So is that less incentive for some employers to follow safety procedures?

I want to personally congratulate Ron on the honor of being President Obama's nominee to serve as the next Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD's services often mean the difference between the despair on the streets and the safety and security of a home.

Given the magnitude of this housing crisis, Secretary Donovan cannot do it alone.

We believe that when we work together, we govern best.

We are concerned about the techno-boondoggle that has occurred, the tremendous loss of money, and the tremendous loss of opportunity.

Senator Shelby has been a real leader on this in the Banking Committee.

We cannot have that.

I was thrilled by that development and it is a major victory for our veterans.

I recently held a press conference on women's veterans issues, and in attendance were several female veterans.

Southeastern Washington needs the existing VA facilities and it deserves a new, modern VA facility, as well.

It is very important that Congress use its legislative powers to make sure that the VA is prepared to meet the health care needs of our veterans tomorrow as well as today.

We have to make sure that the VA is prepared to take care of the needs of these honorable veterans.

this legislation is key and I really thank the Committee for considering it today.

I sent letters to the VA Secretary. I contacted President Bush.

The bottom line is, we could have the best programs in the world for our veterans, but if they don't know about them, it is not going to do anybody any good.

We thank Senator Tester for introducing this bill and for this Committee's examination of it.

The NRHA applauds Chairman Akaka for introducing this important bill.

I have been very proud to fight alongside the veterans in the three-State region served by the Walla Walla VA, to save Walla Walla VA and ensure that it has a future.

We urge the Committee to approve this bill because its passage in the 111th Congress would address DAV's highest priority in VA health care.

By 2020, the proportion of women veterans using VA health care is expected to reach 15 percent.

I think it is important to address that with DOD and I appreciate that.

I believe the Brady Act is not only an illegal act pertaining to veterans, but an ethical, civil rights, and privacy issue.

We finally have a President of the United States who is in support of advanced appropriations.

We believe the Women's Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 will allow VA to effectively meet the needs of women veterans.