VA confirms financial assistance programs continue uninterrupted

WASHINGTON — In an effort to clarify the Office of Management and Budget’s Jan. 27 memo (M-25-13) regarding temporarily pausing certain agency grant, loan and financial assistance programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs on Wednesday announced it has conducted a comprehensive analysis of all its federal financial assistance programs and consulted with OMB.

VA has determined that all 44 of its financial assistance programs will continue uninterrupted and that all VA programs and operations will continue uninterrupted.

“This will have no impact on VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries,” said Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter.

In addition, Congresswoman Amata passed along the Congressional Notification from the VA also confirming that all 44 Veterans’ financial assistance programs are continuing, and all VA programs and operations are going forward as normal.

According to the Congresswoman, the VA worked with the President’s Office of Management and Budget in conducting a comprehensive review and analysis, and all VA services are approved to be uninterrupted.

Congresswoman Amata stated she will continue sending updates to the people of American Samoa as they become available, and welcomes this good news for our nation’s Veterans. The Congresswoman expects other federal agencies to make announcements in the coming days, along with a court update by this coming Monday.