Mark Takano

The role of the Federal Government is critical in keeping us accountable, keeping states accountable.

Unfortunately, we are getting further away from that goal because of intentional attacks on civil rights by various administrations.

Sadly, America is facing a national public health crisis that demands urgency from Congress.

How does VA collect and use data on veteran suicides to inform its prevention efforts?

One veteran lost to suicide is one too many, but 20 deaths a day... is unacceptable.

Tragic Trends: Suicide Prevention Among Veterans

I appreciate your response to my question on providing care for transgender veterans in light of the implementation of the ban on their serving openly in the Armed Forces.

To the veterans who are watching this hearing and to those struggling with the thoughts of suicide, a grateful Nation cares for you.

We thank you for the opportunity to testify on this deeply troubling issue of the growing number of suicides amongst the veteran community.

We appreciate Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Roe's leadership in hosting this first hearing to address this issue.

I have made ending veteran suicide my number one priority.

We need to focus not on why veterans take their life; this is no great mystery.

Chairman Mark Takano to Veterans Affairs

Chairman Takano, Ranking Member Roe, and distinguished members of this committee, The American Legion thanks this subcommittee for holding this important hearing.

I want to express my gratitude to Susan Davis, who chairs the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Higher Education.

I think closing the loophole would protect students from fraudulent and aggressive practices.

Unfortunately, we have seen too many for-profit schools close their doors abruptly, leaving student veterans holding credits that they cannot transfer.

I really disagree with that premise because I think closing the loophole would protect students from fraudulent and aggressive practices.

In my opinion, this threatens veterans and non-veterans alike.

It would incentivize targeting of veterans, so it would count toward the 10 percent.

The VA did not have the authority to restore the GI Bill benefits to defrauded veterans, and so Congress passed the Forever GI Bill to grant that authority.

Let's close this 90/10 loophole.

I will concede that there may be good experiences that some veterans have and that there are some good actors out there.

You have not approved or rejected a single claim. You have closed thousands of cases.

I take it that zero claims have been approved and that nothing has changed.