We need to take that into consideration when we start allocating dollars for the VA, to make sure that they have the advantage to be able to compete.

Just from a rural perspective, I will tell you that one of the reasons the VA cannot contract out in a rural State like Montana is because the private sector does not have any more mental health professionals than the VA has.

I just think it is all hands on deck.

Mr. President, I call up my amendment No. 2056 and ask unanimous consent that it be modified with the changes at the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report. The assistant…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To modify the process for closing or…

Mr. President, amendment No. 2056 requires the Postal Service to take into consideration some pretty commonsense things, such as economic savings, before they urge the shutdown of a post office or mail processing center. It also requires…

There is a stigma in this country, and probably in the world, but definitely in America, attached to mental health issues, injuries.

We are not going to get our arms around this. You guys have been dealt this hand with multiple deployments.

I put myself on the line for the VA every day because you guys have got a big job to do.

I think you ought to do it in every VISN you have. That is just my opinion because that is totally unacceptable.

These DNA samples, again as you know, can be checked against the FBI's nationwide DNA data base, CODIS, to determine whether the arrestee or detainee has committed other crimes perhaps in other jurisdictions.

This DNA information would be vitally important and enormously useful.

I am offering a bipartisan amendment that will address the 400,000 estimated untested rape kits that currently are sitting in police lockers and elsewhere.

Let me tell you the reason for my concern.

I encourage you to hire those people and put them to work as rapidly as possible.

I am discouraged by how long it took for the VA to implement.

I was pleased to hear the VA announce its plan to hire 1,900 mental health workers.

We need to take advantage of the wide array of professional services that are available at every opportunity.