"If at the end of the day we determine we have a system that cannot do that, then we have to decide whether we change the system to accommodate it, or, in fact, we may find that we can do this and incorporate it in the same system."
"For the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our Nation, they deserve a system that meets their needs without hassles or delays."
"I was serious months ago when I suggested to the service organizations, let's start with a blank sheet of paper."
"I think it is absolutely essential that you tell us whether the next step are congressional steps, the next steps are VA steps, the next step is to stimulate the national debate."
"Thank you for convening this hearing before the National Parks Subcommittee."
"But, in fact, this new grant program would be inconsistent with what I think the original intent was of the legislation."
"There would be a great inconsistency in us offering preservation or maintenance dollars to some and not all."
"There was a tremendous lack of confidence as to whether the Federal Government would do anything other than stand by and watch these historic landmarks disintegrate and deteriorate."
"Let me, if I could, recap what the bill does. It creates a 3-year pilot program."
"I value the Michigan lighthouses, value the North Carolina lighthouses. I have a real problem anytime we look back at things that we did and forget the reasons that we did them."
"I think you and I totally agree with that, and the likelihood is that as they prioritize the needs in that local community, lighthouses are going to be on that second half of that list."