Aumua and fellow Veterans Committee Members Meet with Secretary of VA
Washington, D.C. –Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, and a few other members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee held a luncheon meeting at VA headquarters in Washington, on Thursday with VA Secretary Bob McDonald.
Congresswoman Amata, with the VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shulkin, VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson, and VA Secretary Bob McDonald
“These off the hill meetings are very helpful for us, so that we can get face-time with the Secretary, which allows for further discussion in how to best care for and provide for our veterans, outside of hearings,” stated Amata.
The luncheon meeting was held as a precursor to the upcoming VA Budget Hearing, and consisted of Congresswoman Amata, three fellow committee members and Secretary McDonald. The main focus of the meeting of course was the budget priorities of the VA, as well as initiatives that the VA will be pursuing this year including, improving the veteran experience, increasing access to VA healthcare, improving community care, modernizing VA Contact Centers, improving the Comp & Pension Exam, developing a simplified appeals process, and reducing veteran homelessness.
The Congresswoman also spoke at length with Secretary McDonald regarding the need for an expansion of the LBJ hospital for a wing dedicated to caring for veterans, and informed Secretary McDonald of her intention to introduce legislation that would require the VA to conduct a feasibility study for the proposal. Secretary McDonald was very receptive to the ideas that the Congresswoman expressed, and replied that due to her questioning during prior hearings, VA staff is already looking in to what can be done. The Secretary also thanked her for making the veterans in American Samoa a top priority of hers.
“Before the VA can proceed with any expansion of LBJ, there are many steps that must first happen. The feasibility study would be that first step, and I am eager to see it started,” said Amata. “I want to thank Secretary McDonald for inviting us to join him today, and look forward to working with him to ensure that our veterans in American Samoa receive the services and care they have so rightfully earned,” concluded Amata.
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