As a member of the East-West Center Observation Mission, he was here to observe the FSM congressional and Chuuk state elections.
Faleomavaega joined Dr. Stivini Halapua and a team from the East-West Center to tour several polling places in Pohnpei and observe the voting conditions of the polls on March 3, Election Day.
A reception was held for Faleomavaega that night at the Cliff Rainbow Hotel where a traditional sakau ceremony was held, followed by remarks from Pohnpei Gov. John Esha, FSM Congressman Fredrico Primo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert and from the visiting U.S. lawmaker himself.
While here, Faleomavaega met with FSM President Manny Mori, members of the cabinet, Speaker Isaac Figir, other members of the 15th FSM Congress, FSM Supreme Court Chief Justice Andon Amariach, Pohnpei State Speaker Nelson Philip, other members of the Pohnpei State Legislature, and the U.S. Ambassador to FSM Miriam Hughes.
Faleomavaega also attended and spoke at the funeral mass for the late PFC Cwislyn K. Walter, and attended the burial service on March 6.
Faleomavaega’s social program included a dinner reception by the Samoan community in Pohnpei, a visit to the Nan Madol ruins, and other cultural sites in Pohnpei.
He was accompanied by his congressional professional staff member David Richmond, and left Pohnpei on Monday, March 9 to fly back to Washington. D.C.
A Democrat, Faleomavaega sits on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Natural Resources.
Faleomavaega chairs the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment and has broad oversight and jurisdiction over U.S. foreign policy.
