This inherent unfairness about people who need these services, but are not allowed because of an arbitrary date.

Well, now we're not only having an arbitrary date, but now we're having an arbitrary number of issues that you might have.

I have dedicated the past five years of my life. We have a bipartisan task force with 105 Members, Republicans and Democrats, trying to tackle the opioid epidemic all across our country.

A bill to improve fentanyl testing and surveillance authored by Representative Ann Kuster addresses this threat.

I also support the pilot program authorized in this bill which would allow point-of-use testing that could save lives.

Unfortunately the President's budget is not encouraging.

Thank you very much. And thank you to my colleague for the shout out about academic affiliates.

I was very pleased to hear your testimony about the VA research on the opioid epidemic, and I think it is very promising.

I urge my colleagues to heed the lesson and deny VA's proposed consolidation of the medical services account and the community care account.

I want to join my colleagues in thanking you, Mr. Dent, for your extraordinary service to our country.

I respectfully request that the subcommittee seriously examine leveraging innovative concepts to deliver veterans' health care, both economically and effectively.

I think you would find the committee to be much more attentive to these details at this point.