If we do not get results this time then shame on us.

Push reform where possible and develop new legislation where necessary to facilitate partnerships with the community.

How can we have a VA medical center fully utilizing PC3 and utilizing the potential of this program if it is not a mandatory program?

We urge the Committee to consider this legislation as soon as possible.

We call on this Committee, Congress as a whole, and the Administration to ensure that veterans get the absolute best health care provided when they need it through the VA.

Thank you. The committee is aware that the VA had conducted several pilot projects, such as Project HERO and Project ARCH before implementing PC3.

I am skeptical of the usefulness of those standards, due to the current crisis.

I think when we look at how we manage excess demand, we need to determine whether we can provide that service more economically within the VA or whether it is better for us to buy that in the community.

Clearly, VA is struggling to get a handle on how many veterans are undergoing or waiting for treatment.

Providing timely, quality, safe care to veterans is the primary mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

We appreciate your commitment to ensuring that veterans receive the best health care available.

I firmly believe that if you do not have good numbers on which to base calculations, then you cannot possibly begin to accurately measure the capacity or demand.

8 years to develop this system is too long and is unacceptable.

PVA's members and all veterans will not stand for anything less.

I want to thank you for coming this evening.

We cannot have a system that treats our veterans this way.

I think if we can do it more economically, and at less cost in the community, then that would be an appropriate thing to do.

So it is not throughout all of VA medical centers, then?

The things that get measured and rewarded are the things that get done well.

The things that get measured are the things that get done.

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…

We need to insure that VA is making full use of these tools across their network.

From my conversations with the veterans in Maine, Project ARCH has been quite successful. Unfortunately the VA appears to be moving to close down this popular program.

Non-VA care has been a priority topic of this committee for many years.

Improving access requires a multi-prong approach as the hearing title states, non-VA care must be part of an integrated solution.