Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. I would first like to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus) for offering this amendment. Our offices have worked closely on this issue. To reiterate, this amendment to the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is a simple one. Senior leadership at the VA has repeatedly failed the very veterans they are meant to support. Initial responses for benefit claims hover close to a year in many cases, with appeals responses taking significantly longer. In too many instances, these matters even require Congressional intervention. My staff, though happy to do so, has far too many cases open on behalf of the veterans trying to receive their earned benefits with the Veterans Administration. With so many of our veterans being let down by their government, those in charge of the administration of benefits should not be rewarded. This should be common sense. I would also like to take a quick moment to thank Congressman Jeff Miller, chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, for introducing similar legislation that would allow the Secretary of the VA to fire senior executives or cut their pay for lack of performance. There are many Members on both sides of the aisle interested in shaking things up at the VA. I suggest we start here today by adopting these relevant amendments that will hold these government employees accountable. Again, I urge passage of this amendment. Mr.…”