Eni Faleomavaega: “I include my remarks on deliberations on this bill. Mr. Speaker, as a matter of public record, I wish to thank the…”

“I include my remarks on deliberations on this bill. Mr. Speaker, as a matter of public record, I wish to thank the Honorable William Thomas, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, for his unwavering support in saving the jobs of more than 5,000 tuna cannery workers and the economy of American Samoa for future generations. Chairman Thomas is a true friend of our people. He stood with us during the Andean Trade debate and he is standing with us again on an extension of 936 tax credits for American Samoa until such time as a more long-term solution can be put in place once the GAO and Joint Committee on Taxation complete their reports regarding the impact of Federal tax policy in the insular possessions. I also thank the Honorable Charles Rangel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. Congressman Rangel is also a friend of American Samoa and has championed our cause on each and every trade agreement that has come before the U.S. Congress. He also supports our extension of 936 tax credits for an additional year. At a time when our Nation is faced with paying for the war in Iraq and helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina, I know the inclusion of American Samoa in H.R. 4297 was no easy task. I also know it was no easy task for my Democratic friends to allow this amendment to be included when on principle there is disagreement about tax cuts and government spending.…”