The EEOC's backlog of cases and the amount of time it takes to resolve complaints are real issues.

I believe that real, long-term economic growth is built from the middle out, not the top down.

But we can't truly achieve those goals if some individuals in our country face discrimination in the workplace.

Thank you very much.

Some have said that the NLRB's budget should actually be cut because the caseload has declined.

Directed including what you can wear, what hours you work, what policies you have to follow?

Even though they do not belong to a union, they have protections in this country?

That is just not fair. I believe that our government and our economy and our workplaces should work for all of our families, not just the wealthiest few.

Unfortunately recently, some of our Republican colleagues have taken every opportunity they can to lob attacks on the NLRB and by extension, really attack workers who simply want a voice at the table in the workplace.

I believe that real long term economic growth is built from the middle out, not from the top down.

Too many families today are struggling to make ends meet on rock bottom wages and poor working conditions.

The NLRA actually protects all private sector workers, including those that do not belong to a union.

I understand that employers are actually free to talk the subject of unions with employees well before an election petition is filed; is that correct?

I believe partisan attacks on the NLRB are unwarranted, and they are unproductive.

If change is starting to happen, we certainly want to protect that progress and encourage more.

Taking care of our veterans when they come home is a fundamental part of who we are as a nation.

What kind of healthcare providers are most needed in our rural communities?

I'm proud that Washington State is doing so much to tackle it head on.

The agreement the President recently signed into law to fix the broken SGR system took important steps to support access to healthcare in rural areas.

I'm really proud that our hospitals have been recognized as national leaders in increasing the quality and safety of care.

Community health centers are essential to increasing access to primary care for America's most vulnerable and rural populations.

I would say stability in reimbursement is one of the barriers.

What I would like to see is more focus on what is relevant in rural communities.

That's a very antiquated assumption, that if you increase telemedicine, you're going to increase costs.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling this hearing on such an important topic.