Richard Blumenthal

And when did that lack of comfort level begin?

I want to know what reforms the U.S. Soccer Federation is planning to introduce to instill greater transparency and accountability in the governance of soccer in America.

There had to be either willful ignorance or blatant incompetence on the part of many of the members of this organization.

We cannot, should not, must not turn a blind eye to this issue any longer, especially when human lives are at stake.

Mr. Bery, would you agree that American corporate sponsors have turned a blind eye to the alleged human rights abuses and potential deaths of migrant workers involved in human trafficking in the World Cup host nations.

Will U.S. Soccer take the position that he should be, in effect, excluded from FIFA?

So there was evidence that caused you to remove yourself from discussions or meetings?

And they can have an impact, can they not, simply by virtue of their power of the purse and dollars and investment?

But whether it is private life and morality or in this instance public corruption, it should be addressed.

My time has long expired, and I am hopeful that we may have another round of questions.

Did you have suspicions?

Today's hearing is a first step, and I want to thank all of you for being here today.

The corruption uncovered in world soccer is a disservice to the game.

The culture of corruption must be addressed.

I want to thank all of our witnesses and apologize that we have these votes.

We will work with Senator Murray to achieve enactment of this bill that will encompass qualified caregivers of veterans who served before 9/11.

S. 901 is a bi-partisan bill that would establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances.

We commend Ranking Member Blumenthal and Senator Moran for their leadership on this important legislation.

If you do not do the research, you will not have the evidence.

The VFW strongly supports this legislation and would like to offer recommendations to strengthen it.

I think there ought to be a center that can be held accountable.

I strongly support heightening and intensifying accountability within the VA.

The legislation gives you that responsibility and obligation to take ownership, in effect, for addressing this problem.

I understand your willingness to work with other agencies, but why are you abrogating and refusing responsibility to protect veterans? That is your job.

The connection of their service has a consequence--a dramatic consequence--to the health and well-being of their children and grandchildren.