We owe it to the American people to ensure that these assignments are not using hard-earned taxpayer money to overpay for subpar work.

Mr. Speaker, throughout my life, I have learned that the American people are strong and resilient. Throughout our history, we have shown time and time again our unique ability to overcome every obstacle and every adversary that has blocked…

Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the Ratepayer Protection Act, which is a critical piece of legislation that helps protect our Nation's consumers and businesses from skyrocketing electricity costs. Last year, the EPA proposed a new set of…

I hope that this Committee will use this hearing as an opportunity to learn from these two esteemed witnesses.

I encourage the agency to address the IG's recommendations expeditiously.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of the Ratepayer Protection Act, and I want to commend Representative Ed Whitfield for his leadership on this important issue. We all agree that it…

Thank you for being here today.

My bill would give the VA Secretary the authority to expedite termination of health care professionals who fail to deliver the high-quality care our veterans deserve.

I think it is an important field hearing to have.

I call this meeting of the Veterans' Affairs Committee of the U.S. Senate to order, and I apologize that we are a few minutes late in starting.

I would also like to voice my support for Senator Baldwin's bill as an important step in addressing VA's protocols on prescribing highly-addictive opiate drugs to our veterans.

We have some very important proposed pieces of legislation to be discussed today.

I commend you on your work. I commend you on your work, Senator Baldwin.

Those bad employees only stay in the public focus because VA cannot or will not deal with them swiftly.

We should be championing the brave whistleblowers who come forward because they believe VA should serve veterans.

I cannot for the life of me comprehend a recruiting problem if the reasons for dismissal or removal are for a cause that is clearly defined.

We are looking forward to hearing from our Veterans Service Organizations.

Your courage is appreciated and your attendance is appreciated.