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Committee hears testimony urging Congress to extend voting and commissioning rights to American Samoans
Summary
Senate Resolution 3, urging Congress to allow American Samoans to serve as commissioned officers and to vote in federal elections, drew testimony from veterans and community leaders; the resolution was set aside for a later hearing.
Senate State Affairs on May 15 heard testimony on Senate Resolution 3, which urges the U.S. Congress to grant American Samoans the right to serve as commissioned officers in U.S. uniformed services and to vote in federal elections.
"I'm here to present Senate Resolution 3, which urges The United States Congress to grant American Samoans the ability to serve as commissioned officers in the uniform services of The United States and the right to vote in federal elections," Maxine LaBerge, staff to Sen. Wilikowski, said to open the item. LaBerge said the resolution grew out of requests from community members and that local leaders were available to testify.
Testimony included a retired U.S. Army veteran from American Samoa who described military service and asked the committee to "fight for fair treatment of the American Samoans to have the same rights that are currently offered to similar territories of The United States Of America." Charles Alai Lima, identified as associated with Right to Democracy in Washington, outlined the historical and legal context, citing the Fourteenth Amendment and the complex statutory history that leaves American Samoans classified as U.S. nationals rather than citizens. Safirisa Noa Solea Hoa, executive director of Pacific Community of Alaska, urged committee support and noted the community's continued military service and civic contributions.
Speakers described confusion across federal and state agencies over the status of American Samoans, saying the limited statutory exception for the territory has consequences for passports, security clearances, benefits and service eligibility. Lima told committee members the limited status has created "major confusion for many state and federal government agencies, including here in Alaska." Testifiers said the resolution is intended as a formal appeal to Congress to address citizenship and related service restrictions.
No committee vote was taken. After testimony the committee set Senate Resolution 3 aside for further hearing and possible action at a later date.
