Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Aumua Amata co-sponsored a veterans bill, which was introduced this week; the House passed three other bipartisan VA health bills; and she took part in a House/Senate joint hearing with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

“It was great to see one of our own, High Chief Igafo Maria Va’a, at the VFW hearing on Capitol Hill,” said Aumua Amata. “I appreciated the VFW testimony as Congress prepares legislation for the rest of 2019.”

The House/Senate Joint Hearings with Veterans Service Organizations are ongoing. These special sessions allow lawmakers to hear directly from a variety of individual veterans groups regarding their highest policy priorities and needs, and help give members of Congress a thorough overview of the needs of veterans.

“During the hearing, it was a pleasure to take a moment to thank these fine veterans for their service,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “My remarks focused on the need for better outreach to ensure our remote veterans know of all the services available to them and are encouraged to take steps to receive these benefits.”

Veterans’ action this week in the House:

• The House passed an Act, S. 49, honoring and remembering Army Major Brent Taylor of Utah, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who passed away last year in Afghanistan, by naming a VA facility in Utah for him.
• The House passed the Veterans-Specific Education for Tomorrow’s Health Professionals Act, H.R. 1271, which encourages VA health careers, and provides medical students with clinical observation experience in VA facilities.
• The House passed the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, H.R. 1381, which updates the burn pit registry with information such as the cause of death upon the passing of a registered veteran.
• Congresswoman Amata cosponsored the Long Term Veterans Choice Act, H.R. 1527, introduced this week by Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana. This bill would grant more flexibility to veterans seeking alternatives to nursing home care where available.