Elizabeth Esty: “Our goal should be getting our veterans back on their feet and productive members of society.”

I believe it is a model that for large-scale policymaking that other Committees--this Committee and other Committees--should look to duplicate.

Let me be clear. When the report on military sexual trauma came to my attention in August, I was disappointed and disturbed.

I am strongly urging this big new class of freshmen Members of Congress, whether they serve on this Committee or not, to honor that commitment to our Nation's veterans.

I am happy to welcome everyone here today as we enter the home stretch on the implementation of the Appeals Modernization Act.