If I recall correctly the Appropriations Committee mandated that the VA get a handle on the fee based services that the VA provides.

So they do not have a position on it? They are waiting, well I guess my only concern is what is the use of having your General Counsel if they cannot take a position and make a recommendation to OMB?

Okay. So in their technical review of the law, what is that? What is their recommendation under their technical review of the law?

A 2010 law, it says this specifically, and this is where I do not understand why there is so much consternation.

I agree. And if I recollect when I saw the two surveys they are very similar, number one.

I mean that is why you have a General Counsel, to give you legal opinions.

There is a lot of duplication within two sister Federal agencies.

Some of my colleagues here in Congress look at potential budget savings within the VA as a way to reduce our overall budget deficit.

I have the utmost faith in Secretary Shinseki and wholeheartedly support his efforts to transform the VA.

One of my foremost concerns is to make certain that the resources get to the veterans.

I just came from Bethesda on Monday. I went to visit a wounded soldier from Maine, and the doctor at the Center of Excellence told me that there was zero coordination with the VA.