Thank you, Mr. Begich.

I want to make more progress and I look forward to working with you if there are any technical problems in the bill, to see how we can work that out.

Of course, the Secretary of Homeland Security did not say anything disparaging about veterans.

I think clearly that is a miscarriage--a disservice to those veterans who are suffering from major physical problems.

I think that, especially in rural areas, it is very important that every veteran know the benefits they are entitled to.

Vet Centers help. Why don't we do this? I am the first to happily concede that we have been making some progress.

The bottom line is, we could have the best programs in the world for our veterans, but if they don't know about them, it is not going to do anybody any good.

By 2020, the proportion of women veterans using VA health care is expected to reach 15 percent.

I believe the Brady Act is not only an illegal act pertaining to veterans, but an ethical, civil rights, and privacy issue.

The NRHA applauds Chairman Akaka for introducing this important bill.

We thank Senator Tester for introducing this bill and for this Committee's examination of it.

We believe the Women's Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 will allow VA to effectively meet the needs of women veterans.

I think it is important to address that with DOD and I appreciate that.

this legislation is key and I really thank the Committee for considering it today.

I was thrilled by that development and it is a major victory for our veterans.

I sent letters to the VA Secretary. I contacted President Bush.

We have to make sure that the VA is prepared to take care of the needs of these honorable veterans.

We urge the Committee to approve this bill because its passage in the 111th Congress would address DAV's highest priority in VA health care.