Veterans

Washington, D.C.- Thursday, Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata has co-sponsored three bipartisan bills that concern military veterans. The first bill, HR 1772, is officially titled as the Passports for Purple Hearts Act and would exempt recipients of the venerated Purple Heart decoration from paying fees associated with obtaining a US passport. This bill is led by Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) and supported by Members of both parties, including GOP Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata took part in a markup of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee (HVAC) to develop the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) portion of the reconciliation bill, S. Con. Res 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2022. Congresswoman Amata urged more attention on Afghanistan Veterans, and advocated a specific outreach plan to ensure they are fully made aware of all the VA care and benefits that they can access.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata cosponsored newly introduced legislation honoring the 13 Service Members who lost their lives recently serving in Afghanistan with the Congressional Gold Medal — the highest honor or expression of national appreciation that Congress can bestow.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata released a statement honoring Veterans of Afghanistan, and a reminder of ways to access any needed mental health or counseling resources:

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is hailing final passage through Congress of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act. Amata is an original cosponsor of H.R.1448, and supported a similar effort in the previous Congress. The Senate passed the bill this week, following up on House passage in May, so the bill has been sent to President Biden to be signed into law.

This unique therapy bill, championed by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), pairs Veterans and service dogs to treat mental illness.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata welcomed House passage Thursday of the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act, H.R. 4300, which she cosponsored to thank and honor Veterans.

In national appreciation of their service and sacrifice, the legislation provides free lifetime access to all U.S. National Parks, and other National Forests and public lands for the nation's servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star families.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata took on the role of Ranking Member in Tuesday's hearing of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee to examine the topic, "Aging in Place: Examining Veterans' Access to Home and Community-Based Services." Members of Congress discussed building on successful methods such as the Veteran Directed Care program.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata voted Wednesday for the Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act, H.R. 4300, which was passed by the full Committee on Natural Resources with bipartisan support. Amata cosponsored the legislation to honor Veterans with free lifetime access to all U.S. National Parks, and other National Forests and public lands.