Richard Burr

For-profit institutions are under the crosshairs of the sniper's rifle in Washington right now.

I joined several of my colleagues in introducing the Veterans Employment Transition Act of 2011, which would provide tax incentives to employers to hire veterans.

We should start by figuring out which programs are working well and which are not.

I certainly agree with you. Both urge OMB to get that out as quickly as they can.

Parks are an important part of our national treasure.

I very much look forward to another productive year in this subcommittee with you.

I'm interested in the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

If this plan's so good, why are so many people asking for waivers?

I, for one, believe that it's the responsibility of those of us who serve here to consider the consumer impact of all the rulemaking.

There's got to be some consideration, not just consultation... as to how quickly an industry can make a transition.

I believe that they are all multi-talented and passionate about the job that they do.

I just introduced a bill yesterday that...provides for any veteran that sends in an application, a claim that has all the documentation they need, that they get an additional year's worth of benefits.

It is going to be vitally important that the decisions that are made at the VA do not lose focus on what the VA mission is and that is to provide the care that our veterans were promised.

I would implore all of you go back to the table. Read the bill again.

I also want to welcome back the Committee's Ranking Minority Member, Richard Burr.

It was Ted Wade and Sarah Wade that I think played the biggest part in the creation of the Caregiver Act.

My fear is that it would address even further the concern that Dr. Hooker has on the clinical side and eventually we find ourselves not talking about disability claims, we find ourselves talking about things we discussed two decades ago.

Reduce Federal travel, printing, and vehicle budgets.

Our mission goes back to President Lincoln's admonition to care for those who have borne the battle and for their spouses and orphans.

Last week, I sat down with veterans from across my home state and heard from the very men and women whose lives this budget will touch.

I do congratulate you on not only your leading the Committee but your fine work in the United States and for the American people.

I am also concerned that VA may not have adequately addressed the need for sufficient resources for administering GI Bill education benefits.

I am encouraged to see that the Administration has increased funding for homeless programs and am hopeful that we will continue to see significant effort to reduce the number of homeless veterans.

I would also note that I am as committed today, as I was during my early years on the VA Committee, to the belief that the Government can be fiscally responsible while still fulfilling its commitments to the most deserving among us.

To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.