Marlin Stutzman: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2302, as amended, contains provisions from three different bills. Section…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2302, as amended, contains provisions from three different bills. Section one retains the transparency concepts in the original version of the bill but responds partially to VA's concerns about the scope of covered conferences by increasing the reporting threshold to conferences costing $20,000 or more. The catalyst for this provision was a large VA conference held recently in Scottsdale, Arizona, that lasted 11 days and included $97,000 for consultant services out of a total cost of $221,500. At a time when every tax dollar is precious, it is our duty to ensure that VA conferences spend those dollars wisely. This would be an appropriate provision in any economic situation, not just in today's stagnant economy. Section 2 includes the provisions of Chairman Miller's bill, H.R. 2388, that would streamline the committee's ability to get information from the VA. It has been our experience that VA incorrectly uses the Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act, or HIPAA, to deny or delay providing information needed to resolve our constituents' cases. This bill would make it clear that requests for information for the committee's constitutional oversight duties are deemed to be an authorized disclosure under the Privacy Act and HIPAA. Section 3 includes provisions introduced by the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, Mr.…”