Babauta joined the House Natural Resources Committee in 1998 as professional staff under its then-ranking member, Rep. George Miller, D-California.
His service to the committee continued under West Virginia Democrat Rep. Nick Rahall, who now chairs it.
Babauta is currently a senior advisor to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
In a statement, Salazar said Babauta’s vast experience and familiarity with the people and the policies of the U.S. territories and U.S. affiliated island-nations make him an excellent choice for the position of assistant secretary for insular areas.
“As a native of Guam, Tony will be the first person in this position to hail from any one of our U.S. territories. The department looks forward to the outstanding leadership he will provide,” Salazar said.
Babauta’s nomination requires the consent of the U.S. Senate.
Salazar credits Babauta for advancing the renegotiated Compact with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Guam war claims legislation, and the political advancement of Puerto Rico.
“He also oversaw the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and responsibilities toward the Department of the Interior. Babauta has maintained close working relationships with island leaders who include presidents, governors and ambassadors,” Salazar said.
In a joint statement, Rahall and Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife Chairwoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo, D-Guam, lauded Babauta’s nomination.
“President Obama and Secretary Salazar have made a wise choice in nominating Tony Babauta for the position of assistant secretary for insular areas. Born and raised on the island of Guam, and a long-time and dedicated government staffer, I know that Tony has the skills and cultural knowledge needed to help oversee public policy decisions for the people living in our U.S. territories and Freely Associated States,” Rahall said.
Bordallo said Babauta’s nomination signals the Obama administration’s commitment to help American insular areas.
“President Obama and Secretary Salazar, in making this announcement, have signaled their commitment to the insular areas by elevating this position to an assistant secretary level. Tony has the professional knowledge and experience to be effective and we look forward to his future confirmation and his leadership on insular issues for the administration,” she said.
