it serves as an 'umpire,' calling balls and strikes.

We have changed the paradigm of the VA.

We have not had enough good training in the VA for dealing with suicide, and we need to work on that.

The first use of the accountability legislation in the termination of a senior member of the staff at the Veterans Administration.

I want to add to your answer a second ago, and if I am wrong, I want you to tell me.

Dan is an unequalled individual, in my knowledge, for the subject he's been nominated to handle.

I think the best thing we can do to protect our republic in the long term is see to it that Americans can take care of themselves.

I rise for two purposes--principally, to support this legislation and to thank Ranking Member Reed and Chairman McCain and the other Members of the Senate for the contributions they have made in the reauthorization of the National Defense…

We want to make these changes on a prospective basis as we make new tax policy.

I want to assure Senator Cornyn and the other members to my left that I am not using my back situation as an advantage in my seniority, but I was here first.

It is very important that we not do it.

I ask unanimous consent that my Defense fellow, CPT Douglas Hill, be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the legislative session today. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________