US EditionTrump administration accused of 'slow-walking' help to Pacific island veterans
Congressional oversight highlights VA's delay in delivering promised veterans benefits under 20-year agreements with Pacific island nations amid rising Chinese influence.
- On Jan 14, ambassadors of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia and Democratic lawmakers told a congressional hearing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs had not implemented extended benefits for FAS veterans.
- The COFA agreements provide benefits from 20-year Compacts of Free Association Washington agreed under the Biden administration, while congressional legislation granted the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs enhanced care access for FAS veterans.
- Officials report that talks with the VA after the September 2024 oversight hearing were suspended in April 2025, while VA said the 2024 law allowed care but did not fund it, causing cost and access barriers for veterans.
- Anton Greubel said Michael DeSombre will visit the Marshall Islands and Micronesia next week to ensure COFA implementation, while officials pledged more support for the Freely Associated States as essential partners.
- Representative Jeff Hurd warned China is seeking to undermine U.S. regional leadership, and delays risk weakening U.S. influence while leaving FAS veterans facing cost and access barriers to care.
6 Articles
6 Articles
Trump administration accused of 'slow-walking' help to Pacific island veterans
The Trump administration was accused on Wednesday of dragging its feet in delivering congressionally agreed benefits to Pacific island nations being courted by China to try to woo them away from the U.S. strategic orbit.
Pacific Islands Seek Swift VA Benefits Amidst U.S.-China Rivalry
The Trump administration faces accusations of delaying congressionally approved benefits to Pacific island nations, leading to concerns over U.S. regional influence. Key diplomats and lawmakers urge the swift implementation of veterans' benefits under the Biden-era agreements with Freely Associated States, which include significant military and economic partnerships.
The Trump administration has been accused of delaying the delivery of the benefits provided by Congress to the veterans of the Pacific Islands.
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