Military Construction, VA

"To best identify the needs of our Veterans, we must hear from them and partner with those who know them best: our Veteran Service Organizations. Today’s witnesses work tirelessly to assist our Veterans daily as they navigate the too-often cumbersome VA system, the transition to civilian life, and the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial challenges our Veterans face upon returning home. While VA has made great strides in recent years, we know our work is far from done."

"The only way to make the President’s budget work is to get a cap adjustment for the MISSION Act. We have bipartisan, bicameral agreement on the need for a budget cap adjustment for the MISSION Act. Last year, MISSION Act cost $8.9 billion, this year it will cost $11.6 billion, and the costs will continue to rise in future years. Unfortunately, the Administration has adamantly refused to make this vital accommodation, and so I once again urge you, Mr. Secretary, to make this case to the White House and OMB."

"The men and women who have faithfully served our nation deserve no less than a seamless and problem-free system – something we have been promising for the past two decades. The transfer of health information should ease the burden of transitioning servicemembers with service-connected injuries and illnesses. It also should lay the groundwork for exchange with private sector caregivers, an essential part of Veterans healthcare. Today we need insight into the ongoing challenges and the steps that are being taken to mitigate future risk. It is our duty to both veterans and taxpayers to realize the benefits of this transformation as soon as possible."

"Make no mistake: This decision will make Americans less safe, burden more military families, and do further violence to the Constitutional separation of powers that are inherent to our democracy.”