Amata Highlights Opportunity for Veterans to Speak to Members of Congress
Washington, D.C.—Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is highlighting an opportunity for the Veterans of American Samoa to speak to the Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and Members of Congress.
"My message to our Veterans is to come out and participate in this rare opportunity, as we've had a great turnout and energy from Veterans so far on the trip," said Aumua Amata. "This is a good chance for you to speak directly to leaders of the Veterans Committee, and they can leave our islands with a better understanding of your personal experience as a Veteran."
Congresswoman Amata is part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) that is led by Chairman Mark Takano. The CODEL has already met with Veterans in Guam, and is scheduled for similar meetings in CNMI and the Philippines before arriving in American Samoa. Once in American Samoa, among other activities, the Territory has arranged for a Veterans' Listening Session on Wednesday, October 9th from 9:30-11 A.M. at the Veterans Center in Tafuna.
Veterans' Affairs Committee photo: Chairman Takano and Members speaking with Veterans in Guam earlier in the trip.
"Our Veterans should know that Chairman Takano went the extra mile to get an exemption from the Speaker in order to include American Samoa since the Pacific travel times expanded the length of the trip beyond the House's allowed limit," said Amata. "This is also the first visit to our islands by the Chairman of the Veterans' Committee."
Along with the Chairman and Congresswoman Amata, the CODEL also includes Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, and Congressman Michael F.Q. San Nicolas.
"We were very happy with the lively discussions with the Veterans in Guam, and I know this process is important for our Committee's work on Veterans issues," continued Congresswoman Amata. "Our Committee needs to know what issues matter most to you and how services are working for you, so come out and tell us."