Dean Heller

I expect the new VA Secretary to restore accountability and integrity to this organization.

Are you willing to make leadership changes where they are necessary?

I look forward--thank you, by the way, for the discussion we had in my office.

The claims backlog is one of my top priorities on this Committee because Nevada's veterans continue to have one of the worst waits in the Nation.

Do you feel Delphi shoulders any responsibility for the 13 deaths?

How do we know that you'll be independent in this case and be accountable to the victims?

You said that you're going to compensate all innocent victims.

I will tell you, even for the most experienced drivers, there is nothing more terrifying than a loss of power while moving at high speeds.

Nevadans and all Americans deserve to know that for over a decade General Motors and Delphi failed to demonstrate a basic level of corporate competence.

Today, based on the findings of the Valukas Report, we can confirm that this is, in fact, one of the darkest chapters in the history of General Motors.

I think transparency is important.

Isn't a loss a loss?

I respectfully request the VA provide a timeline for approving this clinic's construction so that the facility can break ground before Fall 2014.

I think it would go a long way so that we do not, in 5 years, have a 10-day improvement.

I am frustrated for every veteran in the State of Nevada that truly needs the help, the benefits, and the health care that they deserve.

That's not going to be the case anymore, and I expect the nominee for VA Secretary to prove to this Committee that he will bring a dedicated and unrelenting approach to fixing this broken agency.

I just want to make sure there is not a--we don't miss the follow-up.

I think this legislation does address some of those problems.

I appreciate your opening statement, your openness and concern for openness. I think that is important.

Pahrump Veterans have waited too long for this clinic to be built, and I would like to see the VA break ground on this facility before the fall so construction can begin and Pahrump Veterans can finally receive the care they waited for.

It is also important that the Conference Committee works quickly to reach an agreement so Congress can pass a bill to help Veterans get the care they need immediately.

Thank you very much.

Do you think we can get an answer perhaps by this fall or something to...

I have been harping on this for 5 years, and they are making slow progress.

The VBA continues to struggle to eliminate the veterans' disability claims backlog as it operates under a 1940s system in the 21st century.