Use Gavel With Authority, Mr. Chairman
April 26, 2007
For the first time in the history of the United States Congress, an Asian Pacific American chairs the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment. Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa chairs the subcommittee that oversees this nation’s Asian Pacific foreign policy — an area long ignored by Eurocentric views or a province of mostly white males.
As Rep. Faleomavaega pointed out, the United States has had “mixed feelings” about Asia in the last seven decades. Yet, these same “mixed feelings” through hot war and Cold War have spurred migrations and shaped Asian Pacific America.
It’s during the post-Cold War era that a Samoan American chairing this vital subcommittee brings a cultural dimension — an empathy or understanding of the Asian Pacific point of view in American foreign policy. For example, after returning from a meeting with China’s leadership, Faleomavaega pointed out the subtle differences of how China, as opposed to the U.S. conducted diplomacy among six countries in the North Korean disarmament talks.
Interestingly, Faleomavaega is received by Asian governments. Even though he has most rights and privileges accorded to him as a congressman, American Samoa’s delegate does not have the power to vote on the House floor because he represents an American territory, not a congressional district in a state.
Yet, he still carries a powerful voice for Asian Pacific Americans even as he meets the top leaders of Washington D.C. or Asia.
His power rests in wielding his authority as subcommittee chairman and a committee member. For example, weeks before Japan apologized, he was the first congressman to call and hold hearings on Rep. Mike Honda’s resolution demanding that Japan apologize for exploiting Asian women as sex slaves during World War II. In addition, the Samoan American’s subcommittee is the first “gate” for some bills to be considered and amended before they advance to the full committee and the full House.
That’s considerable authority for a congressman who cannot vote on the House floor but still wields influence for more than 64,000 residents he represents. But like him, many Asian Pacific Americans should not be deterred by the lack of franchise. It has not barred Chairman Faleomavaega from wielding his gavel in the interests of American Samoa and this nation.
Comments
Got something to say?