Richard Burr: “I have a deep respect for my chairman and friend, Senator Akaka. I think the Senator has suggested that over the course…”

“I have a deep respect for my chairman and friend, Senator Akaka. I think the Senator has suggested that over the course of the last half year we have had some disagreements. I don't expect him to know everything that has been communicated to staff or that my staff communicated to his staff. The reality is that we are here today, and we each respect each other. We are both honored to serve in the Senate. We both have the same responsibility to the same people--and that is the American taxpayers--to make sure we are fiscally responsible but, more importantly, that we are prudent, that we prioritize things where they are needed the most. At noon today we will have a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S. 1315. For one, I have mixed feelings about where we are in the process. I share the frustrations of Chairman Akaka. The proud tradition of the Senate committee on Veterans' Affairs has been to write laws that improve benefits and services for our veterans. Those laws typically enjoy bipartisan support. As a result, the committee's bills have almost always passed by unanimous consent.”