I do believe that there is a willingness on both sides, at DOD and at VA, spearheaded by General Shinseki, to make this work.

I told you that I believed what VHA needs is a leader who will shake things up, one who is bold.

VA has more tools and resources than ever before to end homelessness for our Nation's veterans.

How important do you believe a free flow of information is between the agency and Congress?

If confirmed, how would you ask your staff to prioritize requests from various Members? Would it depend at all on whether the request is from the majority or minority?

I would ask you, upon your confirmation, would you make a special effort to review the status of that review?

I think your experience and record may uniquely position you as the right person for this job.

Would it be your intention to foster a collaborative relationship between the VA and Congress?

If we are going to eliminate homelessness, a major effort needs to go toward preventing homelessness.

I know this is a priority for President Obama and Secretary Shinseki and I commend Dr. Petzel for his recognition of the importance of expanding VA access to Priority 8 veterans.

If confirmed, do you pledge to ensure that my staff and I will be provided the requested information to the fullest extent permitted by law without hassle and delays?

We are a nation at war, nearly the longest the United States of America has ever been engaged in.

Thank you for convening this hearing before the National Parks Subcommittee.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This is quite a challenge.

Basically you just spend whatever you want and send the bill to Congress.

I think it is quite perplexing that an oversight panel wouldn't disclose their meetings.

I think our Republican plan that puts all of the banking regulators and consumer protection functions under one roof is a better answer for the consumer and really gets to the heart of preventing another financial meltdown.