Sanford Bishop

Tell us what the plans that the FCC has and what your thoughts are, in particular, to ensure that these individuals with disabilities are not left behind.

What do you think that the FCC can do to mitigate the predatory practices of the companies charging excessive rates for inmates?

Commissioner Clyburn has really been an asset to the FCC and that she has done great work in advocating for the American people.

I have no doubt that we will continue to work hard and do everything possible to support Puerto Rico and the people on the Island as they recover from Hurricane Maria.

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Iowa will be postponed. Amendment No. 16 Offered by Mrs. Hartzler The Acting CHAIR. It is…

I claim the time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Georgia is recognized for 5 minutes.

Let me just inquire how much time I have remaining. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Georgia has 7\1/2\ minutes remaining.

Regretfully, this bill falls short. I would like to thank Mr. Aderholt for his work as chairman of the subcommittee, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and both of them for conducting the Appropriations Committee markups fairly and collegially, and…

I certainly would like to join you in thanking all of our colleagues who took the time to come and express themselves on the programs over which we have jurisdiction.

These cuts, in my opinion, are cruel and they are unnecessary, and, if enacted, would jeopardize the health and wellness of our Indian brothers and sisters.

It is essential that the Federal government meet its trust responsibilities to Native American Indians, and oversight of Indian programs is a very important piece to ensuring that these commitments are appropriately met.

Quickly, let me ask you, where you have these CIOs working together, for key decision points that might impact both departments, who will serve as the responsible personnel that is accountable?

One of the real challenges, particularly in this day and time, is going to be the cybersecurity aspects of the Community/Choice program connectivity, as well as the DOD-VA interoperability.

As you know, the issue of creating a fully interoperable health record for our veterans has been a concern of Congress for a long, long time.

We, at the committee, have to deal with the tension between scope of practice issues, the professional associations and the VA.

I have always, and I think the VA has historically, wanted to resolve that in favor of the veteran by allowing the veteran to submit any information at any time which would allow the more favorable consideration of their claim.

Just one matter. You recently received a letter, which was copied to members of our subcommittee, from the White Coat Waste Project requesting that you conduct an investigation regarding animal experimentation at the McGuire VA Medical…

Do you expect any criminal investigations to come out of that?

Your audit report found that the VA made about $247 million in improper GI Bill payments and $205 million in missed recoupments annually.

So I want to find out--are you capable of doing that? Because it is extremely important to make sure that all companies are given equal opportunities.

What I am suggesting is that we need to collect data in those categories.

I was told that the VA does not collect data on ethnicity.

How can we make sure that the VA collects data on race and ethnicity so that we will have the data from which to make assessments?

It is critical that we put measures in place to protect sensitive information and to defend against those who would seek to gain unauthorized access to that information.

Thank you very much, and welcome, Mr. Secretary.