Jon Tester

S. 244, introduced by Senator Tester, would require an independent and comprehensive review of the process by which the Department of Veterans Affairs assesses cognitive impairments.

S. 244, Senator Tester's bill, we would strongly endorse that.

Do you think this would be helpful?

So, what are we doing? I mean, what, moving forward?

So, would it be fair to say that the VA protocol was inadequate?

I think there is a component to extend it to 10 years from 5, and I also think there is a component in it...

The Clear Plus Act (S. 927), introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester.

Oftentimes, we hear from tribes they are not sure what programs are available through the USDA or that they had a bad experience in the past, so they just say the heck with it and no longer bother to access those programs.

I want to commend them for the work they have done and continue to do for tribal communities.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing today to discuss the wide range of programs the USDA manages and how to ensure the tribal communities can better access these programs.

It does not do any good to train people to do theater set designs if there are no theaters, right?

I just want you to give me your top three.

When it comes to hope, there is not much of it.

The truth is, the real problem here is poverty.

If there is a kid that is put in the foster care system, where the hell is the oversight?

Montana must be in a different country, because our foster parents do not get paid enough money.

I honestly think we are being taken advantage of in a big, big way.

So, let me ask you about, since the Choice program has come in, we have got hospitals--not as many as we are going to have, by the way, when we pass the Veterans First Act and we get all this mess cleaned up--but we have got a lot of…

But is there not any way that you can put controls and demand accountability and make sure that if you want a product, they give you the product you want, and that every time you adapt that product a little bit to make it meet the needs of…

I would own that county and six or eight more if I had all the money just that VA spent on IT.

I want to thank you all for being here today.

Amen. That is right. That is correct. I could not agree with you more.

Do you believe that consolidation in the banking industry, in particular as it applies to--well, across the board, does not matter--is not a good thing? And do you think that the regulatory issues have contributed to the consolidation?

I am continually concerned about community banks and the level regulation to match the risk that they pose to the economy and to their depositors and borrowers.

I think simplification is important.