Bill > SR3

This resolution urges the United States Congress to address longstanding inequities facing American Samoans, who are currently considered U.S. nationals but not citizens. Specifically, the resolution calls for legislative action to grant American Samoans two fundamental rights: the ability to serve as commissioned officers in the uniformed services and the right to vote in federal elections. The resolution highlights several key contextual points, including that American Samoa has been a U.S. territory since 1900, is the only inhabited U.S. territory where residents are nationals but not citizens, and has the highest military enlistment rate of any state or territory. Despite their significant contributions to U.S. military service and owing permanent allegiance to the United States, American Samoans are currently prohibited from becoming commissioned officers and voting in federal elections. The resolution argues that this situation amounts to "taxation without representation" and contradicts the democratic principles of political participation. By sending copies of this resolution to key federal government leaders, including the President, Vice President, congressional leadership, and Alaska's congressional delegation, the Alaska Senate aims to draw national attention to these systemic inequities and advocate for legislative change to extend full political rights to American Samoans.

Government Affairs

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SR3