Amata With Congressional Delegation That Visited Republic of Palau to Support Maritime Security

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amatatook part in a bipartisan nine-member Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Republic of Palau, led by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman, to underscore the importance of the relationship between the United States and Palau.

During their time in Palau, Members of Congress met with President Surangel Whipps Jr., and the Ministers of State, Finance, Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment, and Infrastructure, as well as speaking with lawmakers in the National Congress. Members toured the joint operations center that supports the Palau Maritime Security Governance Project, and met with leading scientists working in agriculture and horticulture to improve Palau's food security.

The delegation visited the island of Peleliu and paid their respects to the U.S. Marines who bravely fought there in WWII.

"I feel a kinship with the Republic of Palau, and each of the Freely Associated States, because our islands have much in common, including natural island beauty, and respect for our historic traditions," said Congresswoman Amata. "I am confident the U.S. and Palau will work closely together for years to come in our special partnership that keeps a large area of the Pacific free and open. Thank you, especially to my friend, President Surangel Whipps, and the government leaders in our meetings who do so much to make sure this key friendship is effective and beneficial for Palauans, Americans, and all our Pacific allies."

Chairman Westermansaid, "America and the Republic of Palau have a historic relationship through the Compacts of Free Association. This nation holds an important place in America's historic consciousness through the sacrifices made here by Americans and Palauans in WWII. Because of our important and valued relationship with Palau, the Indo-Pacific region and the world are made safer from the threats of the People's Republic of China. While visiting the capital, we crossed paths with delegations from Taiwan and Japan which only serves to underscore the commitment the United States and our allies are making in the region. We traveled to Palau as close partners in the Pacific, but we left as close friends. I'd like to thank His Excellency President Surangel Whipps Jr. for hosting us on this historic trip, and I'm confident U.S.-Palauan relations will only grow stronger in the years to come."

During the 118th Congress, Chairman Westerman is putting a priority on strengthening America's presence in the Indo-Pacific region with the creation of the bipartisan Indo-Pacific Task Force, chaired by Congresswoman Amata and co-chaired by Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan. The Committee and the Task Force are actively conducting oversight on issues facing the U.S. Pacific territories and Freely Associated States in the Indo-Pacific region. Westerman led the CODEL of nine members to the region to see these issues firsthand and hear from local communities to further understand the threat of the People's Republic of China under the Chinese Communist Party.

Participating Members:

Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

Indo-Pacific Task Force Chairman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa)

Indo-Pacific Task Force Co-Chairman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-CNMI)

U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.)

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.)

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.)

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.)

U.S. Rep. Jim Moylan (R-Guam)

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.)

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