Dean Heller

I am not going to support policies that hurt veterans.

I want to talk about the budget for just a minute, if I may; specifically, I want to talk about the individual unemployability (IU) cuts.

I think is important, is to make certain that every single American has access to the coverage that they need.

If the AHCA in its current form, what came out of the House, were to pass, then it would put a $250-million annual hole in Nevada's budget.

I just want to make sure that Nevada stays in the forefront of this particular issue when it comes to commercial use.

One of the reasons I think that we need the extension is the ability to conduct these tests beyond the line of sight.

Unfortunately, it's my opinion that the previous administration did not--their FAA did not utilize the test sites to the best of their capabilities.

I think our state is a perfect place for commercial testing, and I think it's proven so.

I want to talk to you about one more issue, and that is mortgage debt relief.

With the blueprint in discussions that we have had, everything is on the table, including the removal of those deductions.

I am an all-of-the-above energy guy--and these alternative energies like solar, geothermal, and wind have huge potential in the State of Nevada as far as job creation.

The House Republican tax reform blueprint includes a 20-percent BAT tax.

The choice out in Ely, and other rural small towns in Nevada, is you either have to drive to Reno, which is 300 miles one way, or you have to drive to Salt Lake, which is 300 miles the other way.

I want to commend you for the commitment of getting to view all these bills and, frankly, for doing it on a bipartisan basis.

What would be a timeframe that you could get back to me on this?

We do not want to see veterans getting turned away from any facility just because they have dependents with them.

Can you tell me why you think veterans currently dislike the Choice program?

It is so important that we get the VA the tools that they need to get rid of bad employees, and anyone who has wronged a veteran should not get to stay on administrative leave for months on end.

I am proud to have worked on both of these bipartisan bills with Senator Murray.

So, tell me, what it is going to take to change problems like this in the system?

We have another veteran in Reno who had an authorization for surgery that was later revoked by the VA, leaving him with a $17,000 bill.

I just want to make sure we are not talking in October.

The VA needs to improve access to doctors that can meet their gender-specific health needs and ensure their policies on safety and privacy for women veterans are properly carried out in all VA facilities.

Let me tell you why I'm asking that question.

But it's choice with a cost. It's choice with a cost.