I support this bill but understand the reservations concerning moving the envelope on what type of service accords veteran status.

Most Reserve Component members believe they are veterans after serving their country, especially for 20 years or more.

I think as Mr. Garver said and many of us have recognized is we and our job on this side of the table is to be conscious of the societal changes and things that happened.

I am always so proud of this Committee of serving on it, I feel like it is the way democracy should work.

Thank you, Mr. Walz, for your advocacy on this issue.

I would like to take a minute to commend both you and the Ranking Member, as well as the Majority and Minority staff for what I consider to be a great work ethic in this Subcommittee.

I think you have the best interest of our veterans in mind, nonetheless I have concerns that its provisions may be duplicative or run counter to the law on testing certification and training.

EANGUS is truly indebted to Congressman Tim Walz, a retired Command Sergeant Major with 24 years of service in the National Guard, for championing this issue.

I think Mr. McNerney was getting at it. I think he is right that you, and rightfully so.

This is a very emotional issue. There are some of these that rise to the top.

I want to just say I very much, the counsel and the input of VA is a very strong, it very strong weighs on us as we craft this legislation.