Patty Murray

I believe that all veterans should be able to get the care they have earned.

There would be a real risk to just everyday average families.

If you could, because I am concerned about whether or not that is accurate; and if it is, what we are doing to provide outreach and better access for our servicemembers in more rural areas.

So this is a real challenge.

We created an Office of Rural Health within the VA to improve the delivery of care to rural veterans.

The VA's studies have found that rural veterans are in poorer health than those living in urban areas where care is more accessible.

Many tell me they have to drive several hours--through snowy and icy conditions in the winter time--just to see their doctor.

Making sure those veterans can access care is one of the many problems we're still struggling to address.

Mental health is something that I have talked about for a long time.

Yes, the Senator from Pennsylvania's understanding is correct. The conference report does give the Secretary of Transportation authority to waive the minimum grant size under the discretionary grant program for the purpose of funding…

Effective strategies for helping workers retool for jobs in viable industries should be informed by the critical stakeholders she noted. It is my hope that when distributing these funds, the Secretary of Labor gives due deference to those…

Yes, the Senator from Michigan State is correct. It is my understanding that the Secretary of Labor will use these funds to help retool workers who have lost their jobs due to the recession and declining industries, including those in the…

In the workforce provisions under consideration, we provide that training may be provided for jobs in high-demand occupations, through the award of contracts to institutions of higher education, as long as a customer's choice is not…

With regard to the funding for youth activities under the legislation, is it the Senator's understanding that in addition to summer and year-round employment opportunities, this funding may be used to provide related educational…

As my friend from Iowa knows, older workers have been particularly devastated by our current economic downturn. A recent Urban Institute publication reported that job loss for older workers is at a 31-year high. Is it the intent of this…

Is it also the Senator's understanding that the most innovative strategies with proven effectiveness in putting people back to work in high demand occupations, including sector-based and career pathways initiatives that are focused on…

It really is my honor to be here, along with Senator Cantwell, to introduce to you Gil Kerlikowske.

I want to thank the Chief and his family for accepting this responsibility at, really, this important time in our Nation's history.

It is my privilege to present Gil Kerlikowske for the position of Director of National Drug Control Policy.

Last year was tragic for workers who lost their jobs and their homes in this economic crisis. Through no fault of their own, millions of people are now wondering where they are going to find the next dollar to pay for groceries or to keep…

Nearly one million veterans are now unemployed as of February 2009.

I believe we should all fight long and hard whenever Americans are denied the ability to fight for their rights, and that is why I have come to the floor today to speak. With its May 2007 decision, Ledbetter v. Goodyear, the Supreme Court…

I am hopeful that we don't see from this administration those kinds of proposals for increased copays and fees.

I think we all agree with that and look forward to seeing you implement a real change of culture and heart.

Yes. One issue I wanted to bring to your attention quickly is the issue of suicides and suicide prevention...