Stephanie Herseth Sandlin: “The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program should be the 'crown jewel' of VA benefits.”

I am opposed to the ACES bill as it currently stands. It is incomplete and imperfect.

I strongly believe that forests must be fully recognized in any energy and climate change legislation for the essential role they play in reducing carbon emissions and in generating renewable energy.

I do want to point out, though, and I respect where Mr. Inslee is coming from, but the line of questioning I felt with Mr. Rehberg assumes that climate change alone is the only factor contributing to this problem.

Given such success, I hope the VA and this Committee will strongly consider ways to expand this program's reach so more communities can benefit as Rapid City has.