John Mica: “I appreciate that. Mr. Chair, I think if there are differences in language, we have tried to work with the…”

“I appreciate that. Mr. Chair, I think if there are differences in language, we have tried to work with the parliamentarian and the committee, and I know you all are busy in trying to get a very important piece of legislation out, but this small amendment can make a big difference. Again, this is in Rust Belt States, even in growing States like Florida, and there is no more cost to the Federal taxpayer in the operation. In fact, we will save money in the operation because the States take these over. And if the States take them over, it is one less burden on the VA. We have seen how difficult it is sometimes to get services from the VA, to have these facilities come on line. To the nursing home folks, listen to this. This is to nursing homes: we have a tremendously expanding, aging veterans' population, and we can't keep up with it all, and the Federal Government sometimes does it the least efficiently. This allows us to take those empty or half empty or partially used facilities and get them to the States, to sometimes consolidate the operations and save money on administration, operation, and expedite and get that service to our veterans as soon as possible. I urge the Members' support of this small amendment. I will be glad to work with the chairman, with the ranking member, and with others and craft this in any way that they feel comfortable, but the objective is very important at this stage. I yield back the balance of my time. The CHAIR.…”