The service performed by aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces is indeed meritorious. They have fought bravely and risked much to take care of our country. Indeed, they deserve the recognition and care for their sacrifice that this resolution…

My good friend has raised a point. I don't know if he was able to be here at the beginning of this resolution, but we had a wonderful discussion about the tremendous valor shown in Iwo Jima. But this is a discussion also--

I rise also in support of House Resolution 900, as amended, supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day, and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in activities honoring the sacrifices and…

Let me point out that there is a big flaw in the process that we have been following here recently. We have these massive groups of bills that we are supposed to absorb in a 72-hour period which finishes tomorrow, and then we culminate…

It is imperative that this subcommittee continue to exercise its oversight responsibilities to ensure that this time the IT program works and is on time.

The backlog is a major concern for everyone who is a stakeholder in veterans' issues, and I believe that through a bipartisan, collaborative effort, we will begin to resolve the issues that have hampered VA for so many years.

I look forward to hearing about how all of these pilots and laboratory initiatives will put VA on track to processing its compensation and pension claims in a virtual environment using a twenty-first century processing platform.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I also welcome everyone to this hearing, which is the first of our 2nd session, and I look forward to continuing the progress that we have made so far in the 111th Congress.

Again, VCS thanks to Chairman Hall and Ranking Member Lamborn for your continued leadership on this issue and your strong dedication to our veterans and their families.

Properly honoring a deceased veteran is one of our most solemn and indeed sacred obligations.

I thank you for helping my efforts to pass H.R. 174 which I introduced with my good friend Mr. Salazar earlier this year.

I believe that VA should conduct a preemptive review of the NCA's obstacles in meeting the National Shrine Mandate.

I agree with that, Mr. Chairman. I would like to say to the gentleman from Fort Logan, I have been there.

Well, that is real exciting. Would you be able to, if there is any way our office can help you in that visit we would be very happy to do so.

I have twice introduced a bill with Mr. Salazar, which would direct the Secretary of the VA to establish a national cemetery in El Paso County.

Passing H.R. 174 would be an important first step in addressing this problem and is identical to H.R. 1660 that passed this Committee and the whole House last Congress.

There is a long history of a need for a cemetery in Southern Colorado.

I believe that there is a better way to determine need than drawing circles in a 75-mile radius around a national cemetery to determine where the most underserved veterans are.

Also, last year Chairman Hall and I had a field hearing in Colorado Springs to discuss cemetery issues.

Without question, America's women are, and always have been, an integral part of our Nation's defense.

Congress cannot allow that to happen to this Nation's daughters who have served her.

Without question, America's women, are and always have been, an integral part of our Nation's defense.

I was proud to support H.R. 1171, as amended, the 'Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009.'

Future funding for homeless veteran programs must continue to focus on providers that offer provide job skill training and transitional services.

Future funding for homeless veterans' programs must continue to focus on providers that offer and provide job skill training.