It shocks me to some degree, as much as the Chairman has been focused on homelessness and the stated commitment of the Secretary and the VA that we seem to be ignorant of the successes that exist in communities all across the country.

I think it gets to some degree as to what the IG's report identified.

I think to some degree that is reinforced by what the IG's report came out with.

Although the Department's Enhanced Use Lease authority has expired, VA is prepared to work with Congress.

I want to highlight the progress that we have made. There were deficiencies in our structure as to how I think we attacked the homelessness problem within the VA.

I would like to be recognized. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina.

I thank the majority leader for his leadership on an amendment to the Transportation bill, the Menendez- Reid-Burr amendment. For short title purposes, it is called the NAT GAS bill. This is not a new bill. It is not a difficult bill to…

I ask unanimous consent to speak in morning business for up to 40 minutes. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

My question was simple, Mr. Secretary. At what point will we determine whether what we have implemented is working?

I think we are all committed not just in the veterans population but in the active-duty force to make sure that wherever these pressure points are that we find a way to relieve them long before we reach a suicidal end.

It is alarming to me. I am hopeful that the IT thing will be the solution.

I continue to believe that it is important that we provide adequate funding so that veterans of all generations will be able to receive the benefits and services they have earned and deserved without hassles or delays.