Not being included in this ESA working group puts up unnecessary partisanship where it doesn't need to be.

We need to make sure there are not onerous burdens put on land owners. But we also have to ask the question; do we wish to have biodiversity and protection of species and to what extent?

I am appreciative of your service. I am appreciative of the Chairman and the Ranking Member for not giving an inch on this issue.

Ending the disability claims backlog is of the utmost importance to veterans and their families.

If we can put a man on the moon, we can certainly ensure that veterans receive the benefits they've earned in a timely fashion.

If we are to be successful we must work together to achieve a claims system that lives up to the service and sacrifices of our veterans.

We can't allow these challenges to prevent us from delivering timely care and benefits to our returning servicemembers.

Your legislation simply authorizes them to be honored as 'veterans of the Armed Forces' but prohibits the award of any new benefit.

I would like to know a name of which person in the VA was indifferent because I think to paint with a broad brush the number of people at VA that are out there doing a good job.

I wish the distinguished Whip would have waited for answers today, and I do bristle a bit at the idea of indifference.

I would kind of like to hear what you think.