Just to follow-up on that same line, so if I understand you correctly, what you are saying is even though we have loosened to give you more authority to discipline employees, the concern you have if you fire someone or discipline them and…

We are here today to get an update from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the implementation of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.

If there are real and reasonable roadblocks to implementation, we need to know what they are and how to fix them.

VA's entrenched bureaucracy must be shaken up in order for any true reform--reform that is so desperately needed to better serve our veterans--to succeed.

I have an increasing worry that Secretary McDonald and you are getting bad advice from some of those around you within VA's bureaucracy.

VA needs to become a veteran-focused, customer service organization.

We need serious, deep, and broad reform, that kind of change that may be uncomfortable for some in VA, but so desperately needed by America's veterans.

The bottom line is this behavior and the detrimental effect of veterans is simply not acceptable.

Is it your job to ensure that Phoenix complied with the VHA's policies?

if not you, who? If not us, who then? And if not now, when is this ever going happen?

I personally was interested that the report should address the 40 deaths because my concern was that the veterans would not have faith in their healthcare system.