Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, chairperson of the Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs, has scheduled an oversight hearing with the Guam Office of Veterans Affairs (GOVA) in response to a recent audit issued by the Guam Office of Public Accountability (OPA). The hearing will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Guam Congress Building’s Public Hearing Room and will be streamed live on the Guam Legislature’s YouTube channel.
Sen. Salas Matanane said the OPA report raised concerns that directly impact the quality of services provided to Guam’s veterans. “Many of the issues identified in this audit have been longstanding and span multiple administrations,” she said. “This hearing will give us the opportunity to have open discussions about the root causes and find real, lasting solutions that strengthen the delivery of services to Guam’s veterans.”
The committee’s agenda will cover several key areas, including staffing, veterans’ claims, the Guam Veterans Registry, cemetery operations, office space, data management, information security, and the adequacy of equipment and supplies.
Sen. Salas Matanane emphasized that the hearing’s goal is not only to address deficiencies but to identify sustainable improvements. “Our veterans deserve efficient services, accurate recordkeeping, and a well-supported agency that honors their sacrifices,” she said.