It authorizes $20 million a year for each of those 3 years.

I think you and I totally agree with that, and the likelihood is that as they prioritize the needs in that local community, lighthouses are going to be on that second half of that list.

I value the Michigan lighthouses, value the North Carolina lighthouses. I have a real problem anytime we look back at things that we did and forget the reasons that we did them.

Let me, if I could, recap what the bill does. It creates a 3-year pilot program.

I understand the tremendous tourism benefit that these lighthouses provide in addition to the pride of a community at preservation of a historic structure.

Let me make you this promise today.

Let me work with you to identify some other areas that potentially might have an interest in funding some of this preservation.

Would you agree that homelessness and chronic homelessness suggest a breakdown in our ability to deliver the wraparound care out of the Veterans Administration that we should?

I believe that the best accomplishment I could enjoy is to have the transformation initiative that is coordinated out of the Office of Policy and Planning trickle through in the best possible way.

I have seen some of the best try and only attain marginal success.

If confirmed, do I have your assurance that you will be proactive in notifying the Committee, both sides of the aisle, on any issues that deal with the Veterans Administration?

I really do believe that the vision that Secretary Shinseki and the President have articulated for the VA is one that can be effective and realistic.

Today's veterans expect this of us. They want a VA that is forward looking, innovative, and responsive.

I do have some concerns about whether VA is living up to President Obama's vision of, 'an unprecedented level of openness in government.'

Mr. Jefferson spent almost 3 years in North Carolina on different stints so I claim ownership of him.

In my view, this will help prevent USERRA violations from occurring in the first place.

As Ranking Member, I do have some responsibilities to Members on this side of the aisle to actively do oversight.

If a year from now we have got the same percentage number of cases that have not been referred and they exceed the statutory 60-day limit, what question should I ask of you then?