Ann Kirkpatrick

I think whistleblower protection is absolutely crucial.

Not one damn penny until you prove that you can use it wisely.

And I am going to answer the question for them. The answer is no, you cannot do the construction.

This bill establishes an explicit plan of action to resolve VA's IT security weakness identified by the committee and others.

We need stronger, more focused action to ensure the VA fully implements a robust security program.

It is important to understand the critical nature of the security failures we are discussing today.

This is a big issue for my huge Arizona Congressional district.

We are here today to honor Kayla Mueller, her courage, and her undying spirit and determination; and we are here to offer our hearts and prayers in comfort to her grieving family and friends. In Arizona, in Flagstaff and in Prescott, we…

``. . . to controversies to which the United States shall be a party;--to controversies between two or more States,-- between citizens of different States,--between citizens of the same State claiming lands under grants of different…

I want to thank the panel for your--and the previous panel for your hard work toward the goal of ending homelessness for our veterans.

And I would say this new generation, particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress are retreating to more rural areas, and we need to be aware of that and get out ahead of that movement.

I represent a very large rural district in Arizona, and my staff and I talk with thousands of veterans, and it is very evident that housing is an acute need for veterans in rural Arizona and maybe throughout the country in rural areas.

I just want our veterans to know how much we do care, how much we do want to solve--this is the most complex issue, poverty, the issues of the brain having dealt with mental health in our family, issues of employment, PTSD, MST, the list…

Ranking Member Michaud, I want to thank you and Chairman Miller for your leadership on the committee.

I think this is an absolutely top priority that we have got to address.

Let me first say that I really appreciate the work you are doing as representatives of the veterans service organizations.

Today, we are here to discuss how state approving agencies help maintain the quality of education for our veterans using GI Bill education benefits.

I would like to get the, a copy of the map that you were talking with Mr. Takano about----

Thank our Ranking Member Mr. Michaud for your leadership. You have been a dedicated public servant, committed to our veterans

I think there is an assumption that they have to go pick up a utility bill. But in my district, we have thousands of veterans who don't have running water or electricity.

We want that to happen immediately.

I find it outrageous and my constituents find it outrageous that Sharon Helman is still collecting her salary of $170,000 after being put on leave in May.

I have no further speakers. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4276, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I hope my colleagues support H.R. 3593 and work with our partners in the executive branch to improve the delivery of facilities for our veterans. I yield back the balance of my time.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5404 and send this important, must-pass measure to the Senate to ensure that these important programs and services continue. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.