It is clear that when accountability slips at VA, it is the veteran who suffers.

At best, OAWP was a completely ineffective organization. At worst, it was a tool used to retaliate against the same whistleblowers it was tasked with protecting.

Spare parts inventories have been cut below critical levels, forcing delays in yard exits while ships wait for parts and skilled workers.

We have got extreme workforce challenges associated with AUKUS. Electric Boat plans to hire almost 20,000 workers over the next 10 years.

Over one-third of the Navy's 51 attack boats are in maintenance right now due to backlogs in repair in all four of the Navy's public shipyards.

I'm glad to hear the Commonwealth will continue to support the AUKUS agreement through the Navy's additive manufacturing Center of Excellence in Danville, Virginia.

Look, I empathize with the North Topsail Beach community. They are struggling with the consequences of climate change.

H.R. 4385, the Drought Preparedness Act, introduced by Mr. Neguse, it reauthorizes Reclamation's drought response program through 2028.

Removing parts of North Topsail Beach from the System would endanger residents and increase costs to taxpayers.

The BEACH Act furthers the mission of the 1982 Coastal Barrier Resources Act.

It is really since Biden took office. I am a person that likes to think of the problem and take 10 steps back.

It hurts my heart when I hear other Navy and military parents say I can't recommend this job to my kids for these reasons.

I think step one it would be great if we could just acknowledge that there is a problem at the border.

It is really an issue of national security, so thank you for continuing to just prioritize that and work on that issue.

Ultimately, as the chair of the oversight arm of this committee, it is my job to ensure that the VA is spending its procurement dollars wisely and in compliance with Made America laws.

I proudly represent Virginia's 2nd congressional district, home to a large veteran population and active duty military as well.

When did anyone at the VA first become aware that McKinsey also had opioid manufacturer clients?

We should be going above and beyond to give these heroes every opportunity to reintegrate into civil society.

I cannot stress enough how important it is that we invest in infrastructure and initiatives that make our parks more accessible to those with disabilities, especially our veterans.

We appreciate Representative Jen Kiggans' work on this draft bill and strongly encourage its introduction and passage in the House of Representatives.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak in support of the Military and Veterans in Parks Act, nicknamed the MVP Act after the invaluable role our service members play in protecting our great nation.

Though my time in Congress has been short, I have made it my mission since Day 1 to advocate for the mental health of our service members and veterans.

Conflicts of interest have given rise to countless scandals and ended many careers.

We appreciate Representative Kiggans' work on this draft bill, and strongly encourage its introduction and passage in the House of Representatives.

It is our duty to ensure they receive the support and opportunities they deserve, even after their service has concluded.