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.

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.

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

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

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

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…

Thank you very much and I look forward to that.

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.

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?

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.

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

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