Political Quotes

“These are excellent Senators whose voices are heard and heard and heard, as is mine. In addition to the Sanders-McCain bill that comes as a result of the conference, really what that bill does is focus primarily on the health care issues facing us. What concerns me is also the fact that we need to eliminate the VA disability claims backlog for which there is also a compelling need. Now, what I am advocating is that we do a trifecta this week; that is, we pass the conference report that has been advocated by Senator Sanders and Senator McCain that will deal with the important reforms, including adding new personnel. We have given the VA a new chief executive officer to bring about the reforms with the know-how of business. I also wish to bring to the floor the VA-MILCON appropriations bill. This is a fantastic bill that moves from the subcommittee, led by my very able subcommittee chairman, Senator Tim Johnson, with the help of the ranking member, Senator Mark Kirk of Illinois. They have done such incredible diligence on how we can use the taxpayers' dollars wisely to really provide the services we promised the veterans--yes, health care, but also that veterans shouldn't stand in line for health care and veterans also shouldn't stand in line and wait in line and then hope the line gets smaller for disability benefits.…”