Brad Wenstrup: “Mr, Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Representative Meng's…”

“Mr, Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Representative Meng's amendment, which would stipulate that the annual determination of Veterans Health Administration staffing shortages must include at least five clinical occupations and five nonclinical occupations within each VA medical center. This amendment rightfully recognizes that some VA medical centers may have staffing challenges that extend beyond just 10 occupations and provides sufficient flexibility for this reporting requirement--which triggers the VA's direct hiring authority--to accommodate that by reporting more than five clinical and five nonclinical occupations, as needed. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment. I thank Representative Meng for submitting it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”