U.S. State Attorneys General

Chief, I am sorry I am running out of time, but you said that you work community-by-community? Are you working with any particular communities in Hawaii?

I think this is an area that Senator Brown touched upon, is that during active service, our servicemembers learn a lot of skills and we need to translate those skills in ways that employers can understand.

I do share Senator Blumenthal's concern about a special emphasis on helping women veterans because the data shows that they have lower employment and under-employment rate than the male veterans.

I think this would be a really fantastic step forward for our active duty who are going on to veteran status.

This change is essential to automating payments of certain survivor benefits.

I do not give up. You know, I am absolutely committed that we have to fix this, we have to make a difference.

My commitment would be to continue to support and accelerate those efforts.

There is an understanding that our women veterans have particular kinds of needs, and I would like to have your commitment, should you be confirmed, that you will ensure that women veterans have better access to the full range of…

I think technologies can enable that.

And for everyone, this is what is driving our debt. These pieces of the pie. They are all attached together, whether it is Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, or the interest we owe ourselves and others for the amount of money we are…

I find it astounding that you accuse those people who support ACA of engaging in illegal campaign contributions.

I consider the ACA, among other things, to be remedial legislation that should be interpreted in a way to effect the purpose of the legislation.

Getting back to the Chairman's question, though, with regard to the testimony that he referred to where there are these huge overpayments as well as underpayments, that sounds like something that should be addressed pretty fast.

So, clarifying your processes so that all your individual VA health centers, et cetera, are not doing their own thing, is that high on your list of priorities so that----

There are 100 or so recommendations that have not been implemented, so this is for Dr. Clancy.

Is the homeless veterans issue a high priority?

I think part of it was that there was a desire that it should not be a one-size-fits-all, that there is a desire that different communities may want to approach the health care needs of their veterans in ways that would be best for them.

I applaud the Army's intent to partner with Hawaiian Electric on Oahu for the development of a 50-megawatt power plant using renewable biofuels.

By direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration. The Clerk read the resolution, as follows: H. Res. 219 Resolved, That the following named Member be and is hereby elected to…

We think that the perception of U.S. policy or potential change in U.S. policy is often a driver of migration.

I commend you for that. And clearly that has informed your agenda here today to make sure all of our Native students are provided with the best educational opportunities possible.

Too many schools lack adequate infrastructure and educational resources, compromising the health, safety, and future postsecondary and professional opportunities of the children they are intended to serve.

Unfortunately, the federal government is failing to keep its promise to these vulnerable children.

It is paramount that we uphold our promise to provide Native American children an excellent education that preserves their tribal heritage.