A month from now we ought not be having this same conversation.

We're trying to shine a light on the progressive growth and the positivity the Veterans Administration has done in the past year or two.

I can better understand Kansas than I can all 50 states.

I don't know that you'd know this, but the amount of geography that you cover or the number of veterans, it's a significant expanse for three people.

The issue is it's not being done----

I would also highlight, this may be nationwide, but in Kansas, we have mobile vet centers who travel the state in a large truck van and----

And the veteran apparently has the option of saying, 'No, I don't want to be referred'?

In my view, this has been useful.

Thank you very much. And in that regard, I would compliment you.

For veterans who may be watching or listening to the hearing, we want you to know that we care.

As long as there is even one Veteran suicide in any community anywhere in our country, we should not rest.

the latest data available suggests 20 veterans a day take their own life, and we all agree that even one is too many.

I'll be back to you about the disconnect between increasing resources and not necessarily increasing outcomes.

I do not see a connection between increased funding and better outcomes.

The Choice Act, when I was asking the question, I was thinking of community providers.

You would have to have a Medicare provider number in order to...

Is my statement that access to care, mental health services, suicide prevention efforts, is it a true statement that it is less available in rural America?

A part of the theme of my conversation with you all today has been the Choice Act.