Amata Hails Lee Amendment on Behalf of Lt. Ridge Alkonis and His Family

Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is commending Senator Mike Lee’s amendment on Thursday to the Omnibus legislative package. This amendment, passed by voice vote and now part of the appropriations legislation, will officially excuse Lt. Ridge Alkonis’s absence from the Navy, ensuring that he and his family will receive his pay and service benefits.

“Thank you to Senator Mike Lee for his successful and determined efforts on behalf of Lt. Alkonis’s family,” said Aumua Amata. “It is important for the United States to care for our military families, and this Congressional action keeps our commitment to this family.”

“I want to thank Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy and Senators Schumer and McConnell who were aware of the amendment and made no objections to it,” she continued. “Lt. Alkonis serves voluntarily in our Armed Forces and is unavoidably absent because of a sad accident and an unknown illness. This was clearly the right thing to do, and now the U.S. must continue diplomatic efforts to bring him home.”

Once the appropriations package is signed into law by President Biden in upcoming days, the Lieutenant’s pay and benefits will be assured.

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