I am deeply concerned with the zeroing out of this program at a time when America's security is dependent on us becoming energy independent.

This will have to include the Pentagon's budget, the largest agency in the federal government.

During the last Congress, we proved that it is possible to undertake significant entitlement reform without undermining bedrock benefits upon which the American people rely, eliminating $500 billion in wasteful spending while shoring up the long-term sustainability of Medicare.

Our current fiscal policy is unsustainable. The simple fact of the matter is that we are currently spending far more than we are bringing in.

I believe strongly that addressing the deficit requires us to make smart but significant cuts to spending.

I support a five year discretionary spending freeze that will reduce the overall cost of government relative to the economy.

We are grateful to the Members of Congress who signed onto a letter circulated by Congressmen Tim Walz and Steve King.

I hope that this hearing will demonstrate the steps that the VA has taken to make bonuses about rewarding excellence, not about helping friends or family.

I think the question here is making sure that bonuses are paid based on performance, not on standard or set procedure, on autopilot.

I have often said that I am the strongest supporter of the VA and, because of that, I will be the strongest critic.

This is an important and critical step in ensuring proper use of resources, making sure we reduce fraud, waste, and abuse;