I think there are issues that reach a certain level that we can't ignore them and we must address them.

Well, thank you for recognizing me, and also thank you for convening this hearing.

We don't want the cure, though, to be worse than the problem that we are experiencing.

While we have made progress with the hospital, we need a strong Federal commitment to finish the much needed veterans medical facility.

We have made significant progress in meeting veterans medical needs, but we have a much larger challenge to assist our veterans who are challenged with addiction, mental health problems and homelessness.

I will continue to put my full support behind efforts to provide the necessary funds and services to our local veterans.

If anybody is responsible for the mess, it is Congress.

Finally, we have to do something, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member and Mr. Oberstar, as soon as we get an FAA Administrator in place, about getting airspace redesign in the New York City area.

think outside the box; don't be limited by lease lines or contractual issues.

For us to spend the money we need to have the money flow quickly and directly to CTA using a streamlined process.

we believe that more money for transit would help to improve the job situation and economic situation in our region.

I was one of those million people who were on the Metro system in D.C. going to President Obama's inauguration.