This is critical because VA programs cannot help improve the lives of veterans if veterans do not know about them.

No veteran should ever have his access to DVA services blocked because of geography. Just as it did not matter where my hometown was when I enlisted, where I live now should not prevent me from getting the DVA services that I need and…

In order to become a 21st Century organization, DVA will have to change some past methods used to communicate with other government agencies, the Congress, the media, and most importantly, our veterans.

I have the highest percentage increase of retired military in my State of any State in the country.

I am grateful that President Obama has put his faith in Major Duckworth's candidacy.

I believe that you will find GEN Shinseki to be exactly the kind of tough, innovative and insightful Secretary that the Department of Veterans Affairs needs at this extremely critical time.

We have a lot of good people and a lot of good ideas, but we consistently try to stuff it into the old framework of something that is antiquated and has proven time and time again will not allow innovation and creativity because it has no…

You have a huge challenge, and I think you will find all Members of this Committee more than willing to help remove any impediments that you might find because I believe the solution is in an architecture that we have yet to create.

The position you seek is one of the most important roles in ensuring that veterans and their families are being well served by the VA.

I commend you for understanding that and encourage you not to back off from any attempts to begin to change it.

I feel extremely confident that we are the most fortunate at VA to have four incredibly qualified and passionate individuals chosen to be at the VA.