Congresswoman Amata, right, with former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the American Samoa Congressional Delegate) — U.S. 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, 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.”
Amata added, “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 included 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.
Interior nominee
Congresswoman Amata also welcomes the announcement of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as the nominee for Secretary of the Interior.
“Governor Burgum is a seasoned executive as a two-term governor and former technology CEO, and a great choice to lead the Department of the Interior,” said Amata. “American Samoa’s closest working relationship with the federal government is through the Interior Department, and we can know that it will be in good hands with this excellent nomination.”
“As the Governor of North Dakota, he already understands the challenges faced by geographically remote small communities, has worked with indigenous people groups in his state, and has expertise in technology development and distribution — all great foundations for working with American Samoa,” Amata added.
