I think it is very important that we strengthen them and I would see this national structure and accountability for having working relationships with affiliates set up at the network level as being important steps.

Together, we have to find a way to make the transition from soldier to citizen a smoother one.

I appreciate the opportunity.

I recognize the need and importance of ensuring appropriate oversight measures are in place for Federal contracts.

REAL ID calls on the States to collect and electronically store individuals' personal records when issuing licenses and to share that information with every department of motor vehicles (DMV) nationwide.

We must act to fix REAL ID. States simply still cannot afford the $4 billion it would take to implement REAL ID.

I have been a longtime opponent of REAL ID due to concerns about protecting individuals' privacy as well as the States' inability to implement the burdensome program.

If REAL ID is implemented, these databases could provide one-stop shopping for identity thieves and become the backbone for a national identification card.

VA is poised to make some important changes to how care is delivered to women, but, in fairness, we seem to have a bit of a disconnect between mandates and what is actually happening.

As part of my oversight responsibility, I learned that some veterans at the Austin, Texas, clinic were inappropriately being charged for services related to military sexual trauma.

I was actually involved in the initial attempts to roll out the eligibility for military sexual trauma for free counseling.