The judiciary will have no influence over the sword or the purse.

I support the VA policy on this. I support 38 CFR 74.

I think it is great for the citizens. I think what we are seeing is a great example of how the checks and balances can work.

The current requirement is for 100 percent control.

What you are doing is not just defrauding the taxpayers, you are cheating a veteran who is coming back from serving this Nation.

What I am trying to figure out is, is how we use what you have given us, how we apply that to improve.

I am curious about this. You know, I mentioned one. They said, no, it is seven.

I still got thrown out. It made no difference. That is the part that I am a little more concerned about.

If you are a business and you are applying fraudulently on the backs of veterans, I think we should smoke you in the public like you have never been smoked.

How did you get that done? So you got a hundred percent of these contractors that are helping with verification are veteran-owned small businesses that is great and that is a positive story.

Providing contracting opportunities to our deserving veterans through this process is important.

We are trying to get at this and I cannot help but think this is somewhat of a microcosm of what goes on in the country, that we are polarized.

What we are asking for is...qualified veteran-owned small businesses getting the priority to get the contracts.

I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership and I yield back.

I believe this follow-up hearing deserves this Committee's full attention.

I am certainly the VA's staunchest supporter. But at times, I can be the harshest critic.

One of the main goals in passing the Telecom Act of 1996 was to open up the communications market to competition.

Mr. President, the amendment I offered-- Mr. McCAIN addressed the Chair. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Minnesota has the floor.