Ann Kirkpatrick

I have a veteran in Flagstaff who talks with me frequently about the idea of a volunteer board of veterans who really don't have any connection with the administration at all but are sort of a sounding board and a way to solve this.

Thank you for visiting the Phoenix facility as your first stop after you were confirmed, that really gave a message to our veterans in Arizona that you care and you are paying attention.

I represent a very large rural district in Arizona and I just want to tell you that the VSOs in my district are very willing to help you identify those veterans, especially on tribal land.

I have one idea I introduced by Whistleblower Protection Act, which includes an anonymous hotline for patients and employees to report things.

That is why I introduced the Whistleblower Protection Act.

Our hope is that with the choice card that will make a difference, especially the veterans in my rural area...

I have expressed to you in the past that I appreciate your courage because all of us on this committee really are united with you in our care for veterans and making sure that they get the medical care and access to that care that they…

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Eskenazi, I want to ask you what improvements you have seen since May of 2012...

Over the last number of months we have become increasingly concerned that in the months and years ahead, we may be facing a new crisis with veterans waiting too long for decisions on their appealed claims for benefits.

Factor in that in your wait time. I mean, I am just trying to think from the veteran's perspective.

I just have one question. I am really just trying to grasp the magnitude of this problem.

Thank you so much. I yield back.

I want to applaud my colleague Beto O'Rourke and Mr. Cook for bringing forward the Express Appeals Act.

I recently introduced the Whistleblower Protection Act to protect whistleblowers within the system so that this committee can do its job.

This committee are very concerned about the VA's system and use of technology.

Do you think there is adequate training for the people who are doing this, this type of work?

How many hands then touch a single file in the appeals process?

This is unacceptable. Our veterans deserve better.

Over the last number of months I have become increasingly concerned that in the months and years ahead we may be facing a new crisis with veterans waiting too long for decisions on their appeals.

There are inefficiencies in the system, whereby doctors are only seeing six, eight, ten patients a day.

We have not had a public meeting for four weeks and our intent was to publicly say that the House's offer was not cheap.

I want to make sure that folks know that nobody up here is trying to tear the VA down.

And very quickly, in your opening comments as well, you talked about the VBA and the improvements there.

It is going to be so critical to getting them the care they need.

I was out on the Navajo Nation in my district and talking with lots of folks.