David Shulkin

The lack of military competency among community providers is quite significant.

Reauthorizing the Veterans Choice program would not only benefit veterans, but it would also provide Congress with the time we need to work with Secretary Shulkin.

I have confidence that it is going to allow greater access to health care for all veterans.

The system was designed, it was too complex and too difficult to maneuver.

I happen to believe the way you keep the VA system strong is by allowing veterans to decide where they want to get care.

I believe veterans deserve the very best that this country can offer, that means modern IT systems, modern facilities, modern types of programs and professionals and technology.

Well, look, we have a choice and this is a choice that we are seeking feedback on.

And we really, really appreciate you reauthorizing that program such that our veterans in the most rural part of our State...

if we don't do this extension, this is going to be a disaster for American veterans.

Let me be clear. No one is advocating that we privatize the VA.

[I] think it's common sense that service dogs help. We hear it every day from veterans. I'm not willing to wait [on congressional authority to implement what I can through my existing authority] because there are people out there today…

In closing, let me be clear - no one is advocating that we privatize the VA.

We want to work with you to get this right.

I said, give them all dogs.

I am concerned that veterans nationwide may encounter significant lapses in care if we don't act quickly.

We are going to start providing mental health care for those that are other than honorably discharged for urgent mental health.

I do believe it needs to be for all veterans, particularly our older veterans who want to stay at home.

It is our task now to come up with a long-term solution that gives veterans the care they deserve.

I do want to thank Representative Coffman for this, because it was a program that I went to that he was at that proposed his bill that actually changed my whole view on this.

I think we have demonstrated, when we send somebody off for war, we are not just sending them off, we are sending their entire family.

I travel around the country. I get letters from all of you and from veterans directly.

I think it goes along with, secondly, what Dr. Roe has introduced, which is accountability.

I have long said that the lack of continuity at the VA is a challenge to the organization.

Have no doubt: if we let this program lapse, hundreds of thousands of veterans will lose their ability to visit a community provider.

We need about 1,000 more mental health providers.