 
is so. When many of us are in need, as American Samoa is and will 
continue to be, then we find we are not alone. Then we remember we are 
all Americans.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from American Samoa has 3 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to 
my good friend from Texas (Mr. Al Green).
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I believe that there is but one 
race, and that is the human race. I believe that one God created all 
humanity to live in harmony. I am honored to be here today to express 
my sympathies and my oneness with the people of American Samoa, 
Indonesia, as well as the Philippines.
  I also want to make it very clear that my district is a polyglot 
melting pot. It is, in fact, a culture of cultures. Because it is such, 
I have a special kinship and relationship with the persons who have 
been devastated by these natural disasters.
  I believe that we cannot do enough to help them recover. But I also 
understand in my heart that when you cannot do enough, you have a duty 
to do all that you can. I want us to do more because these are our 
fellow human beings. They are part of the one race, the human race.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I have no more requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank my good friend 
from Washington for his assistance and partnering with me in putting 
this resolution before our colleagues.
  I also have a proverbial expression, going along with what my good 
friend from Texas has said, that, yes, there truly is only one race, 
and that's the human race. That's what makes this country so great.
  I also believe that this country is but a microcosm of the whole 
world in itself, and the fact that it seeks no race or creed or 
boundaries to the extent that we are all fellow human beings, and 
whenever there is a need, it's our moral responsibility to do all that 
we can to give assistance.
  There is also a saying among the Chinese people that says there are 
many acquaintances but very view friends.
  I will say, Mr. Speaker, to express my deepest appreciation and 
gratitude to my colleagues who truly are my friends, when I am in need, 
just from the fact that many of our colleagues have had occasions of 
having to appear before the floor and expressing and asking for 
assistance when disasters occur in their States and their territories, 
this is what the Congress is all about. This is what democracy is all 
about in this great country.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I cannot say enough words to express my deepest 
appreciation and gratitude for the offered help from the 
administration, from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, 
from everybody in the Congress, knowing of the difficulties that we are 
going through. I am going to say, our people are in good spirits. The 
prayer services, all that has been offered has been tremendous. I just 
want to say again, thank you to my colleagues.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 816 and to 
express my condolences and deepest sympathies to the people of American 
Samoa and Independent Samoa for the loss of life that was caused by the 
earthquakes and tsunamis that hit these islands on September 29, 2009.
  Struck by towering waves that reached up to 20 feet in height, the 
people of American Samoa, Independent Samoa and Tonga are today 
confronting staggering losses of life and property as they watched 
helplessly as the in-rushing sea swallowed up coastal towns and 
villages.
  As of last week it is estimated that 32 American Samoans and 135 
residents of Independent Samoa lost their lives. And today, many 
families in the affected areas still lack basic necessities resulting 
in the risk of additional deaths because of scarce clean water, 
shelter, food and basic health care.
  I was pleased to have had the opportunity to visit American Samoa 
earlier this year with my good friend and colleague, Congressman Eni 
Faleomavaega, the author of the resolution we are debating today. Among 
the places we visited while we were there was the Village of Leone; one 
of the areas on American Samoa that was severely impacted. I want to 
express my profound condolences to the people of Leone for their 
suffering as well as to thank them once again for the warm welcome and 
hospitality they offered us.
  I want to also commend Congressman Faleomavaega for his efforts in 
marshalling the response of the federal government in responding to the 
disaster in his home island. Eni and his staff labored around the clock 
to coordinate the efforts of FEMA, the Red Cross, Army Corps and the 
other federal agencies tasked by President Obama to speedily deploy all 
the resources and tools necessary for a full, swift and aggressive 
response.
  Mr. Speaker, 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.
  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 816 in 
mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that 
occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa and Samoa.
  I want to express my sincere condolences to those that have lost 
family, friends and other important people in their lives. Despite this 
loss, the people of American Samoa and Samoa remain strong and 
resilient. They are continuing on, picking up the pieces of what can be 
salvaged, cleaning their homes and cities and helping each other 
through the struggles of trying to regain the life they once had. As 
thousands of people continue to struggle with this tragedy, I join my 
colleagues in our commitment to the relief efforts and offer support 
for the families of the many victims.
  I would like to commend Representative Eni Faleomavaega for his 
tireless efforts to help relieve the suffering and devastation in 
American Samoa. I will do everything I can to assist my friend and 
colleague in speeding any additional federal assistance needed to the 
area.
  I am also proud of the rapid response by Major General Bob Lee and 
the Hawaii National Guard, which is a testament to their training and 
professionalism. I know FEMA, the Hawaii Red Cross and other relief 
organizations are on the ground, as well, aiding communities to cope 
with the devastation.
  There are many people in Hawaii with friends or family back in 
American Samoa and Samoa. They are our brothers and sisters of the 
Pacific and we will do all we can to help and support them.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and the people of 
American Samoa and Samoa.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support and 
sympathy to the people of the U.S. Territory of American Samoa and 
Western Samoa in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami that hit the 
region last week. The wave claimed over 200 lives and left thousands 
more homeless. I ask that this body support our colleague, Congressman 
Faleomavaega and his community as they recover from this disaster. All 
necessary aid to this region in the South Pacific should be brought to 
bear for our fellow Americans.

[[Page 24755]]

  We on Guam have experienced our share of disasters. I recognize the 
efforts of my constituents, many of whom have banded together to raise 
money and donate clothes, blankets, and food to the relief effort for 
Samoa. The people of American Samoa and Western Samoa have shown great 
courage in the face of this tragedy. Following the disaster they have 
pulled together and expressed their determination to recover what was 
lost. They deserve our backing and support in their time of need. My 
thoughts and prayers will remain with the families and those impacted 
by this disaster.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H. Res. 816 to mourn the loss of life and express my 
condolences for the disaster that took place in Somoa and American 
Samoa on September 29, 2009.
  On that dreadful day, over 150 people lost their lives when a tsunami 
rose twenty feet into the air and made landfall on the shores of Samoa 
and American Samoa in the southern region of the Pacific Ocean. The 
destruction that this tsunami caused was overwhelming, and in addition 
to the loss of life, countless more individuals have lost their homes 
and possessions. I extend my deepest condolences to the victims and 
their families, and offer my deepest sympathies for their loss.
  I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 816 to 
remember those that died in Samoa and American Samoa on September 29, 
2009.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 816, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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