Patty Murray

I love the video idea of showing the Lioness documentary at VA facilities.

I hear a lot from women about the access of childcare being a barrier to go to the VA.

I think that it is important that care be more comprehensive.

I think the perception would be helped if the wording in the policy was changed, as well.

While it is the official policy of the military that women can not serve in combat, many of you talked about your experiences, whether it is Traumatic Stress Syndrome, being close to IED explosions, or being injured.

I really appreciate what all of you have done, and going beyond the service now to come and talk with us about the important issue that we are discussing today.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Most people do not understand what women in today's military experience.

When a man tells you they are a veteran, folks immediately say yes. Women do not perceive themselves to be veterans.

I applaud and thank you for your efforts to put more into the Grant and Per Diem Program.

You need authority from Congress to be able to provide childcare? Did I hear----

I hear so often from women veterans that you can provide all the service you want, but I have got to take care of my kids.

I hope that I get the support of this Committee to do that.

I am going to be offering an amendment to make sure that the Defense Department properly notes the combat experience on the DD-214s.

We know that women are serving right alongside their male colleagues and they are engaging in combat with the enemy.

I am concerned that there is not any mandatory requirements, but we will continue to follow that.

I thought it was a good report, and it did a good job of detailing some of the most pressing challenges.

VA's commitment to women veterans is unwavering, and while significant efforts are underway, we know that we have to do a lot more to improve the care.

We respectfully request that the railroad safety technology grants program...be fully funded.

I am disappointed that the Odessa Subarea Special Study... has been eliminated in the fiscal year 2010 President's budget request.

And we're looking forward to seeing you out in my State to see some of this on the ground or water.

That is not surprising to me. And I think that helps make our case.

I'm really pleased that the administration is showing an increased interest in the maritime sector.

It's a very tough time.

That there's a capacity out there that if we invest----