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 certainly share your sense of urgency here today.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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.