I think it is becoming more and more difficult, Mr. Secretary, for you to say I am not supporting privatization of the VA because it appears that you are.

I want that care centered in the VA.

While you are willing to make astronomical requests to fund community care, you are not willing to do the same for caregiver community.

I want to know how the Department expects to recruit and retain the best providers and employees when our President does not appear to value their work.

I share this Administration's concern that the significant expansion of the Family Caregiver Program cannot be discussed or supported without an honest conversation about finding the right balance between clinical appropriateness and cost.

I am in favor of expanding this benefit to those that are pre-9/11.

we published a directive, which is the national policy that all VISNs are required--all medical centers are required to follow.

VA Caregiver Support Program: Correcting Course For Veteran Caregivers

We think the program's eligibility criteria should target Veterans who would require a higher level of care, outside of their home were it not for the assistance of their family caregiver.

We know that veterans who are able to stay in their homes with caregiver support have better well-being.

This is the right and just thing to do, and we can do better.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.