"the VA should never give up, ever give up on delivering the highest quality of health care."
"Often the rationale for expanding scope of practice is so individuals get care in rural areas."
"In Congress, we provide oversight, especially for Federal healthcare which is the VA."
"Veterans like all Americans deserve access to the full spectrum of medical expertise available to address their healthcare needs."
"Which is exactly why we are having this hearing and exactly why as a nurse married to a nurse, as a doctor, as a veteran, I am concerned about the secrecy."
"We are a cheap form of healthcare."
"Which is why it is tremendously concerning."
"To be clear, I do not consider an optometrist a physician."
"In my opinion, in my medical opinion, there is a team concept and there has to be one quarterback."
"I do not think that is accurate. I do not think it is fair."
"Lessening in my opinion the quality of care because of a perceived access issue really is not what our veterans deserve."