Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, advances in technology have given us the opportunity to increase access and streamline processes for veterans not only in the First District and across Michigan, but across the country. That said, we must ensure that technology is an asset and not an added burden to veterans, as it has been within the VA. The Department of Veterans Affairs IT landscape has been the primary topic of hearings within the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, due to its ever-expanding modernization timeline for outdated systems and lack of interoperability within and outside the Department. The solution is undisputed. The VA must modernize its IT systems or continue to face uphill struggles in timely claims and appeals processing, community care, scheduling, and financial management. Earlier this week, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee received an update from Secretary Shulkin that shows a continued lack of planning and implementation of its data center optimization program, an issue which was initially pointed out by the GAO during a hearing back in February. With all this in mind, I was understandably troubled when I saw the underlying bill provided $52 million less for IT development and modernization than last year's appropriation. I understand that cuts need to be made, and that this bill aims to address other issues plaguing the VA, but it is imperative I make this point to the chairman and the ranking member.…”