On the recordJune 18, 2014
I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their comments. I will say that, when I speak of a set of fresh eyes--I understand the studies that have been done by the GAO and other internal studies, and I will acknowledge a certain irony in making the comment because it is so often that we hear that we can't be continually looking for answers to these difficult questions only from those of us in government, that we ought to be taking a look at it from a fresh set of eyes that come from outside, from the private sector. I think that that would be a great advantage in this case. Regarding the offset, I understand and wholly support all of the work that we need to do and the investments that we need to make to ensure that our military is fully capable. I just believe that the same commitment that we have to our own protection ought to extend to protecting those who put on the uniform of the country and suffer as a result. They ought to get the best care. Out of the $970 million increase from what was requested, it would seem to me that finding $20 million from that would not be a bridge too far. I appreciate the comments, and I hope that we can work together on finding solutions on this. I think Chairman Miller was right in his approach with the VA, and I think the same could be said for the DOD, and that is what my amendment would do. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
