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

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

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 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.

I rise today in strong support of this resolution. All of us on Capitol Hill were dealt with the shocking news that Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her staff were shot and that her director of outreach, Gabe Zimmerman, was killed. This…

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1672, a measure I have introduced to commemorate the Persian Gulf War and reaffirm our Nation's commitment to the veterans who served in it. A cease-fire was declared by…

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 2378. This issue is simple: China's currency manipulation is illegal, and it costs Maine jobs. Just ask the Sappi Fine paper mill workers in Westbrook and Skowhegan, or those…

I rise today in support of my amendment to the Small Business Lending Fund Act. The amendment I offer today does two things to improve the underlying bill's State Small Business Credit Initiative program. First, it ensures that State-run…

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…

I rise today in support of this amendment. This is a bipartisan effort to ensure that our troops are outfitted with American-made goods as much as possible. Under current policy, clothing items that soldiers purchase with DOD-issued cash…

I rise today in strong support on S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. This landmark bill reflects a strong commitment to family caregivers, who are often underappreciated in their efforts to care for our…

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.

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?

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.

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 believe VHA gets effective pricing, probably about 26 percent better on pharmaceuticals than other Federal customers.

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

We are a democracy. This should be done out in the sunshine.

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

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

I am sure we would all agree that women veterans must have equal access to gender-specific and comprehensive health care and benefits as their male counterparts.

Women have answered the call and today serve our country alongside their male counterparts.