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.

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.

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…

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Since President Biden's been in office, the cost of inflation on a monthly basis has gone up over 19 percent.

Could you assure this Committee... 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?

I take offense at the term 'junk fees' being used in that manner.

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.

Wages are down 3.9 percent in terms of net wages since the President's come into office.

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

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.