Jon Tester

But the truth is, we do. Otherwise, it will be unaffordable, and people will not use it.

I think communication is just going to be really, really important, and do not look at us as an enemy.

I think 60 days is appropriate, sir.

I do not want you to go head-hunting for management folks.

Well, the VA was ordered to rescind actions taken against employees who did not get the opportunity to improve through performance improvement plan.

I just want to know, based on your work on the Committee, have you found that wage grade 1 through 5 employees are generally the cause of institutional problems at the VA?

I mean, if there is anything we learned from Choice we pushed, it ended up being a train wreck.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I appreciate your leadership and I appreciate what you have done for veterans and this Committee.

I think that is our job to make sure that things are moving. We are here representing veterans because that is who we take our cues from too.

I do not know if I will say it will be a public flogging, but you will be held accountable.

If confirmed, will you require that political employees comply with any FOIA in a timely manner?

I have concerns about how the VA is communicating its plans to Congress for this modernization.

In Montana, there are 200 clinical vacancies. That is unacceptable.

The implementation of the rules established in standing up the Community Care Networks... I am troubled that these contracts are--the awards have been delayed.

We have done a plethora of things to improve the plight, the service, and everything we give to our veterans.

Senator Tester and I are going to work as hard as we can to see that happens.

We want to make good headlines. We want to confront every tragedy when it happens.

I think it is going to take time because it is a different population, quite frankly, with different challenges.

So, once again, would you commit to providing this Committee--and I do not think we have ever asked for this--with a focused outreach plan for Indian Country, for Native American communities specifically on Tribal lands in order to make…

I think it could make what is meant to be a good program truly a real good program for everybody.

I would ask that within the first 3 months of your confirmation if you would commit to providing this Committee with a review of the criteria of deployment of jobs for this Veterans State grant program.

Military spouses sacrifice right alongside servicemembers, and their ability to succeed in the workforce is a key component.

I will want your commitment to end veterans' homelessness by providing the necessary tools and resources.

Many veterans who reside in rural areas face the same challenges.