Would it be fair to say that the inflexibility that happens at the Federal level when you try to do a one-size-fits-all, would it have been manifested in 2011?

It applies, as written, to all officers and employees of the Federal Government.

OGE has a very strong outreach and transparency program, and we will continue that.

I believe that it is very important that the Office of Government Ethics provide solid, firm, independent advice.

I rise today to discuss the legislation before us, known as the VA MISSION Act of 2018--a significant change for the healthcare delivery system at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA MISSION Act passed the House of Representatives…

I certainly intend to do so. Yes, sir.

To the extent of my authority as Director, if confirmed, I will do so, just as I would with any other agency or department within the Executive branch.

I had originally intended to offer an amendment today that would address a significant issue facing my State and others.

It seems to me that a moratorium since 2007-2008 would seem to be inappropriate to me.

I will put a hold on it until I have time to find out all the truth.

I hope that this Administration is different than the last one when it comes to federalism and the attitude that the Federal Government should be controlling access to water.

to suggest that the Corps would restrict access to an entity up and down the river from getting access, getting a legal right-of-way to get to the water that they are entitled to seems to me to be a terrible overreach of federalism.

It is our bankers who keep our farmers in business. It is our bankers who keep our ranchers raising cattle and earning a living.

It seems to me that there is an attitude among many of our regulators that it would be simpler to regulate a lot fewer financial institutions than the number we have today.

What can you do to convince me that, once you are a member of the Federal Reserve, you will advocate in a way different than just the idea that we are going to appoint an advisory committee to make certain we do not have overreach?

I am one of the Senators up here that voted against the new MISSION Act, and I did it not because there were not some good ideas being brought forth in the new proposal, but rather because of some protections that were found within the…

The 30 days is unacceptable.

Thank you for your words to this Committee in which you make it very clear that you want to do right by our veterans.

first of all, let me offer my thanks to Senator Alexander and Senator Collins, and let me add my support for what Senator Graham has just indicated in terms of the importance of this particular amendment to the omnibus bill. Look, I am a…

I do not want to sit here in Washington, DC, and tell them what a great job the VA is doing when back home they are walking with their feet and going someplace else.

I think you are on the right track when you are trying to contract in advance with different organizations to provide those services for those veterans.

I appreciate Senator Sanders' concern with regard to the funding and where it goes.

I want the VA to be able to promote themselves as being a center of excellence for a lot of the services that veterans cannot get anyplace else.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 298. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk…

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the nomination with no intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the…