It is such a huge, huge issue, a big expense, and just, you know, a gigantic project that is so, so very important.

Members of the subcommittee remain committed to providing VA with the resources needed to care for our veterans.

The request that we have does not include investments in Pacific deterrents and issues that we were expecting to see.

Without a corresponding increase in top line, affordability will continue to decrease as the cost of construction projects continues to rise.

Mr. Cramer, the past couple of years, your office has been working on military construction reform, looking for ways to reduce cost and improve timeliness of delivery.

The budget request of $271 billion in fiscal year 2022 for the Department of Veterans Affairs... represents a 10.4 percent increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted levels.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I want to thank you for being so helpful in regard to the I-40 Bridge. That is a very serious situation.

I have to say that, overall, VA performed admirably throughout the crisis, and deserves praise and recognition for that.

I look forward to working closely with you to address the Military construction and family housing needs facing us.

Your experience as an astronaut and legislator makes you an ideal advocate for NASA's priorities.

Mr. Secretary, do you believe that our military is a fundamentally racist organization? Yes or no, please.

That was, I think, a real boost and as you know, it's just a classic example of, you know, your leadership.

I am sure you know, last Congress, we came together in a bipartisan manner and passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

What concerns me is that these parameters were changed in the American Rescue Plan.

Given the critical importance of contract towers to Rural America's smaller airports, what steps are DOT and FAA taking?

Again, thank you for being here, and taking time to speak with us.

I have heard from constituents and colleagues that Treasury has not been able to provide details about how and where the money is being spent.