Amata Hails the Historic Confirmation of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing the Senate confirmation of former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who was born in American Samoa and represented Hawaii in Congress, as Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
“Congratulations to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. This high-level post in the President’s Cabinet is historic for us as her birthplace in American Samoa, and for Pacific Islanders in the U.S. government,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I would applaud that distinction by any of our people, but it is special to note that Tulsi is a friend, former colleague, and part of my aiga. She was born right here in American Samoa, from Leloaloa village. She is a patriot who has served our country in the military for many years, and I know she will take on these major responsibilities in serious times with great dedication.”
In more than 20 years of military service, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, then stationed in Kuwait, and continued service in the Hawaii National Guard and the Army Reserve. She holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. Her various committee roles in Congress also had direct bearing on national security and homeland security. She now leads the U.S. Intelligence community, and is the principal advisor to the President on intelligence matters.
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