On the recordJanuary 6, 2016
Just to respond briefly, we have heard a lot about clearing the underbrush and about scrubbing the regulations. But the reality is, if this legislation passes, there will be certain implications; and it will, in fact, require the VA, who is in the midst of major reform, to not move forward on its regulations that are intended to improve the lives of our veterans until they find another regulation to repeal that someone has determined is of equal cost. So the reality is that it will delay implementation of these improvements. We can describe it as clearing the underbrush and scrubbing, but what it will mean for America's veterans in many instances is that they will be denied the quality care that they deserve and that they have earned in the defense of our country. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment that will carve out the Department of Veterans Affairs, the agency charged with honoring the service of our veterans, and ensure that the improvements that are underway and that we are all demanding will not be delayed because of the SCRUB Act. I yield back the balance of my time.
