Amata Appreciates Fono’s Unified Support for Self-Determination and Fa’a Samoa

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata said she appreciates decisive and unanimous action by the Fono (American Samoa's Legislature) through their Concurrent Resolution, which shows the nation that the strong support of American Samoa's elected officials is behind the right of self-determination on the citizenship question and regard for the traditions of Fa'a Samoa.

"This Resolution is an important statement by our Fono that establishes the public position of the Territory," said Aumua Amata. "It helps clarify that the people of American Samoa, as reflected in their elected officials across the board, deeply value our rights in relationship with the United States. We're so proud to be a part of the United States, and our people have a rich tradition of service in the U.S. Armed Forces. We also value our distinctive and ancient culture, and we have the right of self-determination to safeguard that culture. The Fono has formally expressed those sentiments in this Resolution."

As the D.C. Circuit Court has stated — it would be more than "impractical and anomalous..." "to impose citizenship by judicial fiat—where doing so requires us to override the democratic prerogatives of the American Samoan people themselves." Indeed, it would be a violative unilateral action by the courts to usurp the tri-lateral rights of the leaders in American Samoa, the U.S. Congress and the President on such an important issue.

"I want to thank every member of the Fono, President of the Senate Gaoteote P. Tofau and Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale," said Aumua Amata. "Thank you to Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga for his leadership throughout this entire case, and Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, and Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale for his work on this effort."

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