David Jolly: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation, but also out of great concern for the…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation, but also out of great concern for the shocking developments that we have learned of within the VA health care system. Perhaps more importantly today, after hearing the President's press conference, I rise out of concern over the complete failure of our President to address this issue. The VA health care system is experiencing an historic crisis; yet, today, the President's solution seems to be business as usual bureaucracy. The President has done nothing to ensure that we, as a Nation, immediately address the systemic problems within the VA system or to address the threat to human life that has been created by incidents of bureaucratic incompetence. Earlier today, the President spoke rhetorically about unacceptable wait times for veterans, but he did nothing to address the American people's wait time for this administration to solve this problem now. It has been 23 days, and there is no sense of urgency. What we heard today was of more bureaucracy, more investigations, more studying of the issue, and ultimately, a continuation of business as usual until the President and his Secretary determine in due time when they will act. He spoke of holding personnel accountable, but he never once spoke of terminating personnel. That is why I rise today to support this legislation.”