I do think it is admirable that there is going to be a connection to whether these things are followed through with.

I urge VA to implement this system and to develop an automated inventory control system that is compatible with the unique identifiers.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for your continued care of our Nation's veterans and willingness to make sure we do our job of oversight.

With the hard-earned experience of two major wars during the last 12 years, Americans have developed a renewed understanding of the need to support our service members in battle and throughout their active-duty service.

All they expect is that, in return for their service, our nation keeps its promises to them.

This is unacceptable, and VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, a retired U.S. Army General who has dedicated his life to military service and taking care of our brave warriors, agrees.

We believe there are common sense measures Congress can undertake to bolster the VA's efforts to ensure our veterans are getting the care they need in a more-timely manner.

Congress needs to do more to bolster the VA's current efforts to modernize its operations.

We, along with Senator Franken, have introduced bipartisan measures in both the House and Senate that will remove several hurdles to getting claims processed quickly.

The Quicker Benefits Delivery Act provides substantial, innovative, results-oriented measures that work to bolster the VA's current efforts.

It is important to remember our Veterans, as our nation moves past over a decade of war.