I am concerned that the VA is not requesting adequate funding for medical research programs, and in particular the research around pain management and use of opioids to bring down the use of opioids in the system so that we don't continue…

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 2372, the VETERAN Act. However, before I speak about this bill, I would like to take a moment to thank my colleagues, General Bergman and Dr. Wenstrup, both colleagues of ours on the very bipartisan…

I mean, that is 18 communities in my state that I would rather protect.

If we have bipartisan support on this Committee that we support these projects and want to go forward, how many communities are going to be put at risk when your funding is cut or you don't have sufficient funding?

I mean, this is serious and we need to take care of this. And meanwhile the budget that comes forward is cut. I don't understand how we are going to protect our constituents.

I am definitely concerned about flooding, and I am particularly concerned about the budget cuts that are coming down from the White House.

We have had loss of life from floods. We have had tremendous damage to property. We have had whole towns washed away.

I hope you will use your clout with the Appropriations Committee to get the funding we need.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our panel for being with us.

I have been very involved with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in a task force to combat the heroin epidemic.

I just feel optimism from this hearing, which is a rare feeling in this panel.