Veterans Reach Out to Amata in Support of VA Accountability Bill

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, The House Veterans Affairs Committee held a mark-up today on H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act. This bill would allow the VA Secretary and managers, greater authority to remove VA employees who fail to meet the standards of care and service that the American people expect for our veterans.

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"By strengthening the tools that the VA has to remove the few "bad apples" in the department, we will be able to better serve our veterans, which is why I cosponsored this important legislation," stated Amata. "Greater accountability will lead to better employees and thereby better service for our nation's veterans," continued Amata.

The push for greater accountability measures began last year after egregious actions by VA employees were discovered, including falsifying wait times for veterans waiting to see a Dr., which resulted in several deaths, yet only two people have been held accountable so far, verifying the need for reform.

This week, both the Congresswoman's District and Washington, D.C. offices were bombarded with calls of support for the legislation from American Samoan veterans. Amata's staff reassured the veterans that their voices were being heard and that she wholeheartedly supports the measure and is an original cosponsor.

"I want to thank Chairman Miller for his leadership and work in offering this common sense measure that will allow for greater accountability to those federal employees who serve our veterans," said Amata. "I now look forward to the bipartisan measure being brought before the full house for consideration," concluded Amata.

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