Amata Welcomes Chairman Takano’s Announcement of Veterans CODEL to American Samoa

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the announcement by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Cali.) that he is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation, in which she will take part, beginning October 1st through the 11th, to the Philippines, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, American Samoa, and Hawaii.

Chairman Takano announced that throughout this trip, Members will have an opportunity to meet with VA and military leadership, VSO leaders, servicemembers, and veterans themselves to gain first-hand insight into how veterans and servicemembers who live outside of the continental United States access key medical, benefits, and support services.

"This trip gives me and my fellow Members of Congress the opportunity to connect with veterans and servicemembers who live abroad and hear their experiences firsthand," said Chairman Takano in his announcement. "All veterans deserve access to the best care, regardless of where they live--we cannot let geography determine whether a veteran will receive the high-quality healthcare care and support they have earned."

"I am delighted that Chairman Takano and colleagues from the Committee will have this chance to see American Samoa first hand," said Aumua Amata. "I always love showing off our beautiful island, but I am even more pleased they will have an opportunity to join some of our fine Veterans, meet with Governor Lolo and his team, and gain more insight into our Territory's health care circumstances."

In this photo from a Capitol press conference on Veterans issues earlier this year, Chairman Takano speaks as Ranking Member Phil Roe and other leaders of the Committee look on

According to the Chairman's announcement, Members will have the chance to honor veterans' memorials and pay tribute to countless servicemembers throughout the Pacific Islands. They will also will tour the DNA testing site where newly repatriated remains from North Korea have arrived.

The members of the Congressional Delegation are:

• Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA), House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
• Chairwoman Julia Brownley (D-CA), HVAC Subcommittee on Health
• Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS), Vice Ranking Member, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
• Congressman Gregorio Sablan (D-NMI), House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
• Congressman Michael San Nicolas (D-GU).

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