We will not let the detractors tear us down nor let the protractors protract it out, but instead work together to improve the VA.

The leasing mechanisms at the VA are deplorable. The construction disciplines are deplorable.

In 36 years in legislative office, in one office or another, either in the State or the Federal Government, I have seen lots of consolidations and lots of reorganizations.

We are costing ourselves more money by letting deferred maintenance cause obsolescence than by having an active maintenance process.

I was delighted that in your entire presentation, which was not timed or limited, you did not talk about moving money from VA Choice to non-VA health care.

They did not want Veterans Choice to replace VA health care.

Like Senator Markey, I voted for the 2001 authorization when I was here.

in accordance with rule XXVI, paragraph 2 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I ask unanimous consent for myself as chairman of the Select Committee on Ethics and for Senator Boxer as vice chairman of the committee that the Rules of…

My point on this is that's day 1 when that filing takes place, and the hearing in 8 days is automatic?

The point I would make is, we established a long time ago as a country that business needs to treat labor right.

This appears to me to be analogous to the U.S. Senate passing a resolution that says any incumbent seeking reelection can only file 10 days before the vote.

To file the notice, to file the request, the union has to have 30 percent of the number of employees affirmatively signing a petition that they want to have this organization take place.