Amata says hearing will establish foundation for Veterans legislation

Washington, D.C. —  Congresswoman Aumua Amata took part in the first full Committee hearing of the 116th Congress in the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee last week, which will help set up the legislative work for the year ahead and establish priorities. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie testified in a hearing titled, A Vision for the Future of the VA.

“VA Secretary Wilkie again expressed his plan to visit American Samoa and our Veterans in the Pacific,” said Amata. “I appreciate the understanding he’s demonstrated of the unique challenges faced by our Veterans because of the vast distances in the Pacific region, and I look forward to continuing to hear from the VA.”

 “These proceedings are the foundation for the year ahead and the overall Veterans legislative agenda,” she said. “As Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe brought out, we must continue building on the important reforms that were started over the past two years to modernize the VA, improve claims, and recruit excellent professionals to VA medical services.”

Also, the House and Senate Veterans Committee Members are continuing a series of Joint Hearings by Veterans Service Organizations. These special presentations are scheduled to resume next week with testimony from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, followed the next day by AMVETS and others.