Is it alarming to you that American companies would choose not to seek American approval for breakthroughs that they have?

I'm very concerned about the strength of the U.S. industry, the ability of American companies to deliver the products, drugs and devices that the American people need.

Tell me why we should reauthorize user fees for pharmaceuticals and devices when, in the case of devices, the length of time has gone up since we instituted user fees?

This committee, as well as one in the House, has the policy responsibilities for the Food and Drug Administration.

If we don't have measurement tools to determine whether a fee system produces a better outcome, then I'm not sure why we would sign off on it as policymakers.

As I have said before, early intervention offers the best hope for improvement and recovery from PTSD, depression, and substance-abuse disorders.

Trust me, if you look at the last 9 years in the VA, if increasing funding solved the problems, this would be the model of government.

You have given us a number of avenues to look at from the standpoint of this Committee, and I am grateful to you for that.

I can assure all that when you have the opportunity to live to the age of 90, you have not been cheated relative to the length of time on this earth, and my dad was certainly blessed and is blessed today.

If you only take one thing away from this, please understand it does not work.

The only assured way that we can make sure that we minimize the number of people that call that line is to make sure that, in fact, the service we provide is effective.

VA must transform at every level to ensure every employee is committed to the notion of keeping veterans engaged in treatment.