Political Quotes

“I agree with my colleague from North Carolina. We don't want to continue if there are areas and assets that can be done away with for efficiencies. I understand that can be done without this. I don't know the underlying reasons for it. The AIR Act was never even discussed in our committee. We never had the bill in front of us at all. That is all I was saying. How did this all of a sudden get thrown in? I understand--because of what we put in, the expansion of how we were going to take care of caregivers to all populations of veterans--they were upset on the House side. This was put in retribution to that. I objected to how it was put in being what the intent was. I believe the VA can dispose of excess properties that have been closed, vacant, and not in utilization. I am concerned they are going to come back and say: In the rural areas, we are going to close this CBOC and consolidate. We have more need right now and a greater need with some of our population base, especially with the conflicts we have around the world now. I never talked to a veteran who did not want veterans care if there was any way they could get to a veterans hospital or clinic. They were the people who knew them best and knew how to take care of their concerns. That is all I am trying to preserve. I don't know what the intentions are of this.…”