Gus Bilirakis

Our Nation's veterans deserve the best effort put forth by the Administration, Congress, veteran service organizations, and all sectors of higher education.

I believe it is our moral imperative to ensure that our servicemembers and veterans receive the education they deserve.

However, today we also applaud the President for taking a bold first step in ensuring veterans receive the quality education we promised.

Congressman Bilirakis and Chairman Stutzman, we applaud you for introducing your bill to address this.

The mantra in hearings from the past several years within PSAS has been take care of the veteran first and foremost.

If they feel that a device is appropriate and going to provide the best care for a warrior, they should be able to prescribe that device.

Thank you for your service to our country.

To cut people off as they are developing... you don't want to cut your kids off when they are at their most vulnerable.

I don't see the Israelis running around screaming and yelling and opposed to assistance to some of their neighbors.

If we want to have more influence we should be more involved rather than less involved.

It is in Israel's national security interest to have a neighborhood at peace with it.

I too have concerns along with my colleagues with the release of this aid to Egypt without restrictions or conditions.

The Coptic Christians make up 10 percent of the population, roughly 13 million people, and have historically been discriminated against.

I have spoken to many in my district, both health care providers and veterans, and have learned that stigma and individual will are significant barriers for servicemembers and veterans to seek out mental health services.

I appreciate your service and I think you are doing a great job as our Secretary.

We can't bear the burden of military action or supporting NATO without the help of our NATO allies.

The President does not have authority to take us into a military conflict without the support of Congress, Democrats or Republicans.

I want to condemn it and hope that the government in Ankara changes its attitude.

I still believe that NATO should expand and that countries that want to get into NATO ought to become members of NATO.

I have vowed that this Committee will continue vigorous oversight to see these goals accomplished, and I reaffirm this promise today.

This hearing is the third in a series held by the subcommittee on the vital issue of medical countermeasures.

The Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications will come to order.

I'm pleased to welcome back Dr. Garza before the subcommittee to discuss the President's budget request for the Office of Health Affairs.

Why is the medical equipment procurement so far behind?

Is this modern equipment not available?