My time has expired, but let me say once again I thank you and your staff for the process you are going through.

Today the Committee is holding another hearing on the state of health care within VA, specifically focusing on the final IG report released last month as it relates to Phoenix.

This town is full of commissions. As soon as we hear the word commission, we all start looking for who is hiding.

The boss of this operation is the veteran.

Since our last hearing on the state of VA health care, Congress has moved forward with historic legislation that will improve access to health care to veterans across the Nation, which was signed into law in August.

This legislation is a first step in providing veterans with the ability to choose where they receive care if VA is unable to provide care within a timely manner or if they live greater than 40 miles from a VA facility.

Culture change is difficult, but I think we can do it.

I stand today not to rehash with my colleagues the crisis that exists at the Veterans' Administration or to share it with the American people. They know the story, and especially our Nation's veterans, who have been given the runaround. I…

What the VA really needs is a transformative leader that can bring about true and lasting change.

I cannot believe that just throwing more money at the VA is the answer.

I personally believe that the VA needs competition.

My hope and my expectation, Mr. McDonald, is that you will not allow VA to ignore the signs of deep dysfunction at VBA, but will work to resolve any systemic problems immediately.