I believe it is essential that we look at structural and cultural root causes that got us in this position in the first place.

The only way we are going to truly address the litany of problems is to look at the fundamental change within the department.

I am proud that this Committee has addressed these problems in a bipartisan fashion.

I also want to thank Chairman Hastings and Ranking Member DeFazio for their leadership.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And I want to thank Ranking Member Grijalva, as well as members of the subcommittee, for holding this hearing on H.R. 4527.

Unfortunately, what had been best for the Park Service and the community in 1950 might not be best for the town in 2014.

I do feel over the past few days that there has been a shift towards increase of responsiveness and offers to try to work harder to satisfy our requirements.

We expect accountability--full accountability--for every failure that harmed a veteran, and for every individual who perpetrated such harm.

I am not happy with this situation. I am not wholly satisfied with VA's responsiveness. We expect answers.

My big concern is, if you look at some of the other problems the VA is going to be facing with long-term care needs for our World War II veterans and Vietnam veterans as well as when the draw-dawn occurs over in Afghanistan, there is going…

We expect accountability and full accountability for every failure that has harmed a veteran and for every individual who perpetrated such harm.