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Amata Honors Faleomavaega’s Legacy

March 8, 2017

Washington, D.C. –Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, and the House of Representatives passed a bill today, which was introduced by the Congresswoman to honor the former Member of Congress from American Samoa, Faleomavaega Eni, who passed away on February 22nd.

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Congressman Eni Faleomavaega and Congresswoman Aumua Amata in Washington, D.C. in the 1980s

"Given that I challenged him for his seat from 1994 until 2014 - when I won my first term - Eni and I had a long and complicated relationship. Though we were often at odds politically, we always treated one another with the utmost respect and grace, allowing us to form a shared bond that I am very thankful for, and will never forget," said Amata. "Ours was a true friendship that demonstrated that despite whatever political differences we may have, we can all come together for the good of those we serve. While we may have had our disagreements on national issues, we were very much in sync when it came to federal policy and funding for American Samoa," continued the Congresswoman during the floor time for the bill.

Specifically, the Congresswoman's legislation will officially name the Department of Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic in Pago Pago, American Samoa, the Faleomavaega Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin VA Clinic.

"I want to encourage my colleagues in the House and Senate to salute my predecessor by supporting this measure, so that we may honor this good man for his lifelong service and dedication to the people of American Samoa and to veterans everywhere," concluded the Congresswoman just prior to the passage of the bill through the House.

The legislation will now be sent to the Senate for consideration, before being sent to the President for his signature.

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