Cliff Stearns: “Thank you Mr. Chairman. I appreciate your holding this hearing to examine the management of the Department of Veterans…”

Barbara, thank you very much. And thank you, Members, for your confidence. I think in light of the hour here, we will go right directly to honoring our past president and our vice president. Pete, if you will give me the plaques, I would…

Next, we will elect our Executive Committee. I automatically join the Executive Committee in my capacity as past president. The secretary and treasurer are each elected to a 1-year term, with eligibility for another 1-year term. The…

The Chair now recognizes the president of the United States Association of Former Members of Congress, the Honorable Martin Frost of Texas, to address the Members.

Thank you, Connie, very much for that report, and thank you also for the continued leadership that you have provided for the former Members of Congress. Your counsel is always appreciated and is invaluable. I now will lead to another…