Richard Burr

I think a process that takes that long is indefensible. Our veterans and their families deserve better.

I happen to believe, as you know, that the disability system needs to be, for the lack of a better word, updated to reflect where we are and the new ways that we have got to think in the future.

If confirmed, do I have your assurance that you will be proactive in notifying the Committee, both sides of the aisle, on any issues that deal with the Veterans Administration?

I really do believe that the vision that Secretary Shinseki and the President have articulated for the VA is one that can be effective and realistic.

I have seen some of the best try and only attain marginal success.

I know this is a priority for President Obama and Secretary Shinseki and I commend Dr. Petzel for his recognition of the importance of expanding VA access to Priority 8 veterans.

I believe that the best accomplishment I could enjoy is to have the transformation initiative that is coordinated out of the Office of Policy and Planning trickle through in the best possible way.

Would you agree that homelessness and chronic homelessness suggest a breakdown in our ability to deliver the wraparound care out of the Veterans Administration that we should?

If we are going to eliminate homelessness, a major effort needs to go toward preventing homelessness.

We are a nation at war, nearly the longest the United States of America has ever been engaged in.

Would it be your intention to foster a collaborative relationship between the VA and Congress?

If confirmed, do you pledge to ensure that my staff and I will be provided the requested information to the fullest extent permitted by law without hassle and delays?

I think your experience and record may uniquely position you as the right person for this job.

I would ask you, upon your confirmation, would you make a special effort to review the status of that review?

How important do you believe a free flow of information is between the agency and Congress?

VA has more tools and resources than ever before to end homelessness for our Nation's veterans.

I told you that I believed what VHA needs is a leader who will shake things up, one who is bold.

If confirmed, how would you ask your staff to prioritize requests from various Members? Would it depend at all on whether the request is from the majority or minority?

I do believe that there is a willingness on both sides, at DOD and at VA, spearheaded by General Shinseki, to make this work.

If a year from now we have got the same percentage number of cases that have not been referred and they exceed the statutory 60-day limit, what question should I ask of you then?

As Ranking Member, I do have some responsibilities to Members on this side of the aisle to actively do oversight.

In my view, this will help prevent USERRA violations from occurring in the first place.

Mr. Jefferson spent almost 3 years in North Carolina on different stints so I claim ownership of him.

I do have some concerns about whether VA is living up to President Obama's vision of, 'an unprecedented level of openness in government.'

Today's veterans expect this of us. They want a VA that is forward looking, innovative, and responsive.