I have ordered GAO to do a study of surplus property and that which would be liquidatable to try and find a way to raise money to go to Veterans Choice.

I think the veteran needs to have it simpler to understand, too.

If I am a veteran and I am more than 40 miles from a clinic and I have got my card, can I automatically call TriWest and make an appointment?

I agree with Mr. Blumenthal, is not the right way to do it.

The American Legion applauds the Senate for unanimously passing an amendment reminding the Department of Veterans Affairs they have the obligation to provide non-VA care.

I would hope what all of you would do is work together to find some ways to simplify the communication mechanism.

There is no excuse for the plethora of problems the VA was having.

Supporting the care needs of America's Veterans is a tremendous honor and privilege for me.

We need to address this situation to complete the project, but it cannot be done in effect at the sacrifice of other veterans.

I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be…

Mr. President, Thursday a week ago I had the privilege, as a member of the Finance Committee, to serve on the markup of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, trade promotion authority, and trade adjustment and assistance. This past…

I want to echo the Ranking Member for her comments. There is an ulterior motive. First of all, we want the best care we can for our parents and that generation. They have earned it.

There is probably no more important job for our veterans who are coming home than getting another job outside the military.

I think that is a testimony to the service you have given to the veterans of America in the House of Representatives.

Thank you, Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Michaud, for your willingness to serve the country, for your forthrightness in the testimony today.

You made a comment during your testimony when you said it is not the topic, it is the enabler.

I have great regard for Bob McDonald and the people of the VA trying to do the best job that they can, but it has become obvious to me that there has been a culture of manipulation of statistics within the VA for a long period of time that…

We have to have the eyes and ears of the American taxpayer looking over the shoulder of the Administration of the VA.