Is it necessary for the VA to rush helter-skelter into a questionable expenditure of capacity?

Let me just say that I am not necessarily sold on the fact that the VA can produce the benefit, can deliver the service cheaper than the private sector has been able to deliver it but I look forward to you helping me with that.

We are trying very hard to run this Committee in a bipartisan way because I have no doubt that my Republican colleagues absolutely feel as strongly as my Democratic colleagues and I do on the issue of veterans.

When men and women volunteer to serve in the Armed Forces, they should do so knowing Congress will do all it can to support their efforts.

I appreciate the Committee's time and effort regarding the Federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe.

Our hope is to structurally put some accountability into the system.

We know sexual assault occurs all too often in the military. Everybody here is aware of that. That is not acceptable.

Well, there was an effort, there was an effort to start to roll out the national VA system, right?

Turning briefly to VA health care legislation, we support your bill, Senator Burr.

I am not necessarily sold on the fact that the VA can produce the benefit, can deliver the service cheaper than the private sector has been able to deliver it.

It strikes me as a little bit disingenuous that there would be pilot programs, an effort to set up a national structure.

Well, it is crucial that we get this bill passed, and I think my colleagues understand that.