I appreciate Rep. Kiggans' focus, and the rest of this Panel on getting after this.

I wanted to just note some things from the guidance talked about expanding full practice authority for CRNAs.

It is of the utmost importance that the VA reconsider their exclusion of CRNA's from their 2016 rule on the APRNs.

I think there is some room for improvement.

If you do not live in a community where you have access to more jobs, apartments, all the things, even healthcare access, VA care, it is just very different.

We need them now because we are not providing the care to our veterans especially in those rural health settings again.

I think you can do it in this instance, too.

Why are they left out of the equation?

Is that being done in some of our other care organizations? That the rest of you guys just not leaving out that medication component.

Starting, owning, and operating a small business, much like serving our country, requires hard work, determination, and sacrifice.

Veterans who serve our country and are injured in the line of duty face tightened challenges during the already difficult transition from active duty service to civilian life.

Small businesses, as we know, are the cornerstone of the American economy.

I know that with some other controlled substances, the VA does a great job with things like drug contracts...

Will you be doing randomized drug screenings?

I hear you, and I can appreciate those things.

The culture of accountability also cannot exist if VA employees are not empowered to speak out when they see this harm and harassment.

My bill seeks to increase transparency and centralize this useful information for veterans.

One of President Trump's great accomplishments was to improve the VA to ensure our veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve.

The whistleblowers who contacted my office showed immense bravery, and their efforts will lead to better care for thousands of veterans in Montana.

A culture of accountability cannot exist at the VA if their leadership continues to tolerate employees that harm veterans.

We are all here to ensure VA whistleblowers are protected and to ensure every veteran receives the quality care and benefits they have earned.

Whistleblowers play a vital role in detecting and preventing corruption. They have saved our government millions of dollars by uncovering malfeasance and wrongdoing.

The GI Bill has been life changing for millions of our Nation's former service members.

By providing this additional information, my Bill allows those seeking to use their GI Bill benefits to obtain education to make the most informed choice possible.

I look forward to working with this committee to ensuring that structures are in place to achieve this worthy goal.