The discussion draft bill to be proposed by Representative Michaud, entitled the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Planning Reform Act of 2013,' would establish new planning and budgeting processes.

Locating the site in an area where it is not welcomed by the population I don't think would be wise.

I know in my State of Maine, it is a very welcoming place for military installations of this sort.

If we really want to get these systems integrated, if we really want to get the backlog cleaned up, then we need to start passing appropriations bills.

Throughout the first term, the Department's actions have been inconsistent with the President's agenda.

Earlier this year, we passed legislation to extend the Special Diabetes Program which provides $150 million a year above and over the regular appropriations for Type 1 diabetes research.

When I first met families whose children had Type 1, I knew that I had to get involved.

Since I founded the Senate Diabetes Caucus, we have been successful in working together in a bipartisan manner to triple the funding for diabetes research.

Mr. Chairman, I just want to thank you so much for holding this hearing.

None of us up here are going to take our foot off the gas when it comes to ensuring progress is made on the backlog.

What matters is that we all work together to focus on the estimated three million Americans with Type 1 diabetes.

That is, indeed, absolutely critical research.

I am very alarmed by a recent CDC study that shows that Type 1 diabetes among young people rose by a troubling 23 percent between 2001 and 2009.

I urge you to keep it up. Our hope for a full life depends on it.

I particularly want to thank our delegates, my constituent Quinn, who did such a great job.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that does not discriminate.

Thank you very much for leading this effort.

Let me be clear. Both the VA and the DoD have a responsibility to end the backlog by 2015.