Richard Burr

I have deep respect for what you do. This is not an issue that popped up yesterday.

So let me just ask real quick as it relates to severe Traumatic Brain Injuries and the need to get access to aid and attendance benefits, if they need them.

Senator Burr's bill, Military Spouses Residency Relief Act.

It is way too complicated, way too difficult, and it does not reimburse the individuals adequately.

Mr. Hipolit, would you agree with the Disability Commission that aid and attendance benefits currently do not focus on those individuals with cognitive impairments?

We've now had several commissions over 50 years talking about the need to reform our disability compensation.

As Ranking Member Burr pointed out, we need to continue to examine the Rating Schedule.

We have made a long-term strategic blunder if we do that.

We can be smart enough and bold enough to say it has got to be different in the future.

The current situation has left many military spouses feeling they are perceived as excess baggage.

Mr. Chairman--I thank the Chairman and I would ask unanimous consent that my statement be part of the record.

There's a human face behind every one of these issues.

I was just as frank with the last Administration as I will be with this one, and I'll do it as long as the Administration fights.

The profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of servicemembers . . . and to the security of our Nation.

So, VA would be aware of veterans who appear to need those benefits but do not currently qualify?

It shocks me to look back over the 50 years and see the similarities of every Commission that came out and the incredible predictability of the bureaucracy in Washington to say, well, you know what? It doesn't need to change.

Dental coverage has long been a gap in the benefits offered to veterans.

Although even the NRA stated that the Joshua Omvig bill would have no impact on gun rights, critical sections of the Suicide Prevention Act were watered down.

This needs to be reversed. It does.

I think that when you have a population that entrusts you with the issues that are of great importance to them, when you have one that I think is a constitutional question, I think you have to go above and beyond to sell to the members why…

I can think of no higher calling in law or policy than the care, rehabilitation, and well-being of wounded warriors.

I think it is--those that have met Eric understand the challenges he has gone through.

I hope you understand, these are significant things that we need to know the numbers on if, in fact, we suggest--and I think your testimony suggests that the way the VA currently has it structured is working.

Is there a significant difference between the word 'may' and 'shall' from a legal standpoint?

The Department of Justice administers the Brady Bill.