I think that has to be a priority for you, for Mr. Gibson, for the entire VA leadership.

Do we have any objective data, anything comprehensive about how much discretion judges use in enforcing those rules?

Without empirical data demonstrating that there is a widespread problem that must be addressed through the rules, we stand at the precipice of changing the rules in a way that we know will have a particular effect on those for whom the…

If the problem is electronic discovery, why not go back to the drawing board and develop reforms targeted just at electronic discovery?

The lack of empirical data really concerns me because any of us who have practiced law have war stories and anecdotes and, you know, they can be used so misleadingly for changes or to resist change.

Thank you all for being here on a very, very important subject and one that really should have the attention of many more of our members...

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

no one in this body other than I had the privilege to know Justin Eldridge of Waterford, CT. Justin was a true American hero, a patriot--a U.S. marine who served our country in Afghanistan and who scarcely more than 24 hours ago took his…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Heitkamp). Without objection, it is so ordered. Cloture Motion Under the previous order, pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the…

I come to the floor today to speak on two separate and distinct matters relating to the military. Remembering Our Armed Forces Justin Eldridge

This issue of toxic chemicals is just beginning to be understood.

proactive screening for such abuse is an initiative that IAVA stands behind.

I recognize also that it is not wholly within your power.

I cannot accept that at this point in time the goal is achievable but not achieved.

Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing and thank you to each of the witnesses who are here today for service to our veterans.

I am proud to cosponsor and support the Servicemembers Electronic Health Records Act.

No veteran should have to wait months and months or even years to receive a decision from the VA.

Are we providing the care as rapidly as we need to do?

I want to begin by speaking about a U.S. Marine from Connecticut who unfortunately and tragically took his own life yesterday.

It would include veterans as a protected group in the Equal Employment Opportunity Law and the Fair Housing Act.

We are going to go forward with or without the cooperation of the VA and the Administration.

We are introducing legislation which, for the first time, would allow veterans to get dental care other than service-connected.

This bill is really an attempt to have the VA look at each incident of toxic exposure in the military on its own merits.

The job of this Committee and what we were elected to do is to represent the people of this country and, in particular, the veterans of this country.

In my view--and I think VA does not get enough credit for this--VA is running a very high-quality, cost-effective health care system in this country.