Amata Hails Nomination of Sen. Rubio to Secretary of State

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is hailing the announcement that President-elect Trump is nominating Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to serve as the next Secretary of State.

Congresswoman Amata with Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee Marco Rubio

"This is one of the most important positions in the U.S. Government, and Senator Rubio is an excellent choice," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. "Senator Rubio has made foreign policy and national security an in-depth priority of his years in the Senate. As a son of Cuban immigrants, he deeply understands the realities of communism, the value of freedom, and the clear reasons the United States must maintain a strong commitment to the Pacific as a diplomatic counterweight to the activities of the CCP. I welcome this appointment; it increases my optimism about the next few years for U.S. policy in the Pacific. I hope the Senate sets aside all partisanship to confirm this nominee rapidly and send a message to the world of unity and strength in foreign affairs."

In September, Amata spoke on the House floor in support of a Rubio-sponsored Senate bill to reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which was passed by the House.

Senator Marco Antonio Rubio, 53, embodies an American success story, as the son of Cuban immigrant parents, often described as a bartender and a maid. Educated as a lawyer, he is a former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and an author. A Catholic in his faith, he is married with four children.

The historic position of Secretary of State, which is fourth in line for the presidency in extraordinary circumstances, was created by Congress in 1789 during the first presidential administration of President George Washington, who selected Thomas Jefferson as the first Secretary of State. Washington's first Cabinet had just four offices: Secretaries of State, Treasury, War (now Defense), and Attorney General.

Upon confirmation of this appointment, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, would fill the Senate seat by appointment for the remainder of Sen. Rubio's third term.

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