Brad Wenstrup

I think it is clear that we need to assure that the IT systems need to have the attention from VA senior leaders and that they need to be a priority for the department in general.

If you ever feel that you need our backing to suggest a study, and I don't mean on a punitive way towards anything you are doing, but in a positive way to make sure we are protecting our veterans, I would be glad to stand with you on that.

I hope so too, obviously. And I just hope it is not based on little interest by our veterans or an access issue.

I would suggest that hopefully this was a one-time anomaly, because much of the claims backlog is down, and so I don't anticipate this happening again.

I remain concerned that improving and finishing the LTS is still not a priority for the department and its senior leaders.

The timely and accurate adjudication of the myriad of benefits that VA provides to veterans and their dependents is critical to their economic success.

This committee has moved my legislation that would provide an additional $30 million to finish the LTS once and for all.

I think in a short time we really learned a lot and we got a lot of good information.

VR&E counselors are still experiencing high caseloads, yet more counselors aren't being requested by this administration to alleviate these weighing numbers.

I have said before that I do have some concerns with these master's-level counselors being at each VSOC location.

I serve on the board of health in Cincinnati, Ohio, and I am very familiar with FQHCs. I might say that FQHCs provide services, expansive services, not only to women, but men and children as well. My wife and I are currently in the process…

I think it is time for the VA to do the same.

This bipartisan legislation which is currently cosponsored by every doctor on the VA Committee and the ranking member of this subcommittee would increase access to care for our veterans by changing outdated standards to move VA podiatrists…

However, despite the increase in caseload numbers, it is concerning that for the second year in a row, the President's budget has flatlined counselors and resources for this critical program.

This program is more than just a benefits program. It is also a vital first step for disabled veterans to become more financially independent.

I agree with those that have said that the VR&E program should be the crown jewel of benefits provided to veterans through the Veterans Benefit Administration.

The best doggone readjustment program we can offer any veteran of OIF/OEF or future conflicts is meaningful work at a living wage.

Once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, H.R. 91, as amended. I yield back the balance of my time.

At this time, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Once again, I encourage all Members to support my bill, H.R. 474. I have no further speakers at this time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

I would respectfully call on my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to promote transparency and accountability where it is greatly needed.

Well, I appreciate your response. It just seems to me if you are convicted of a felony relating to your job performance then you should not be subsequently rewarded.

Publicly stating that we will not use ground troops is a good idea because--

I think that is the message the world should hear.

The almost $15 billion a year we spend on Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is protected for future generations to come.