It's a measure of the significance of this program, in terms of readiness, for these families who have given so much.

I want to make sure that there is not a disconnect between the VA and DOD with regard to data collection.

Do you have the funds that you need within your Department to adequately staff for the transition that will need to take place?

I want your commitment to work with me to ensure we get that moving correctly forward.

I am committed to working with Congress in supporting the families and spouses of Service members.

How are we going to work better with our communities to help create partnerships or apprenticeships or other ways for our veterans to get back into the workforce?

I hear it all the time, they're afraid to say something is wrong, because they don't want to sit there, miles and thousands of miles away from family.

In the State of Washington, we're very interested in adding a Stryker Brigade Combat Team to the Army National Guard.

I am a little frustrated with the bureaucracy and the delay surrounding the release of the suicide rates for female veterans by the VA.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate your having this hearing today.

If we don't get them home and with their families, and get them the care they need, then we're going to be in trouble in the future.

I just want to make sure you are staying in touch with us to make sure that we have got the resources to be able to deal with that issue and see that happen.

The Homeless Veterans and Other Health Care Authorities Act of 2010 lays the foundation on which we as a nation can wage a successful assault on veteran homelessness.

Along with 26 other States, my home State of Washington, under an agreement with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), operates an occupational safety and health program in accordance with section 18 of the Occupational…

The fact that our veterans have sacrificed for our Nation only to spiral into depression and suicide is appalling.

I have often said that I hope we some day become--and I think you are in the process of doing that--as good at taking care of our veterans as we are creating them.

The unemployment rate for our young veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is now over 21 percent.

Caring for American veterans remains one of the Nation's highest priorities and clearly is one of yours.

I am going to be introducing actually legislation next week on a veterans' employment legislation.

I just find that completely unacceptable.

I don't think anybody is saying status quo.

If we make this into a win or lose or a competitive thing, we are going to create a bigger gap.

Thank you to both of you on that.

I would like take a moment today to recognize Mary McBride for her years of service to the U.S. Senate and the people of Washington State. Mary served on my staff for the last 9 years of her distinguished public career. Prior to her…

I would like to take a moment today to recognize Judy Olson for her years of service to the U.S. Senate and the people of Washington State. Judy served on my staff for 11 years prior to becoming the Washington State Director of the U.S…