If we don't act, these catastrophic wildfires will continue to threaten lives.

We are sick of that smoke. I know the folks on the East Coast are, and we need to do something to try to reduce the risk of these fires.

However, we are not taking cognizance of the big picture, which is the CO2 released by these catastrophic fires.

What is very unusual is, we talk about climate. Living in the Northeast, climate always moves west to east.

Our veterans should not suffer because of the delay in issuing these regulations.

We pay for illness, not wellness.

I have to leave, Mr. Chairman. I have an appointment with the new Commandant of the Marine Corps, of all people you do not want to leave waiting, the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

My sense it is not anybody's priority and it is not adequately funded.

We should start with the programs to build the staff and maintain the staff that we have, then talk about increasing.

It seems to me that opens up liability questions and it puts the staff under a lot of strain because it is just unrealistic right now.

We are not serving veterans if a home closes because they cannot meet the staffing standards because they cannot find the people.

My sense it is not anybody's priority and it is not adequately funded.

How do we get there, and are we in the process of getting there setting unrealistic standards that will in fact lead to nursing home closures?

It is penny-wise and pound-foolish.

Because every day you can keep a veteran in their home they are happier and the system is saving money.

Because every day you can keep a veteran in their home they are happier and the system is saving money.

Our veterans should not suffer because of the delay in issuing these regulations.

It is penny-wise and pound-foolish.

We have been through a long hearing here without the word 'dementia' coming up.

How do we get there, and are we in the process of getting there setting unrealistic standards that will in fact lead to nursing home closures?

You are going to have fewer beds for veterans to go to.

I hope that is a focus because I think we cannot lose these wonderful physicians.

It seems to me that opens up liability questions and it puts the staff under a lot of strain because it is just unrealistic right now.

On January 5th, 2021, not January 6th, but January 5th, the Congress passed a bill requiring reimbursement for domiciliary care.

We are not serving veterans if a home closes because they cannot meet the staffing standards because they cannot find the people.