Beto O'Rourke

I think there does have to be some accountability.

I think it is just, you know, success, will we get more success in that, but we have got to take these steps.

I think it has been a failure by all accounts.

I would argue that maybe we should stop digging until we have an answer on this and a budget set forward.

So you were trying to get to 60 percent, you hit 47 percent.

I would like to know what the goal is for both of these measures for the next fiscal year, and I would like to know what the budget is for transitioning from a paper-based system to a digital system for the case management system.

If we have challenges with ratios, with training, with outcomes, and we want to be able to shift resources where they are most effective...

I think they would just be beside themselves. I think they would just be incensed with the waste and the mismanagement.

Every day that goes by without those positions being hired is another day that we fail to see veterans honor the commitment they have made with the care that they need, that they deserve, and that they have earned.

H.R. 1506, sponsored by Congressman O'Rourke, would address VA's longstanding recruitment and retention challenges.

I think we have got to go, you know, within the bounds of reason and medicine and science as quickly as we can to making sure that doctors can prescribe what they think is in the best interest of their patients, including cannabis or…

I love what the Chairman is doing on the Family Caregiver Program, but I want to make sure, as one of the panelists said, that this is just a first step, it doesn't get us to where we are.

How screwed up is that?

I think this is a grave mistake on the part of this country.

We have not talked about the threat that the country of Mexico poses to us.

I think this is a gross waste of taxpayer resources.

When the President of the United States says, 'These missiles will be coming,' that sounds to me and to the rest of the world like a decision.

The President also announced recently that--these are his words--'We are sending the United States military to secure our border with Mexico.'

I would love to work with his office and you and see if we can't resolve those concerns

I look forward to learning more about these bills and working together with you and other Members of the Committee to see how we can improve the care and services that we provide to those who have served this country.

This bill proposes requiring schools that accept VA education dollars to adopt veteran-friendly policies.

Mr. O'Rourke. Let me ask you one more question. Mr. Poe's legislation to assist those veterans who are living in places like Houston who are still trying to obtain their earned education benefit, despite living through a natural disaster…

I don't understand that, Mr. Ranking Member, and I am going to send a letter and follow up.

Mr. O'Rourke. Could we open it to all 5, and your concern would be eliminated?

Mr. O'Rourke. And just since we have everyone at the same table, the question brought up about Ashford College, by Mr. Hubbard, anything you can say about that?