Julia Brownley

I remain appalled by the gimmicks that the House continues today. The majority claims that the bills before us will fund WIC and FEMA programs. But let's be clear. The only way these programs will be funded is by ending this irresponsible…

Instead of working with Democrats and Republicans to find a bipartisan budget solution, Monday night the Speaker made the reckless and irresponsible decision to shut down the government. This did not have to happen. There is bipartisan…

Today, I want to express my support for the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2013. This legislation includes the reauthorization of several fundamental programs that serve some of our most vulnerable veterans who…

Over 68,000 Ventura County residents in my district rely on SNAP benefits to make ends meet and put food on the table. More than half of those 68,000 people are children. The bill before us today won't create jobs or improve our economy…

I was hoping that perhaps Mr. Kelly, you might be able to comment on, you know, if these programs are not reauthorized what you believe the impact is?

I would like to thank everyone for attending today's hearing, focused on examining the care and treatment available to survivors of military sexual trauma.

I certainly share your sense of urgency here today.

I am a new Member of Congress, and I just want to personally apologize to all of you because we should have done and we need to do a much better job in support of what has happened to you as you have served our country.

Many MST victims who have suffered through an ordeal such as sexual assault, oftentimes, are reluctant to discuss their situation and seek help.

The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki Secretary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

It is critical that we do everything that is necessary to do, to make it easier for victims of MST to access needed benefits and services and receive treatment.

With only 13.5 percent of incidents reported, it is clear that we must do a better job in both preventing and treating MST.

I applaud the legislative efforts of our colleagues who have introduced legislation, H.R. 1593, the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act, and H.R. 671, the Ruth Moore Act.

There is no question in my mind that there is a lot of work that needs to be done. I mean, we need to address the culture that takes place in the military. That needs to be fixed.

I just wanted to take the opportunity because I haven't stated so far how much I support your bill today, H.R. 813, and that is why I am a co-author of the bill.

We talk about access to care and we are arguing whether we are going to advance appropriate 14 percent of the budget and you're holding up the ability for us to see seniors--see veterans and take care of them.

H.R. 806, the Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act, was the very first bill that I introduced as a new Member of the 113th Congress.

H.R. 806, introduced by Representative Brownley, would make permanent the requirement that GAO continue to study and report on VA's budget submissions.

I am profoundly grateful for the service and sacrifices made by all of our Nation's veterans and their families.

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk read as follows: Page 22, line 20, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''. Page 25, line 14, after the dollar amount…

Next, H.R. 1702, introduced by Mr. Barber of Arizona, would permanently authorize the VA to operate the Veterans Transportation Service.

the VA should be taking a significant leadership role in trying to lead the research to find cures for this.

$1.2 million is not enough for the VA's participation.

And we do have five important bills here today and look forward to the discussion.

The purpose of today's hearing will be to explore the policy implications of five bills before us today which cover a wide range of topics that would expand and enhance VA's health care programs and services.