FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (September 27, 2021 – Hagåtña, Guam) Speaker Therese Terlaje’s resolution supporting the creation of a U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs advisory committee for Guam veterans was heard on the session floor today.
Resolution 143-36 (LS) expresses the support and advocates for the passage of H.R. 3730, which seeks to establish in the Department of Veteran Affairs an Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. H.R. 3730 was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives by the Honorable Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan from the Northern Marianas Islands on June 04, 2021 and is co-sponsored by 13 other House members, including Guam’s Honorable Delegate Michael F.Q. San Nicolas.
Speaker Terlaje recalled on the session floor today the testimonies heard at the Resolution’s public hearing held on August 18, 2021: “For years Guam veterans have vocalized their concerns over the inconsistent level of care they have received through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We’ve heard tragic stories about what our veterans must go through to receive any level of care. More often than not, they are left with exacerbated medical issues, increased financial burdens, and feelings of frustration, and sometimes hopelessness.” Speaker urged her colleagues to support the resolution by saying, “Our veterans should not be subjected to this treatment, especially because of the sacrifice they have given to serve our country. This resolution will give them the opportunity to have their unique concerns be heard and attended to directly and appropriately.”
During discussion Resolution 143-36 (LS) received unanimous support and was placed into the third reading file for voting. In addition to Speaker Terlaje and Senator Pedo Terlaje, all other members of the 36th were added as co-sponsors to the resolution.