Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, we send our servicemen and -women overseas in harm's way to protect our country because we know that freedom isn't free. So it is fundamental, as we, with such vigor, ask them to go to the battlefield, that we protect them when they are off the battlefield. And it is fundamental that, when they return, they have a world-class hospital system. Now, today we begin consideration of H.R. 1367, which is exciting because it is a bipartisan bill to improve the VA's authority to hire, train, and retain physicians and other critical staff in the Veterans Health Administration. Over the last 5 years, we have seen more than 2 million veterans enroll in the VA healthcare system, and we believe--both parties believe that nothing should stand in the way of any veteran having confidence in and access to care and benefits they earned and deserve. I represent the central Florida area, and we are so honored to have a brand new Orlando VA, in a high-growth area, and the need is great. I was also honored to be able to have an office right across the street from the VA hospital that we just opened up last week, to be in proximity and to help our veterans. But I can tell you, having met with some of our veterans already, we are looking at 3- to 6-month waits, even in a new facility. A gentleman, who I will refer to as Mr. Smith so that I don't divulge his personal information, came to me yesterday, and he had issues with a podiatrist.…”