I want to thank Chairman Arrington and Ranking Member O'Rourke for addressing this important bill at today's hearing.

We thank Rep. Brad Wenstrup for identifying the need for extending this program, and strongly support this bill.

Chairman Roe and Secretary Shulkin noted that VA's budget has increased by 175 percent since 2006.

This Committee, led by Chairman Roe, has been working hard hand-in-hand with our veterans' service organization partners.

It is a budget request that is robust, and it is one that continues this Nation's long tradition of investing in our veterans.

I appreciate that.

We talked about provider shortage and the challenges that we face, and it's not just in the VA.

We have people that, many people have gotten their medical education through the military, and they serve in the military.

We will have only one panel of witnesses and only those invited to testify will be permitted to speak.

I look forward to working with all of you in that regard, not only here in Puerto Rico, but across the United States of America.

I'm Congressman Brad Wenstrup and I represent Ohio's Second Congressional District and I'm honored to serve as the Chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on health.