Sam Farr

I think we have seen in this committee since we really started helping VA with some resources, Congress really gave you the resources, I think you have done a remarkable job.

I think it might be wise in this next BRAC round...

We are not professionally prepared at the local level to handle these issues, and I think that is the educational process that we also need to share.

I hope the VA--Sam, you correctly point out we ought to do a little better job of trying to identify how to prevent post-traumatic stress syndrome.

I think you are the one that can break those silos.

I mean, I totally agree with your assessment.

Absolutely. I mean, that is the reason for a national electronic record.

I am also concerned about providing adequate employment assistance to veterans, especially with the thousands of new veterans expected from the proposed DOD drawdown.

Let me just tell you, a tragedy just happened last week in my community of Gilroy.

Don't they have to come to you and get assessed as to whether they need it?

I find this is an incredible committee for you in your career being a joint--being Chief of the Army, and then coming in and being Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

I think if you can learn best management practices and encourage States--because this is really up to States and local governments--to implement something on the ground.

I really want you to figure out how we can get some more money for that account.

It is a good thing we have the control of your budget in our hands.

You can't shortchange cleanup on the eve of asking Congress for another BRAC round.

I have suggested to the Naval Postgraduate School... that they actually implement a course in UXO technology.

I am a strong proponent for Monterey because you have got the language component there.

National security depends on the wellbeing and quality of life of people in America. That is the first line of national security.

I am the proud author of the California Organic Act, and I am very proud that you have hired Kathleen Merrigan to be your Deputy Secretary.

I am surprised to see that the whole program was flat-funded when it has had such incredible success in increasing market share and jobs in this country.

So my question is, why is it so flat-funded? Why haven't you supported the Organic Data Initiative?

I want to know where that will be.

I think we have to realize that it doesn't just apply to Department of Defense (DoD). It applies to every federal agency.

As Members of Congress, we must enact immigration policies that are tough, fair and practical.

What we do is we monitor it now. We monitor it by--we can tag it with satellite tags if it is big enough.