"These improper pass throughs have long been prohibited by law, but they occur throughout the Federal government, and especially in recent years seem to plague the VA."
"I think all of us agree that military spouses shoulder an enormous burden on behalf of our Nation."
"H.R. 561 would ensure that veteran owned small businesses and service disabled veteran owned small businesses actually receive the VA contracts set aside for them by the VA Vets First program."
"This is the first of many steps to address these challenges, but a step worthy of bipartisan support on behalf of our military families."
"the most important thing isn't how many exercised that choice to be union members or nonmembers, but the fact they have that choice."
"I just want to note today how radical some of these proposals are that we are debating."
"Unfortunately, my friends on the other side of the aisle are fighting tooth and nail to eliminate religious liberty and advance the radical pro-abortion agenda by rolling back common sense conscience ..."
"When President Clinton enthusiastically signed the bill into law he noted how a 'Broad coalition of Americans came together to make this bill a reality.'"
"Religious liberty remains the bedrock of the American experiment, and Republicans remain firmly in favor of RFRA protections."
"I would like to now recognize my colleague, Ranking Member Jim Banks, for 5 minutes to deliver his opening remarks that he may have."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to begin by thanking our witnesses, especially our DoD witnesses for appearing today."