"To say that I am disturbed by these accounts and by the multiple reports we hear every day about the skyrocketing use of prescription painkillers - particularly opioids - to treat veterans in pain would be a major understatement."
"Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects veterans at a much higher rate than the civilian population."
"What happens in the VA when we know a patient is now an addict to their drug?"
"Providing safe, effective, adequate pain management is a crucial component of improving veterans health care."
"I think we all owe you, each and every one of you, a deep apology for not responding to your needs."
"I think in today's hearing I leave compelled that the system appears to be broken."
"It is critical for VA to take responsibility for its failures and rise to the challenge to change and take immediate action to adopt effective pain management policies, protocols, and practices."
"VA's band aid approach to suppressing the symptoms of pain rather than treating the root causes must stop."
"We believe that access to a well-trained workforce grounded in the highest quality care and respect for veterans and their families is of paramount importance."
"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."