Amata Holds Listening Session with American Samoa’s Veterans in Honolulu

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amataheld a Veterans townhall meeting, organized upon the Congresswoman's arrival in response to interest from the Veterans. She is traveling from DC to American Samoa, and the flight schedule allowed an opening for a listening session estimated between 90 minutes and two hours, attended by a number of American Samoa's Veterans at the Airport Honolulu Hotel on Sunday.

Amata speaking with veterans who thanked her for her work and alerted her to issues in their services and care.

Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, heard extensively from the assembled veterans about how services affect them personally, and their experiences with the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA).

They expressed concerns about certain travel policies, that Aumua Amata will be looking into, and asking about, beginning with the VA, particularly regarding tickets and seating on flights. These issues as described by the Veterans range from parking questions to the healthcare itself, refusal of the VA to confer with LBJ Tropical Medical Center about their medical history and treatment, and other matters.

Congresswoman Amata with our Veterans in Honolulu on Sunday

"This helpful time with our Veterans will shape my future discussions with House colleagues, V.A. leadership, including congressional hearings and letters, and conversations with Tripler Clinic leadership," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata.

Among those in attendance were Fogatia Letuli, Iliili; Togotogo Sotoa, Fagaalu, Manu'a; Ropati Aneki Tui, Taputimu; Ed Puchaver and wife Tufaga, Aua; Ronald Parker, Amaluia; Fala Porotesano, Manu'a; Faamao Asalele, Vaitogi, Leone, Fagatogo; Paulo Fatima Silao, Aoloau; Pete Meaole; Faimealelei Anthony Allen, Aua; Toafala Iafeta, Ta'u, Manu'a; Sagapolutele; and Reverend Nikolao Faasala, who led a prayer.

Congresswoman Amata taking notes as Veterans discuss their experiences with VA and travel services

"Veterans' services should be effective and common sense, and the reason for policies should be clear and understandable," continued Amata. "Our Veterans deserve every benefit due them, and our nation makes a lifelong commitment to those who have served that covers necessary care and travel requirements."

Last week, the House passed four Veterans bills, which boost training for veterans entering the trucking industry, reduces costs for veterans becoming pilots, promote a call-back service at the VA, and aid service-connected veterans in need of a specially adapted vehicle by paying the delivery cost of that vehicle.

• H.R. 7323 - Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2024.
• H.R. 6656 - Stuck on Hold Act.
• S. 656 - Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023.
• H.R. 522 - Deliver for Veterans Act. This bill was sponsored by Congressman James Moylan of Guam, and Congresswoman Amata was proud to support and cosponsor this effort.

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