Johnny Isakson: “I come briefly to the floor to encourage all Members of the Senate to vote for the VA MISSION bill. It is long overdue…”

“I come briefly to the floor to encourage all Members of the Senate to vote for the VA MISSION bill. It is long overdue, a lot of hard work went into it, and it had a great vote on cloture of 91 to 4. I am sure we will have an outstanding vote today because it is a vote for our veterans, for the promises we made to them for better quality healthcare and a better VA. It would not have happened if it were not for a lot of people, but one of the most key persons in making sure this bipartisan bill passes with the overwhelming margin it deserves is Jon Tester, my ranking member on the committee. We worked together hand in hand for about 3 years. We had enough pitfalls to want to quit many times but never did because we knew the ultimate goal was to meet our veterans' needs. Today, when we adopt this bill, and later on this month when it is signed, it will be because of the hard work of a lot of people but none more important than Jon Tester from Montana. I thank my ranking member for encouraging everyone to vote for the bill, and I thank the Presiding Officer at this time. I yield to the ranking member. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.”