At this time I'd like to yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

We thank Chairman Jeff Miller and Ranking Member Mike Michaud for the opportunity to present a statement for the record.

the Secretary's goal of having no veteran wait for longer than 125 days with an accuracy rate of 98 percent by 2015 seems to be unlikely.

While the VA continues to process more claims than at any other time in its history, demand continues to outpace production.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 570, as amended, is a solid piece of legislation that the veterans service organizations support, that the committee supports, and I would urge my colleagues to support this bill. With that, Mr. Speaker, I…

At this time I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Thank you very much for yielding. I want to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his leadership in the No Label Problem Solving group, and I really enjoy working with you. I came to Congress after serving in the Maine Legislature for 22…

It is imperative that conflicting messages do not get out there and confuse veterans.

We strongly urge the Committee to approve H.R. 288, the 'CHAMPVA Children's Protection Act of 2013,' introduced by Ranking Member Michaud that would increase the eligibility age to 26.

We believe that VA should consider reopening enrollment to 'all' Priority Group 8 veterans.

So I think it is a problem of fundamental fairness. If a medical diagnosis linked to a claimed event is enough for one group of veterans, it ought to be enough for another.

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of that legislation.

I am very proud of Ruth for being here with us today, with her willingness to come forward and to help so many others in her own testimony both before this Committee and with the many people she has been willing to talk to about her story.

Critics of this bill might say that it is too easy and veterans can just say anything to get those benefits. First of all, that is just simply not true.

The Ruth Moore Act is about making sure that victims of military sexual trauma get a fair shake.

Our nation's veterans deserve adequate and responsible funding to the fullest extent possible.

The excuses must stop. I have supported you and your leadership up to this point.

We have received numerous complaints that the performance and adjudication of pension claims for the veterans of Maine has gotten worse since the consolidation of pension claims at the Philadelphia VA Regional Office.

It would provide protection for the operations of the entire VA from the political wrangling that occurs as a part of the appropriations process every year.

When you look at accountability and part of that is to make sure that the employees know what the clear standards are, the metrics that they are going to be held accountable to and for.

I believe it would be a real damaging effort among many of our vulnerable citizens including veterans and their families.

I am not convinced that it is a sounder manner in which to calculate inflation. Until I am convinced of that, I will be opposing it.

Fast-tracking the VLER program to ensure seamless transfer of medical records must be a top priority, and necessary funds must be allocated to fulfill it.

A benefit delayed is a benefit denied.

I challenge the VA to think outside the box.