We are all concerned about the claims backlog, and VA is working hard to address it.

I championed a program in the health care law called the National Diabetes Prevention Program, which is a targeted intervention that's been proven to reduce the chances that a person with pre-diabetes will develop full diabetes by nearly…

It is required by law. It is required by Executive Order.

Madam President, today I wish to remember Eugene Ruehlmann, former mayor of Cincinnati, OH, for his leadership, his visions, and his dedication to his community and for his distinguished career in law and public service. Mr. Ruehlmann…

In order to do that, I think what we have to give you is the rest of that data.

I do not think that is eliminating red tape.

If confirmed, can you improve on that record in terms of minimizing the burden of regulations on our economy?

In my view, again, it is a job that is much more important than most people realize because it affects the economy in very fundamental ways.

would you be willing to commit to track on reginfo.gov the results of the look-back so there is more transparency?

I think, is incredibly important, including knowing what the potential compliance costs might be on small business.

One thing, and my time is ending here and I appreciate the Chairman giving me a little extra, but the legislation that this Committee is looking at extends requirements to independent agencies as the President has proposed...

I strongly supported that. I think it is a good idea. It is a house-cleaning exercise.

We are fully committed to those programs and the funding of those programs. We are committed because it is the right thing to do.

Are we seeing less transparency from an Administration that has claimed that it is the most transparent in history?

The White House has repeatedly stated it is working hard to, and I quote, 'minimize regulatory burdens and avoid unjustified regulatory costs.'

Would you be willing to commit today to work with those of us in Congress who are proposing legislation in this area to try to improve the economic analysis by independent agencies?

They look to you as their advocate. That means not just behind closed doors but in public.

Even before the Supreme Court's decision in Salazar v. Ramah Navajo Chapter, the Indian Health Service (IHS or Agency) devoted significant resources to resolving claims for unpaid contract support costs (CSC) in past years.