You stated in your statement that VA doesn't have the resources that it needs.

We need a new model, a new approach, and a new way of thinking about and looking at the department.

I want to know are you taking care of the veterans. The outcome is so critical.

The business model for producing and delivering and supporting the VA product is fundamentally broken.

I don't care how big the increase it is within the VA budget, is are we taking care of our veterans?

I think now we know where you both are coming from and hopefully we will be able to work in a bipartisan manner to get this thing done.

We need to make sure that we are looking at the long game.

Our veterans deserve a VA that works for them; not one that refuses to work at all.

The status quo is unacceptable. It is time for change--change that embraces both new ideas and proven practices.

I want to be clear: we are not talking about privatizing VA care. We are talking about strengthening a health care system that is uniquely suited to serve the needs of our veterans with best practices that are working in the private sector.

Clearly, the scheduling practices and technology within the department are not working. The system can be manipulated.