Amata Welcomes House Passage of Bipartisan Veterans Bills, and Peace Officers Memorial Service Resolution
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC), is welcoming House passage of a slate of bipartisan Veterans bills from the Committee, and letting American Samoa’s veterans know about these efforts, which are now sent to the Senate for consideration.
“We have made a commitment to our Veterans as a nation, and continue to push for improvements in the access and delivery of services to all who served,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We want consistency, care, and competence in our national services to Veterans through laws, oversight, and ongoing reform efforts at the VA.”
The Deliver for Veterans Act, H.R. 877, passed unanimously, is sponsored by Congressman James Moylan (Guam), with Congresswoman Aumua Amata (American Samoa), Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (CNMI), and Congressman Ed Case (Hawaii) as original cosponsors. This bill would cover the delivery costs, including the islands, for major equipment for disabled veterans such as a specially equipped automobile.
The Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act, H.R. 1039, passed 412-0, requires the VA to make communications with Veterans clearer and more user friendly. Sponsor Congressman Tom Barrett, R-Michigan, said in a House speech, “Our veterans served the United States military, with honor. They shouldn’t need a lawyer or specially trained advocate to explain a claims letter to them.”
The Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, H.R. 586, passed by a vote of 411-0, requiring the VA to conduct an epidemiological study, create a report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater, and submit this information to Congress.
The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025, H.R. 970, requires the VA to review every five years and report on the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs, taking into account the average percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased over that five years.
In other action, the House unanimously passed necessary legislation authorizing the use of U.S. Capitol grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service in May. The concurrent resolution authorizes the National Fraternal Order of Police to sponsor two public events on Capitol grounds: the 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.
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