Questioning Secretary Collins on VA’s presence back home
This week, I had the opportunity to speak directly with VA Secretary Douglas Collins during an oversight hearing of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. I raised concerns about the long-vacant Administrative Specialist position in the CNMI, and I’m thrilled to share that a new hire will begin on June 16! This is a huge win for our veterans who deserve consistent, local access to VA support. I also pressed for updates on the Vet Center Station that was promised in 2023. Secretary Collins confirmed that the project is still in the leasing phase, but hiring for counseling staff is already underway. These updates are a step forward, but we’ll keep pressing until veterans in the CNMI receive the access and services they’ve long been owed. Accountability matters—and it's time for the VA to start delivering on their promises. Take a look at the answers he provided HERE, with a special cameo from the CNMI's very own Brad Ruszala!