Ann Kirkpatrick

Ensuring access to higher education for Americans of all income levels is essential to our nation's future.

I support President Obama's plan to reduce the federal government's energy bill by 25 percent.

Interoperability in our district is a huge problem, and I am a former prosecutor so I have been in talking with law enforcement agencies.

I vow to take seriously the responsibility of turning the promise that this new GI Bill offers into a fully functioning reality for America's heroes.

Through the work of this Subcommittee, I believe that we have kept that promise alive.

When Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the original GI Bill, he stated forcefully that 'it [gave] emphatic notice to the men and women in our armed forces that the American people do not intend to let them down.'

I will expect full disclosure when those problems arise.

It is a shame that despite our best bipartisan efforts to provide a simple-yet-generous benefit, H.R. 5684 did not make it to the floor.

I must remind everyone that those are State school, not Ivy League prices.

I know as Governor you made securing our border one of our top priorities, providing additional funding and even the help of the National Guard to address this issue.

This Committee, working aggressively in the 110th session of congress, saw the passage of unprecedented legislation.

Through a lifetime of service, you have proven to be a man that has always put country before politics.

I look forward to working with and learning from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help improve the care and service our veterans deserve.