We should start with the programs to build the staff and maintain the staff that we have, then talk about increasing.

You are going to have fewer beds for veterans to go to.

We are not serving veterans if a home closes because they cannot meet the staffing standards because they cannot find the people.

How do we get there, and are we in the process of getting there setting unrealistic standards that will in fact lead to nursing home closures?

We pay for illness, not wellness.

I have to leave, Mr. Chairman. I have an appointment with the new Commandant of the Marine Corps, of all people you do not want to leave waiting, the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

It seems to me that opens up liability questions and it puts the staff under a lot of strain because it is just unrealistic right now.

One of the bills I have submitted, which goes along with the list that Senator Barrasso gave about different bills addressing this is one that would say that the Forest Service can allow less than eight-inch trees to be removed for free.

We are sick of that smoke. I know the folks on the East Coast are, and we need to do something to try to reduce the risk of these fires.

I hope that is a focus because I think we cannot lose these wonderful physicians.

Our veterans should not suffer because of the delay in issuing these regulations.

I was proud to co-sponsor the bill that brought us the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline.

If we don't act, these catastrophic wildfires will continue to threaten lives.

I rise today to introduce the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, my colleague from New Hampshire and cochair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus. Our bipartisan bill would reauthorize and strengthen…

Because every day you can keep a veteran in their home they are happier and the system is saving money.

It may be that we need to have more cutting in order to prevent that CO2 being released by fires.

Drought is a climate issue, as Senator Heinrich pointed out.

We have been through a long hearing here without the word 'dementia' coming up.