Political Quotes

“I know the gentleman and others are disappointed that we did not provide the full administration request for major construction, but we felt that it was more important to provide necessary health services for veterans than to add to the poorly managed major construction account. This amendment, I believe, proves the wisdom of our choice. To provide enough money for the French Camp project Mr. McNerney is interested in, we would have to gut the VA IT program, which is already $195 million below the request. I don't think many Members would be willing to accept the cuts that would need to be made to the electronic medical records system or the paperless disability claims processing system. We can't afford to sacrifice the good of the many veterans to accommodate a local or parochial project construction request. I understand the gentleman's concern and frustration, but I do believe that this request would do a lot of damage to the IT program and affect a lot of things that all of us are deeply concerned about in terms of an A-rated health record, EMR, and other important disability issues. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney). The amendment was rejected. Amendment Offered by Mr. Gosar”