Jon Runyan

However, we can't simply apply the principle of one-size-fits-all approach to the claims.

The men and women that we are discussing today fought on behalf of our Nation and they should receive the same benefit of the doubt that U.S. servicemembers receive when they are asking for benefits that they earned.

Any impediments to veterans who might show clear and irrefutable evidence that they should be granted benefits, should be considered.

I am convinced that change is neither desired, nor sought, by complacent management in Philadelphia.

Continued claims of 'misunderstanding' are simply not believable--even if they were, it would show such a level of gross incompetence that disciplinary action would be necessary.

There is no doubt about it, if there was not a veteran, there would not be a VA.

From where I have--where I come from and the way I was brought up, stepping up and saying you were wrong is the first step to fixing it.

Intimidation or retaliation, not just against whistleblowers but against any employee who raises their hand to identify a problem, is absolutely unacceptable.

We have got to remember that these numbers represent real veterans, real people, and so let us look at that from that standpoint.

You don't want to rob Peter to pay Paul, or fix one problem by creating another.

I thank the gentleman for his comments on that. And I will just tell the committee that I have had many conversations with the Air Force about this exact issue, and to be able to take a capability away from what we can do in our global…

I thank the gentleman for those kind words, and I reserve the balance of my time.

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk read as follows: At the end of the bill (before the short title) insert the following: Sec. __. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk read as follows: Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced by $6,000,000)''. Page 29, line 7, after the dollar amount…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk read as follows: At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the following new section: Sec. 417. None of the funds made available…

The incompetence of Congress to be able to address that issue is going to create a massive issue.

One of the biggest national security threats is our debt.

This country owes an enormous debt of gratitude to those who have served and sacrificed and it is right and just to adequately provide for their on-going needs.

It is our belief the VA's attempt at this implementation is not in the best interest of the veteran.

But what the Committee is hearing from the IG is that a regional officer repeatedly failing to comply with the policies that are in place... this is a complete failure.

This cost-neutral proposal would correct the current inequity between the treatment of active duty service members and veterans.

I thank the chairman. This would reduce overall claim development and processing time, resulting in the faster issuance of a final decision for the claim. I support H.R. 2189, as amended to include my provision, and encourage all Members…

On the anniversary of September 11th and every day, we must all appreciate and remember what America's veterans have done to secure our freedoms.

On the anniversary of September 11th, and every day, we must all appreciate and remember what American veterans have done to secure our freedoms.