Richard Blumenthal

What would it take to convince you that we should stop those purchases today?

We owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude both in peace and war.

I do not want to dwell too long on this issue, and you have been very gracious in talking to me about it on previous occasions, both on and off the record.

I think it is important to remove the stigma of Post Traumatic Stress by not referring to it as a disorder.

Just so I understand, I use the term but what does that mean?

Many of us on this Committee have been concerned about the lack of interoperability of the Army medical records with the VA records.

26 percent in 2011 to 2013, 24 percent?

Is there an automatic re-evaluation when a soldier or an airman or Marine, or sailor goes from active duty to veteran status?

And that could be in the course of the individual soldier's entire service? Or over what period of time?

26 percent were prescribed some form of opioid in 2011 and 24 percent in 2013.

The reports about a secret waiting list, and about neglect of care, and about disregard of the responsibility to provide that care are beyond alarming.

These reports indicate not only a betrayal of trust but also, very bluntly, violation of our criminal laws.

I want to join in expressing my very strong alarm about the reports from Arizona.

Is that not an important question?

Is there any data on whether the prescription for chronic users increases over time?

And is there a way, for example, to have trip wires, for a lack of a better word?

We need to make sure that we do whatever possible to prevent this kind of overuse and abuse.

I think we are as well-positioned as we could be, recognizing... there is just no 100 percent guarantee.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for holding this hearing.

Is there any procedure for shutting down the PreCheck line and making everybody go through the regular check?

I support the expansion of PreCheck, but I am concerned that making the expansion without preparation could negatively impact the expedited screening process.

How will DOD coordinate with VA and what will be the priorities as we continue the expected reductions in end strength?

Really aren't consumers the best judge of what a fair price for programming should be?

The way to break this cycle of ever increasing costs for sports programming is to give consumers some more choice through a la carte programming.

The bargaining power for the entity that controls the programming.