it is probably the most important thing that this Committee is really interested in

In South Dakota, we continue to hear that timely provider payment under the Choice Program is a continuing issue.

I have heard that in my State VHA has made the conscious decision to shift certain health care services over to the Choice Program.

I hope you will address that in your remarks. That is something we have talked about many times, have not done, and it is something we rightfully need to do.

I do not believe we will, by the time IOT&E starts, get anywhere near 80 percent.

I ask unanimous consent to be allowed to speak as in morning business for up to 10 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Bill

I rise to voice my opposition to an upcoming cloture vote on the conference report for the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, commonly known as the Customs conference report. This vote is expected tomorrow. While I am supportive…

The key components are thinking how we look to the programs of the past, both those that had done poorly and those that had done well.

I think it is important for the Board to do a thorough cost-benefit analysis before it creates any new red tape.

Governments cannot run the hospital. I agree with that. Tribes can't, Federal Government can't, you guys can't. It's a proven fact.

We have a serious breakdown in communication or somebody is not telling the truth.

For too long, the Federal Government has failed to live up to its promise and its trust responsibility to provide adequate care for the Native American community.

Thank you, Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Tester, and members of the Committee for allowing me as a non-member of the Committee to give a very brief statement.

What has to be acknowledged is that CMS findings indicate people's lives are in jeopardy. This is unacceptable.

The health care crisis within the Indian Health Care Service needs to be resolved.

conservation easements are an important tool when we talk about rural America. They are used on a regular basis, but whenever entering into a conservation easement with the government, farmers, ranchers, and landowners should be made aware…

I call up my amendment No. 3182, as modified. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from South Dakota [Mr. Rounds] proposes an amendment numbered 3182, as modified, to amendment…

I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of Paul Kinsman. Paul was born in Watertown, SD, on September 7, 1958, and died in Pierre, SD, on January 10, 2016, at the young age of 57. Paul was a lifelong South Dakotan and a dedicated…

I ask unanimous consent to be allowed to speak as in morning business for up to 7 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Remembering Paul Kinsman

I think back about the goals that you have got here and the layout that you have put together with regard to the MyVA.

I hope that one area that we are successful in is actually integrating and getting a system in place so that the veterans, regardless of whether they are in rural areas or urban areas, they can use the health care facilities that are…

The hope is that we will get more owners, landowners to actually agree to conservation easements in the future if it doesn't have to be one size fits all of a permanent easement only.

I would like to just say thank you to you and to Senator Sullivan for the work that you have done on this bill so far.

What this says is that all of the options available, not just permanent easement options, but intermediate easement options, should also be considered.

Recognizing that there is a difference between the benefits provided for active duty versus post-active duty, is there any explanation made or a heads up given in terms of the differences in the expectations for those individuals leaving…