Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 114, which will continue funding the Choice Program, an important reform to make sure that our veterans have access to quality care. For too long, our veterans, Mr. Speaker, have been trapped in a system that has failed them. They are in a single-payer system. We put them in a system that the Members of Congress wouldn't sign up for. For years, we haven't give them the same choice that we have given Medicaid patients and Medicare patients. The Choice Program isn't just common sense, it is common decency. We have asked these men and women to serve and to sacrifice for our freedom. They deserve the very best care. The only way they are going to get the best care is to have choice when they have geographic challenges or are waiting in line. We have all read the reports about how our veterans have waited in line, have gotten sicker, and some even died. It is unconscionable and unacceptable. I am so grateful that, in an institution that has a reputation of gridlock and dysfunction, we have a committee with leaders like Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz who will come together and put America first. So I am heartened by this and I applaud their leadership. I support this continuation of funding and the improved access to care for our heroes. I thank the chairman for the privilege of serving under the leadership of his committee.”