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Amata and CODEL meet with key leaders around the Pacific

Amata and CODEL
Source: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata's Office- Washington D.C

Washington, D.C. —  Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata took part this past week in a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) that included a series of meetings in Papua, New Guinea, as part of a wide-ranging trip to several Pacific region countries that have strategic alignment with the United States.

In Papua New Guinea, the delegation met with Prime Minister James Marape, Chief of Defense Force Major General Goina, former Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor, and U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Erin McKee.

 “It was a pleasure to discuss how Papua New Guinea and the United States can work together and share common interests in the Pacific region,” said Congresswoman Amata. “All of the island nations in the Pacific have a role to play as we seek long term security and prosperity, based on keeping the world’s largest ocean free and open.”

Congresswoman Amata traveled as a Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, and is also part of the Pacific Islands Caucus, and serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. She was one of five Members of Congress in the CODEL.

IN THE PHILIPPINES

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata took part this past week in a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to several Pacific region countries that have strategic partnerships with the United States, including meetings in the Philippines with leaders of their government, and the U.S. military stationed there.

In the Philippines, Members of Congress met with Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to the Philippines Heather Variava. Members of Congress also visited Fort Magsaysay in Luzon and Zamboanga City in Mindanao, where they spoke with leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and service members of the U.S. military.

In 2016, Amata was proud to cosponsor the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, signed into law later that year to honor their role in the war in the Pacific.

 “Every Pacific ally is important within the big picture of security along with freedom of trade and movement throughout the entire Pacific,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I appreciate the informative briefings and the insights provided by diplomats, and the militaries of both the Philippines and our U.S. Armed Forces.”

Congresswoman Amata, traveling as a Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, is also part of the Pacific Islands Caucus, along with serving on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. She was one of five Members of Congress in the delegation.

The CODEL was led jointly by Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations of the House Armed Services Committee; and Congressman Ed Case (D-HI), Chair of the Pacific Islands Caucus and member of the House Committee on Appropriations; with House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA); and Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.