Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted this week’s continuation of series of House/Senate Joint Hearings on veterans’ issues, passage of four Veterans’ bills, and the DC office visit of the VFW of Hawai’i to talk about issues of importance to Veterans.

Taking part in the Joint Committee this week, Amata highlighted the GUARD VA Benefits Act, on which she is an original cosponsor, noting that the bill has the support of the VFW.

 “Veterans everywhere deserve the best in services from the VA, and that is part of keeping our national commitment to those who served,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you to the Veterans Service Organizations presenting issues before the Joint Committee, as well as these VFW representatives for stopping by the office and talking to my staff in person.”

The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) moved four bills forward that passed the House and were sent to the U.S. Senate for consideration:

• •          H.R. 502, To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs repays members of the Armed Forces for certain contributions made by such members towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.
• •          H.R. 815, the RELIEVE Act, as amended.
• •          H.R. 753, VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act, as amended.
• •          H.R. 1226, the Wounded Warrior Access Act, as amended.

Representatives of the VFW group met in the American Samoa congressional office to talk about VFW priorities, health care and services.

Also on Thursday, Amata took part in the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation Hearing titled Accountability at VA: Leadership Decisions Impacting its Employees and Veterans.