I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Veterans' Affairs

as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I want to take a few minutes to update Members of the Senate as to where we are on some very important issues that impact veterans all over this country. The first point I want to…

the issue of money in politics has been raised at this hearing with the suggestion that environmental folks are pouring huge sums of money in and I would argue that their money is being dwarfed by the industry.

Our job is to transform our energy system, work with countries around the world to reduce carbon and to help save the planet.

I will tell you just in one area, in Vermont we have put some money, Federal money into weatherization.

I find that is really remarkable that one of my Republican colleagues would dare to raise the issue of campaign finance and the amount of money folks are putting into the political process.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, in 2013 the oil, gas and coal industries invested at least $170 million in lobbying the Federal Government.

too-big-to-fail is too-big-to-exist.

That is not really a debate any more. And that we have a major political party that is rejecting that is extremely frightening.

And if we do not get our act together by significantly reducing carbon and methane emissions, that situation will only get worse.

We are in a remarkable moment in American history and in fact, in world history.

if we cannot accept what the overwhelming majority of scientists are taking, and there is no more debate, the overwhelming majority of scientists are saying, A, climate change is real, climate change is caused by human activity, climate…

Finally, the truth won out. And the truth will win out on this debate as well.

I suspect your point is that once industry gets moving in terms of sustainable energies, et cetera, we can be a leader in providing that technology.

I would also add that I find it remarkable that some of my Republican colleagues in this debate have expressed a deep concern about the needs of low-income people and the elderly.

the most important issue facing our planet is not being discussed.

But we have to look at the broad picture and understand that if we don't transform our energy system and move away.

I'm not a believer in all of the above. I know it's a catchy bumper sticker statement.

the extent of forest fires today and the frequency of them, clearly, has a lot to do with the warming of the planet.

It has only been funded, fully funded, to the authorization level twice.

I think we have to limit what we are talking about.

No person who put their lives on the line to defend this country should be homeless.

I do believe that now is the time to transform our energy system.

It is my strong opinion that if VA is going to do quality health care that it needs to do, we are going to need--simply need more doctors, more nurses, more medical personnel, more productivity in the VA.

You cannot hire people without paying them. You cannot build stuff without paying for it.