"And those who work for you in VA Central, in the VISN, and in the hospital across Kansas, and other states, they understand what you just said is how the VA operates when giving a veteran the opportun..."
"I would guess that Senator Tester and I would join each other in insisting and encouraging that the department do what the law requires them to do."
"I take offense at the term 'junk fees' being used in that manner."
"We want the VA to provide the best absolute care possible and then let the veteran make a choice where it is best for him or her to seek that care."
"If the VA wants to recapture care, VA's focus should be on providing timely, high-quality care to veterans."
"Could you assure this Committee... that even if the VA acts to incorporate telehealth into access standards, a veteran who prefers an in-person appointment will not lose their opportunity to seek comm..."
"It is up to the VA workforce and leadership to faithfully execute the legislation passed by Congress, and deliver the care and benefits our veterans rely on."
"I'm concerned that the VA is only requesting $141 million for grants for construction of state home facilities, which represents a 14 percent decrease from FY '24."
"Since President Biden's been in office, the cost of inflation on a monthly basis has gone up over 19 percent."
"Would any element of this budget request restrict a veteran's ability to seek care in the community?"
"I do think there is a Federal purpose and a role for the Federal Government as it relates to zoning across the country."
"It is a travesty also that in the wealthiest, most powerful country in history, we have over 650,000 of our fellow Americans that are homeless."
"We have to get away in this country from thinking 'density' is a bad word. Density is the future."
"We have a massive shortage demand. We have a massive need for additional tenant support across this country."
"I served as Mayor of Long Beach for 8 years prior to just joining the Congress last year, and so issues around housing, commercial sector viability, kind of real estate markets, and how we are ensurin..."
"The shortage of affordable housing costs us all approximately $2 trillion a year due to lower wages and productivity."
"It is completely ridiculous for Republicans to claim to get tough on China while they are working with literal Chinese agents."
"there is a lot of corruption that we can talk about."
