Julia Brownley: “I want to thank all of you for being here today because your presence is helping us to get to the truth, and it is only…”

I guess my question to you is, and this lies some of my frustration, is that the net net increase in hiring--and I presume it is not--but you let me--tell me one way or the other, is it net net?

I will just say to the VA and to the management of the VA that we all know that this is a crisis situation.

I applaud the VA in terms of their strong focus on implementation of the PACT Act, but we can not forget the rest of the VA and all the other missions that we have here.

This year marks 50 years since our country stopped drafting citizens into service and began instituting an all- volunteer force. Unfortunately, today's military is facing significant recruitment challenges. That can be detrimental to the…