Good Morning Chairman Michaud, Ranking Member Miller and distinguished members of this sub-committee.

I look forward to hearing the testimony from our colleagues and the experts here today. 

Thank you for joining us and sharing your knowledge and experiences.

On behalf of my district, I am very interested to hear how these bills would affect our nation’s rural veterans.

In the third district of Colorado, access to services is a major issue because we have so many vets spread out over a wide area.

I would also like to hear how the various services my colleagues propose will reach our veterans in rural areas.

I welcome my friend and fellow Coloradoan, Representative Ed Perlmutter.  

I am a proud co-sponsor of his bill that would direct the VA Secretary to designate, establish and operate at least six VA health-care facilities as locations for epilepsy centers of excellence.

I also look forward to discussing the need for improved dental care for our Veterans, as well as the proposals to help our veterans deal with substance abuse.

Mr. Chairman, I thank you and the members of this sub-committee for the chance to sit with our colleagues and discuss legislation that will have a positive effect on the health and well being of veterans across the country.