16 Feb 2006

US territories to get a hearing from the Senate on Capitol Hill

2:33 pm on 16 February 2006

The US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has accepted a request from the delegates of the US territories for an oversight hearing.

The committee is scheduled to meet on March 1 on Capitol Hill to consider testimony regarding the state of the economies and fiscal affairs of Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas and the United States Virgin Islands.

Members of Congress and territorial governors have been invited to testify.

The American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin says the territories face unique challenges and he's pleased the Senate will look at whether it can assist with healthcare, education , economic development and other issues important to the insular areas.

He says the Hawaii Senator, Daniel Akaka, who is one of the most senior members of the Committee, will play a vital role in these hearings.