Good morning Chairman Michaud, Ranking Member Miller and distinguished members of this subcommittee.

I am honored to share the room with so many true American heroes.

The men and women here today have given so much of themselves to protect our freedom.

Even after your service to our country is done, you are here serving as a voice for your fellow veterans.

Your involvement also helps to secure a future for the young men and women who serve in our armed forces today.

As a veteran I am proud to sit down to discuss these issues with the members of so many veterans groups represented here today.

The diverse points of view that you all bring to the table help us to create legislation to better serve veterans from all walks of life.

I have had the privilege this week to sit down with many of your colleagues and hear your priorities first hand.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to sit down with you and hear your priorities directly.

I thank the committee for the opportunity to review these issues and work together with our veterans to improve the lives of veterans across the nation.