Now, we have, I think, without exaggeration, a five-alarm fire going on in my State with our veterans because of the way the Choice Act is being implemented.

I talked to Dr. Shulkin last night. I was going to put a hold on his nomination because of this.

It is Phoenix all over again. People are having their appointments canceled at the last minute.

I must admit, after what has been going on in my State the last few months, I am starting to lose patience.

The VA in Washington has to take responsibility. You cannot blame this on the Congress.

The Choice Act, which is supposed to do that in Alaska is actually undermining it.

It's making sure that veterans have access to care when they need it and where they need it.

I want a commitment from you, as someone who understands the bureaucracy... to help make sure when you get to Alaska, it is not just to hear what the issues are.

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I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Alaska. ____________________

But we also care about the Constitution, oversight, the rule of law.

the vast majority of the people who live in my State are very concerned about the actions of the EPA

the EPA was violating the Constitution. The EPA was trying to take powers away from this body.

will you commit to be responsive in a substantive and timely manner to the requests of this committee?

I think a lot of Alaskans think it is because of our own State and local government.

Every regulatory action, executive action that the EPA takes has to have a basis in the statute, has to have a basis in the law.

it would be helpful if she were responsive, thorough and timely in the requests from this committee and from the Congress, because right now she hasn't been.

When you get blown off like that in terms of oversight, I think it is exactly the prerogative of the Congress to clarify what the law is.

There are many great employees at the EPA but they have been acting in a way that exceeds their authority.

We all certainly want clean water. My city in Anchorage gets awards almost every year for having some of the cleanest, if not the cleanest water, in the United States.

No one, I believe on either side of the aisle, thinks the EPA has the authority to expand its own jurisdiction.