Mike Michaud

It is disheartening to me that the DoD and VA have made little progress towards integrating the care and coordination and case management across the Departments.

The bottom line that concerns me is the fact that if a servicemember or veteran is not getting the service that they need, that is going to cause a lot more stress on the individual member of the service as well as the family and…

I just came from Bethesda on Monday. I went to visit a wounded soldier from Maine, and the doctor at the Center of Excellence told me that there was zero coordination with the VA.

It is disheartening to me that the DoD and VA have made little progress towards integrating the care and coordination and case management across the Departments.

I would encourage each and every one of you who are responsible for this program to step up to the plate.

It is unconscionable that we have a bureaucracy that is supposed to be helping our soldiers and our veterans.

I do not feel confident that the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense can overcome existing barriers.

This lack of response only serves to magnify in my mind the continued problems between the VA and the DoD in working collaboratively.

If it is not done right, our servicemembers will suffer.

I am sold on this whole community college sector like it is just the way to go.

The bill would establish a caregiver program to help family and non-family members who provide care for disabled, ill, or injured veterans.

In reading the Paralyzed Veterans of America's written testimony, they question the commitment the VA has to this particular program, citing lack of funding in 2012.

I am pleased that the veterans and caregivers are finally beginning to receive some of the services required under the law that we passed.

I thank the chairman very much. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment Offered by Mr. Kissell

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following: Sec. __. None of the funds made…

Business as usual must stop.

In response to the Chamber of Commerce's recently released report that claims U.S. free trade agreements have supported 5.4 million jobs, I have only one thing to say: Not in my district. Since January of 1994, employment in the…

Well, thank you very much for answering that question. And also thank you for your testimony today because this a very important issue when small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

I have talked to a lot of small businesses back in my home State of Maine. They, too, have a problem with accessing capital with the credit crunch.

My question to each of you is, would you be supportive if Congress actually increased that or removed that arbitrary limit so credit unions actually can allow access to capital for small businesses?

VA's proper management of the formulary system is vital to ensuring our veterans receive the highest quality of care and access to the most up-to-date medications they deserve.

I also have concerns about patient safety and whether we are doing enough to prevent adverse drug events.

I have heard from veterans who have voiced their frustration with the VA national formulary as being too restrictive.

Thank you very much, Mr. Perriello, and also for your leadership on veterans issues. We really appreciate your tenacity in making sure we take care of our veterans.

I find that astonishing since this is a signature wound of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.