| Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that his efforts
to establish a Veterans’ Medical Clinic in American Samoa has gained increased
support.
“I am pleased to announce that our application for a new VA clinic
in American Samoa will be submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
by mid-June,” Congressman Faleomavaega said. “Dave Burge, Regional
Director of Veterans Affairs, has given his firm assurances that he fully
supports our efforts and will complete and forward our application to the
national VA for July consideration.”
“I am also pleased to note that Senator Inouye and Senator Akaka
are lending their support. On May 16, 2001, the Senators and I signed
a joint letter to the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs requesting an
expedited review of our forthcoming application. We are hopeful that
after a fair and equitable review, Secretary Principi will forward the
application with a favorable recommendation to the Congress.”
“I also want to thank the American Samoa Senate for passing a Senate
Concurrent Resolution requesting the setting of a United States Veteran
Medical Clinic in the Territory,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.
“We are in agreement both locally and nationally that this clinic is urgently
and critically needed.”
"As our letter to Secretary Principi makes plain, American Samoa
is a targeted area of need. More than 3,000 veterans live in the
Territory but many needing assistance are not able to obtain proper medical
care and treatment because medical facilities and resources in the Territory
are so limited,” Congressman Faleomavaega said. “The establishment
of a VA medical clinic with a full-time physician in American Samoa will
ensure that our veterans are provided with the quality of care they deserve.”
“Simply put, our veterans deserve to be able to take full advantage
of the programs and benefits offered by the Veterans Administration,” Congressman
Faleomavaega said. “That is why I am firmly committed to continuing
my work with other senior members of Congress and our local leaders to
see that the health care needs of our veterans are fully and properly met.” |
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