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.

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

It is absolutely imperative that the OIG's independence and integrity in its investigations be preserved.

It is also a time for opportunity to really change the cultural structure within the department

I am very committed to this mission and to the cause and have spent a large part of my life either as a child growing up or as a trainee or student or as a provider in the system.

we have to partner with medical schools as we have already talked, we have to partner in the private sector, we have to partner with members of Congress.

I want every veteran in this country to say this is my VA and I am proud of it.

if you were part of the problem in the under secretary's office that knew that Phoenix, Arizona, and other facilities were not complying with policies that were set by the Department, I guess it is your responsibility, and that is a big…

I am very pleased with what I have seen so far with your leadership style

We must develop a well-defined idea on how the entire country, government, industry, nonprofits, foundations, communities, and individuals, will meet this obligation to our veterans.

I applaud Secretary McDonald for taking forceful action to begin to address the systematic failures demonstrated in Phoenix.