there seem to be very broad reservations--perhaps I should say opposition--to the idea of a board of directors

Not only do veterans want to be with fellow veterans, but there are ways that veterans' care is tremendously enhanced by professionals who see them literally daily, hourly, for the same kinds of wounds, injuries, and so forth.

if you see us doing something that you have an objection to or perceive there might be a benefit challenge to, come to us first

I should state for the record my own view that there really should be no requirement as to a pay for when we are taking about benefits for veterans.

I believe that the Veterans First bill is a dramatic and historic step forward, and any additional funds required to support it should come from non-veterans programs.

the present system is broken. The President thinks so. The VSOs think so. Our veterans think so.

To the commission's credit, commissioners rejected the idea of privatizing VA healthcare.

Senator Blumenthal has been great on this issue.

time is not on our side, time is not on the veterans' side, when there is delay on appeals of these claims.

I have been told as well that this same issue may arise with respect to medical devices and perhaps other kinds of supplies.

the status quo is simply unacceptable and must be reformed.

It certainly calls into question if you actually own the tickets once you purchase them if there are restrictions on where they can go and how you can dispose of them.

This bill does is give them fair access to be in that room.

If you believe in the markets, you should believe in this legislation.

I actually prosecuted these cases when I was Attorney General of the State of Connecticut.

The good guys like yourselves should be on the side of laws at the state level.

I believe that the current state of affairs is untenable and unacceptable.

These kinds of laws are very, very important.

Thanks, Mr. Chairman. With your permission, I'm going to yield to my friend and colleague, Senator Booker, who I understand has a scheduling conflict.

His report shows that tickets remain even more out of reach for consumers than ever before.

It may be imprecise, but it is definable.

There are interests on the other side here that are immensely powerful politically.

These folks who prey upon American entertainment and sports are parasites.

When is Hamilton coming to Hartford? And I hope that when it does, you will have a digital lottery and enable some of our high school students in Connecticut to come see Hamilton because I think they will be inspired to pursue careers such…

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