The excuses must stop. I have supported you and your leadership up to this point.

I know you support the advanced appropriation of all of VA.

It would provide protection for the operations of the entire VA from the political wrangling that occurs as a part of the appropriations process every year.

The backlog has increased tremendously, which you wouldn't think it would, particularly with those particular types of claims.

Unfortunately, since it went to Pennsylvania, all we are getting are complaints now from our veterans in Maine and that is concerning.

When you look at accountability and part of that is to make sure that the employees know what the clear standards are, the metrics that they are going to be held accountable to and for.

You well noted that there has been a change in terms of what the content of a claim is.

I believe part of that plan also requires the Department of Defense to move forward, in a different mode as far as that seamless transition between DoD and the VA.

I am not convinced that it is a sounder manner in which to calculate inflation. Until I am convinced of that, I will be opposing it.

I believe it would be a real damaging effort among many of our vulnerable citizens including veterans and their families.

I applaud the Administration for providing a concrete example of the priority that our Nation gives to our veterans.