we all have a responsibility to protect the whistleblowers to create a culture in which everyone is held accountable

I appreciate your holding the hearing open to allow us to employees receive testimony from government witnesses who administer the whistleblower programs.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today with disappointment. What was once a bipartisan bill is now a vehicle for policies that hinder our readiness and our defense capabilities. For almost 60 years, the NDAA has been a bipartisan endeavor. The NDAA…

I am a proud member of that task force and I echo the chairman's comments about getting more of our colleagues involved.

As an aviator, I know firsthand how vital it is that all team members at every level of an organization feel empowered to bring problems forward.

This is not a simple matter, it is a very complex one that has occurred and built over time and over decades.

I believe that it is imperative to receive testimony from these witnesses as soon as possible, while today's testimony is still fresh in the minds of members because whistleblowers deserve it.

If whistleblowers do not have confidence in the system, we are putting patient health and safety at risk.

Mr. Chair, on roll call no. 398, I mistakenly voted ``no'' when I intended to vote ``yes''. personal explanation

Any time we say, 'No timelines,' that means in my mind, what I hear is no sense of urgency.

Comprised of nearly 4200 Federal law enforcement officers, the Department of Veterans Affairs Police maintain physical security at VA facilities, and ensure patient, visitor, and employee safety.