Amata Welcomes the Nomination of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
Historic Nomination for American Samoa
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming the announcement that President-elect Trump will nominate former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who was born in American Samoa and represented Hawaii in Congress, to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI), a position in the Cabinet of the President of the United States.
“This is a historic nomination for a Samoan woman, and her service will be an honor for Pacific Islanders throughout the U.S.,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Tulsi Gabbard is a friend, as is her family, and in fact we are connected as aiga. American Samoa is blessed that one of our Toa o Samoa will be taking on these important leadership responsibilities to secure our country. She is a superb choice by President Trump, and this nomination has my strong support.”
“The American people know Congresswoman Gabbard well and trust her to be effective in this key national security leadership role. In her more than 20 years of military service, she was deployed to Iraq, later stationed in Kuwait, and has chosen to continue her service in the Hawaii National Guard and the Army Reserve even during her time in public life. She holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.”
As a Member of Congress, her congressional work includes the following relevant Committee assignments: Committee on Homeland Security (2013–2014), Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security; Committee on Armed Services (2013–2021), Subcommittee on Readiness, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities; Committee on Foreign Affairs (2013–2019), Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa; Committee on Financial Services (2019–2021), Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was established by Congress in legislation in 2004. The Director is the executive head of the U.S. Intelligence Community, and the principal advisor to the President on intelligence matters.
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