The gentlewoman from Texas has identified a very important issue, one that was brought to my attention in sharp relief by my own hospital association just yesterday. In Florida, we are now the third-largest State in the Union, and the…

You just can't make this stuff up. The committee members have been to the D.C. VA Medical Center, and they put on a nice show when I first became ranking member. They leave a good impression. But the documented issues at the D.C. VA…

The gentleman deserves credit for bringing this to the House's attention. The outrage at this medical center speaks for itself, and I look forward to making sure that the IG has the resources that are needed to be able to get to the bottom…

I claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Florida is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I want to thank the chairman of the full committee and our ranking member, Mrs. Lowey, for the incredible work that they have done to get us to this point. While in the minority we have had some concerns about the process, the opportunity…

The committee opposed the Department's tentative decision last fall to convert almost a billion dollars of funding for homeless programs from special purpose funding to general purpose funding. This action would have been a fundamental…

I claim the time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Florida is recognized for 5 minutes.

I do oppose this amendment. I, like many Members, have concerns and share the gentleman's concerns about another round of BRAC. I realize that this is a complex issue for all Members of Congress, especially those with military facilities…

Just to reiterate, we shouldn't be taking any method that gives us an opportunity to be fiscally responsible and save money off the table. Our friends on the other side of the aisle consistently talk a good game about being fiscally…

As the gentleman from California said, some veterans have reported respiratory issues and other health conditions that they believe are related to their exposure to burn pits. There are studies that provide information about the health…

This registry is a tool that can be used to identify health concerns, guide discussions with a healthcare provider, and document deployment-related exposures. We need to ensure that the VA is doing all it can to make veterans aware of this…

I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Florida is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I claim the time in opposition, though I do not oppose the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Florida is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I also thank Chairman Frelinghuysen and former Chairman Dent for their hard work on the bill. Mr. Chair, I recognize Chairman Carter for taking up the reins on this bill. It is not an easy, carefree…

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3 today, particularly because it is incredibly deceptive. The Trump-GOP rescissions measure manages to have Republicans bundle their most damaging and…

I thank the gentleman for yielding. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the gentlewoman is correct, roughly 20 veterans take their own lives every day in the United States, and it is a very serious problem that we need to…

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Adaptive sports promotes the rehabilitation of disabled military service veterans. This is a vital program that allows veterans with disabilities to participate in physical activity, including those with…

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Providing veterans, Mr. Chairman, with prompt access to care is one goal that all Members of this body share. Call routing at the VA is a very important issue. We need to ensure that there is a system…

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also do not oppose the amendment and find the gentlewoman's concept interesting. It is pretty clear that getting another BRAC round is going to be difficult. In response, many services are demolishing…

I am very sympathetic to the gentleman from Michigan's plight. PFAS chemicals have been found in groundwater and drinking water in Michigan due to their use in firefighting foam at former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. In fact, many closed…

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Looking forward to hearing from our colleagues today, each of whom I am sure will provide us an important perspective.

You have always been not only incredibly fair but have provided a perspective that was sorely missed and too infrequent, promoting bipartisanship.

I share your concerns not only about transparency, but also on what appears to be a potential march towards privatization.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this balanced budget amendment. Just a few months ago, Republicans plunged this Nation nearly $2 trillion deeper into debt with a tax scam bill that gave…

I am pleased that we are going to be able to talk about the President's 2019 military construction budget request today.