Good afternoon.

Madam Chair, as we approach what will probably be our last subcommittee markup for the 111th Congress, I want to thank you for the way you have chaired the subcommittee.  As chair, you have been a model of bipartisanship.

Today’s bills are an interesting collection.  Some will require PAYGO offsets while others will not but I thank the sponsors for their work on behalf of our veterans.  I note VA’s concerns about some bills and I am willing to work with them to the extent possible to move bills forward.  I am also reminded of the serious fiscal issues confronting this government and the need to focus on the most important issues facing all Americans.

Madame Chair, I am eager to hear from today’s witnesses and I yield back.