Good morning, Mr. Chairman. It is an honor to serve with you and the other distinguished members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. As a new member of the committee, I look forward to working with and learning from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help improve the care and service our veterans deserve.  

Welcome also to Secretary Shinseki. Through a lifetime of service, you have proven to be a man that has always put country before politics and you are held in high regard by your fellow veterans. You have seen the military from many sides – first as a young officer, wounded in combat in Vietnam, and later, while leading the Army at the onset of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, you have the unique opportunity to serve as a voice for veterans of all generations.

This committee, working aggressively in the 110th session of congress, saw the passage of unprecedented legislation. From an overhauled G.I. Bill that renews America’s commitment to its combat veterans to passing only the third fully-funded budget in the last twenty years, this committee has put you and the VA in a better position to care for all of our veterans. However, there is still much more to do. You’ve said frequently that it is leadership that finds opportunity, assesses risk, and then makes the difficult changes imperative to maintaining good organizations. Such leadership will be needed at every level of the VA, and I have faith that it will start with you.

I look forward to working closely with you to ensure that every veteran gets the care and support that they have earned. Thank you again for all you have done.