I am deeply honored to represent some 120,000 Hawai’i veterans and their families. This is a responsibility I take very seriously, especially as our veterans ‘ohana is one of the largest percentages of any state in our nation both overall and in key areas like women and minority veterans and delivery of services is often complicated by our unique qualities. As a result, our veterans community sometimes faces unique challenges in Hawai’i and throughout the Pacific that require targeted advocacy with our federal government and tailored solutions. I am especially able to address these issues and the broader challenges facing all of our country’s veterans as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, which has responsibility for overseeing and funding of all of our federal veterans programs. My focus areas are:
Addressing Hawai‘i Veterans’ Unique Needs Hawaii’s veterans often face unique challenges that others on the mainland don’t have to face. It is my priority to tackle these issues head-on. Below are three examples:
Strengthening Veterans’ Healthcare An efficient and robust veterans healthcare system is critical to keeping our nation’s promises to our veterans, yet too often veterans do not receive the help they desperately need. To help keep our promises, as a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, for Fiscal Year 2021 I helped draft and pass legislation that provided $216.5 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding for the VA, an increase of $19.4 billion above the prior year’s level. This included increases for mental health services, suicide prevention outreach, gender-specific healthcare, homeless assistance, telehealth and opioid abuse prevention. I am also committed to improving the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act. While over 30 veteran service organizations supported the program, I am aware that many veterans in Hawai‘i have had difficulties with the transition. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, I will work closely with my colleagues and the VA to ensure the act’s provisions are designed and implemented with the best interests of our nation’s veterans in mind. Assisting with Your Individual Needs One of my most critical responsibilities as your Congressman is to help with your individual needs. Although I cannot mandate a particular result or override the decision of a federal agency, I can often assist with answering questions, finding solutions or simply cutting through red tape to ensure veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to receive. If you or a veteran you know has questions or requires assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at https://case.house.gov/forms/casework. |