Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I support the motion to concur in the Senate amendments, and a further amendment, and I support the motion to go to conference. The crisis within the VA is of national interest and must be a congressional priority. America's veterans deserve timely access to the care and benefits they have earned. They fought for us. Now is the time that we fight for them. But our fight should not be just about the failures in Phoenix and other facilities. The House has worked hard to develop important and much-needed legislation to address other failures within the VA. Enhanced programs ensure the VA is working on behalf of the veterans. I am disappointed that we have not included in this amendment all relevant bills that have passed the House to ensure that these important matters are included. I am disappointed that we are not moving forward with a more comprehensive package of reforms. I am also disappointed that the House amendment is limited to two measures we have recently passed, H.R. 4031 and H.R. 4810. Limiting ourselves to just Republican-sponsored legislation, no matter how widely supported, runs counter to the bipartisan spirit of the committee and fails to recognize the great work of all committee Members. Republicans and Democrats have worked together to improve programs for the VA. Finally, I am disappointed that H.R. 4399 was not included in the House amendment to H.R. 3230.…”