Amata Hears from Veterans and Speaks at American Legion Posts in Several States

Washington, D.C. – House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) Vice Chairman Uifa’atali Amataheard from groups of Veterans over several days and gave remarks at American Legion posts in several states. 

Congresswoman Amata heard from Veterans on the issues that are important to them, and highlighted some of the recent and ongoing work of the Committee under the leadership of Chairman Mike Bost, a veteran and congressman representing Illinois. 

Amata will again be cosponsoring the Major Richard Starr Act, which is expected to be reintroduced with bipartisan support. It provides that combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of creditable service may concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation.

Chairman Bost is leading the Restore VA Accountability Act, and Amata is an original cosponsor of this oversight bill to change the culture at the VA, attract and retain the best professionals, and put Veterans first.

“Wherever our Veterans live, from the eastern United States to the islands of American Samoa, they often have similarities in their concerns and issues, including health care and their experiences with VA services,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Our Committee listens throughout the year directly to Veterans, both formally in hearings and roundtables, and informally in other Veterans outreach, like these opportunities with American Legion audiences.”

“I always appreciate the chance to thank our nation’s Veterans in person for their patriotic service, and I want to express that Members of Congress know our country has a lifelong commitment to our Veterans,” she said. “Our Veterans deserve every benefit due them, and we will stay focused on oversight of the VA and providing the VA with the necessary resources.” 

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