Be that keeper of the republic that each of us has to be.

We want everyone tested, because, as you described, somebody at the panel did, that everyone is at risk with this.

the number of background checks that were not completed at the Atlanta VA Medical Center

The one thing we want to remember is how vitally important those tests are, because this disease--and it is a disease to be an addict.

It is my privilege to have been asked to be Chairman of the Subcommittee and I am grateful to Chairman Roe for the opportunity.

Has the VA asked each one of you what they could do to improve this, and what has been the response?

I think that they should be here. I think that your answers, you should get answers to those questions.

I am not only a Marine, I am a Marine and a father of a Marine.

Thank you, Mr. Hearn. And Mr. Gallucci, you are recognized for five minutes.

Yes, that would be the concern.

I want to thank him for being here.

I want to explain that although I look forward to working with Ms. Elizabeth Esty from Connecticut as our new Ranking Member, under Committee rules Ms. Julia Brownley is still the Subcommittee's acting Ranking Member.

We would like to add that number to the record, then.

I am a father of three and a grandfather of 11, and before coming to Congress I worked in a small business, in a trucking business, and my wife and I own a beauty salon.

What suggestions would you have to improve this?

Thank you. And I will go with the first five minutes of questioning.

All right. The other concern that I have right quick...

we need to be able to process them as quickly as possible.

the process and the length of time that it takes is so devastating to our veterans.

It is very hard to explain to the general public why it is that we cannot take our records from DoD and go right into being a retired veteran.

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