That is why we must not abandon our effort to provide choice and flexibility in veterans' health care.

This national disgrace served as the catalyst for the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act that created the Veterans Choice Program.

If we let the program lapse, hundreds of thousands of veterans will lose their ability to visit a community provider.

It is not acceptable, it needs to be stopped, and I want to thank every Member of this Committee for their dedication to our veterans.

I applaud Dr. Roe and his folks for making this happen.

My dear friends, the world is in turmoil, and I believe that we will be sending our young men and women into harm's way.

We have a long way to go to change the status quo plaguing the VA.

I would also like to comment on my strong support for Dr. Shulkin as the head of the VA.

While there has been significant progress in improving veterans' health care, we have a long way to go to change the status quo plaguing the VA.

Thank you Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for the opportunity to appear before this committee to discuss the Veterans Choice Program.

I think that the president of the United States should provide any evidence that he might have that would corroborate a charge of this seriousness.