On the recordMay 1, 2017
The People's Republic of China and other external powers are gaining visibility and influence in the region, including the neighboring Independent State of Samoa. Due to the new influence of foreign interests in the region, members of American Samoa's territorial legislature, the Fono, just days prior to the Vice President's arrival, expressed to me, during my appearance before a special joint session, their concern about the rise of foreign influences in the region. I am certain the Pago Pago Declaration will help to allay their concerns and will be welcome in capitals across the Pacific from Port Moresby to Papeete, Tahiti. Moreover, Madam Speaker, I anticipate that the Pago Pago Declaration will be a component of the evolving Trump doctrine that is under development by the administration, which I expect will be fully articulated when the U.S. participates in the Port Moresby APEC summit in November of next year. Madam Speaker, we, in American Samoa, recognize the strategic importance of our location in the center of the Pacific Ocean and are proud of the contributions we make to our Nation's security. As always, we stand ready to do our part to advance the spirit of the Vice President's Pago Pago Declaration, which I expect will have a long lasting and positive effect on the region. I want to, once again, thank the Vice President and the administration for their attention to the Pacific territories, a region that too often goes unnoticed in Washington. ____________________
