SR 3-SAMOAN SERVICE & VOTING RIGHTS  3:35:00 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3 Urging the United States Congress to grant American Samoans the ability to serve as commissioned officers in the uniformed services of the United States and the right to vote in federal elections. 3:35:38 PM MAXINE LABERGE, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced SR 3 on behalf of the sponsor and read the following: [Original punctuation provided.] Senate Resolution 3 urges the United States Congress to grant American Samoans the ability to serve as commissioned officers in the uniformed services of the United States and the right to vote in federal elections. This issue was brought to Senator Wielechowski recently by several members of the community. Our office has been working with these stakeholders to bring this resolution to the Senate. American Samoa has been an unincorporated territory of the United States since 1900. It is the only inhabited territory of the U.S whose residents are considered nationals but are not citizens. American Samoans can obtain a United States passport as well as live and work anywhere in the United States, yet they cannot vote in federal elections or hold certain positions in the service. 3:36:56 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony and opened public testimony on SR 3. 3:37:23 PM TAIVALEOAANA 'SEVEN' TOLEAFOA, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SR 3 highlighted that the military acronym LDRSHIPloyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courageas guiding principles for non-commissioned officers. He noted that American Samoa recently celebrated 125 years of loyalty and service to the United States, despite economic hardship and limited opportunities. Many American Samoans joined the military to provide for families and proudly serve the nation. However, he emphasized the injustice that American Samoans, who serve and sacrifice for the U.S., are denied the right to vote. He urged fair treatment and equal voting rights for American Samoans, invoking a quote about self-determination: "If we are not at the table for discussion, we will be on the menu.". 3:41:36 PM CHARLES ALAILIMA, Board Member, Right to Democracy, Washington D.C., testified in support of SR 3 referenced the U.S. Constitution and the 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause, noting that people born under U.S. sovereignty should have birthright citizenship. He recounted that in 1900 and 1904, Samoan chiefs voluntarily ceded sovereignty of their islands to the United States, with the understanding that U.S. law would hold supreme authority while respecting Samoan traditions. However, efforts in the 1920s to recognize American Samoans as U.S. citizens failed in Congress due to racial prejudice. He said since then, American Samoans have been classified only as U.S. nationals, not citizens, despite generations of loyalty and military service. This has caused widespread confusion across federal and state agencies, including the military and passport system. He argued that this unequal status violates the principle that all are created equal, urging recognition of citizenship for American Samoans under the 14th Amendment. 3:48:13 PM TAFILISAOA TOLEAFOA, Executive Director, Pacific Community of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SR 3 stated that American Samoans continue to serve in the military and contribute to their communities, and those who have sacrificed for the country deserve a voice and the right to vote. CHAIR KAWASAKI kept public testimony open for SR 3. 3:49:43 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI held SR 3 in committee.