Madam President, I return from a weekend at home. And last week, on the floor, I spoke about the same topic, and I rise today to again discuss the legislation that is now pending before the U.S. Senate, a long-term, 5-year reauthorization…

It's because the administrative burden is the tip of the iceberg.

We don't need to form committees and pray about it. We know the solutions.

This is obviously an issue very near and dear to my heart. It is an issue that I have dedicated my life to solving.

We don't need to form committees and pray about it. We know the solutions.

This is obviously an issue very near and dear to my heart. It is an issue that I have dedicated my life to solving.

Would any element of this budget request restrict a veteran's ability to seek care in the community?

I'm concerned that the VA is only requesting $141 million for grants for construction of state home facilities, which represents a 14 percent decrease from FY '24.

If the VA wants to recapture care, VA's focus should be on providing timely, high-quality care to veterans.

It is up to the VA workforce and leadership to faithfully execute the legislation passed by Congress, and deliver the care and benefits our veterans rely on.

Would any element of this budget request restrict a veteran's ability to seek care in the community?

Could you assure this Committee, assure me, that even if the VA acts to incorporate telehealth into access standards, a veteran who prefers an in-person appointment will not lose their opportunity to seek community care if the VA is unable…

And those who work for you in VA Central, in the VISN, and in the hospital across Kansas, and other states, they understand what you just said is how the VA operates when giving a veteran the opportunity to choose where care occurs.

We want the VA to provide the best absolute care possible and then let the veteran make a choice where it is best for him or her to seek that care.

I would guess that Senator Tester and I would join each other in insisting and encouraging that the department do what the law requires them to do.

We want the VA to provide the best absolute care possible and then let the veteran make a choice where it is best for him or her to seek that care.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the events unfolding at our country's colleges and universities are devastating. For years, we have taught Americans and committed ourselves to ``never again.'' Yet, we are watching the rot…

I would guess that Senator Tester and I would join each other in insisting and encouraging that the department do what the law requires them to do.