We really have to find answers. It is not only for me. It is not only the economic crisis; it is also going to be a crisis of personnel in the government.

I have long been concerned that our Nation is not prepared adequately for a pandemic.

We need to ensure that the VA has access to, or can arrange, geographically dispersed crisis beds.

We cannot have them dumped on our system not having any treatment for their mental illnesses.

Dr. Parker, according to the GAO report, a 2007 Food and Drug Administration Science Advisory Report concluded that the Center for Veterinary Medicine was in a state of crisis because of inadequate staffing, training, and resources.

There is no question that our Federal Government is facing a huge challenge, not only for veterinarians but throughout the system.

there is no pure military solution to the challenges we face in Afghanistan.

The salary level is not competitive.

Either reports that came out were inadequate so that the Office of Personnel Management didn't know what the situation was.

Yes. Well, there is no question telehealth services need to be expanded.

Thank you very much.

I agree with Senator Voinovich that we should have a follow-up session with you and to see where you are maybe after the March 16 meeting.

What are we going to do about the future?

Ms. Shames, the GAO report revealed that several veterinarians working in slaughter plants said that they were not always able to meet their responsibilities and perform high-quality work because of inadequate staffing.

this is an important day for Congress, for veterans, and their families. Today we take another step towards securing timely, predictable funding for the Veterans Health Care system. Our plan will create a transparent funding process that…

We must do more to educate, protect, and empower consumers.

We must ensure that people who seek help in dealing with complex financial issues, such as debt management, are able to locate the assistance they need.

Too many in our country are burdened by significant credit card debt. Not enough has been done to protect consumers and ensure they are able to properly manage their credit burden.

My legislation, which I will be reintroducing shortly, requires companies to inform consumers how many years and months it will take to repay their entire balance if they make only minimum payments.

The goal of the Committee is to ensure that claims are adjudicated accurately, in a timely fashion, and as close to the veteran's home as possible.

Moving to a paperless file system with electronic medical information must remain a top priority for VA.

Tackling the problems will require action on many fronts.

At present, decisions by the Board are not precedential, meaning that regional offices are free to ignore decisions of the Board.

I support the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation will create jobs by encouraging innovation for the development of clean energy and strengthening our Nation's infrastructure. This vital bill will assist States so that…

It will be important that TARP resources be used for lending, but they must not be used to support predatory lending.