Patty Murray

I am kind of amazed that we would ask our veterans to pay for care for service-connected conditions. That is a major reversal of a fundamental tenet of our care for veterans.

Veterans deserve a system that works, not one that is torn apart and weakened over time.

I think we have always told our veterans we would care for them for service-connected issues. This would be a major reversal of policy if we are all of a sudden charging them a copay for emergency visits.

The Sentinel System . . . is a model in drugs; we have 170 million Americans' claims data so when there is a problem with a drug we can look almost in real time. We need the same system on the device side.

I'm particularly eager to see full implementation of two long-awaited FDA rules--the first to ensure menu labeling in restaurants and similar establishments, and the second expanding FDA regulation of tobacco products to include…

Dr. Califf has made clear he will continue to uphold these values and prioritize a strong, independent FDA as Commissioner.

I am confident that Dr. Califf would contribute leadership and expertise as we work to find new ways to advance medical innovation for patients and families.

Moving forward to make sure that we are making our health care system work for everyone has to include the issue of mental health care.

Is it fair to say that in the past we have said do not talk about suicide because you might make it happen and rather gone to a 'let us talk about it so it is open and we can prevent it' conversation?

CDC reports that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are more than twice as likely to die by suicide as their peers.

We know suicide is the second-leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives who are between the ages of 10 and 34.

When I was chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I was very focused on improving mental health services and suicide prevention for our veterans.

In my home State we have the BrainSpan Atlas, Paul Allen's brain institute, which is in downtown Seattle.

Far too many of them do not receive treatment when they need it.

Today, nearly 1 in 5 people in our country experience mental illness in a given year.

Over the last few years, we have made real progress toward building a health care system that works for our families and communities, and puts their needs first.

Suicide is the second-highest cause of death for those ages 15 through 34.

If a veteran cannot get into care, if they cannot get in for follow-up appointments, what is the chance they are going to stay in treatment or drop out?

I think everyone in this room agrees that our Nation has a duty to care for its veterans.

It is really frustrating to be sitting here again today, and I am having a hard time understanding what really has changed since 2012.

I share the frustration that I am hearing from all of you and Senator Moran.

These invisible wounds of war can be with veterans for many years--but we also have treatments that help.

I would appreciate if you would ask your members in Washington State to get in touch with me.

2015 has been a historically intense wildfire season for Washington State.

The Okanogan Complex wildfire of 2015 was the largest wildfire in Washington State's history.