Amata Listens to Veterans and Provides Legislative Update in VFW Meeting

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata took part in a Veterans town hall meeting on Wednesday at the Veterans Center, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3391, that included Chief Whitmore, VFW, and Department of Hawaii Commander Jason Seal. Representatives from AMVETS, and the enrollment team from VHA Pacific were there to assist with inquiries. The meeting was made possible through the work of Office of Veterans and Military Affairs Director Igafo Maria B. Togia and Deputy Director Arianna Auva'a, and included the panel listening to Veterans, as well as Amata's legislative update of ongoing work as part of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee (HVAC), where she is Vice Chairman.

Speaking with Veterans

The assembled Veterans spoke of their challenges and experiences with the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), and Vice Chairman Amata passed along news of legislative packages to reform and update the bureaucracy, including programs that haven't been legislatively updated in 30 years.

"Thank you to our Veterans for your service, and your leadership and wisdom in our communities. Your service to our country made a difference and should be a lifelong source of pride and honor to you and your families," said Aumua Amata. "Thank you to VFW Post 3391, Chief Whitmore, and Commander Seal, and with much appreciation to Office of Veterans and Military Affairs Director Igafo Maria B. Togia and Deputy Director Arianna Auva'a for all the good work they do for our Veterans."

"The House Appropriations Committee just released the text of the 2027 Veterans Affairs Appropriations, so we'll be thoroughly examining that funding," continued Amata. "I take every opportunity to listen to our Veterans, and keep our people informed about developments in Washington."

The 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which is just beginning the legislative process, currently includes a three percent total increase, and a $2 billion in capital improvements for VA medical facilities and national cemeteries.

Amata updated Veterans that there are packages of dozens of bills moving through the Committee, focused on better oversight, infrastructure, modernizing delivery of benefits, and updating VA programs.

Veterans asked questions and expressed concerns about ongoing logistical and travel issues, due to the need to go back and forth to Honolulu, along with comments about the healthcare limitations and facilities, access to services and working with the VA, scheduling issues and various matters.

"I appreciate our Veterans and often see some of them on my trips through Honolulu. These conversations are always helpful and important, as they shape my future statements and questions to witnesses in Committee hearings, or meetings with VA leaders, Tripler Clinic, or LBJ," Amata concluded. "Our nation has a commitment to our Veterans, who deserve every benefit they are due, including the highest possible attention to their needs for travel and care standards."

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