I would like to thank everyone for coming today.

Today’s legislative hearing is an opportunity for Members of Congress, veterans, the VA and other interested parties to provide their views on and discuss recently-introduced legislation within the Subcommittee’s jurisdiction in a clear and orderly process.   This is an important part of the legislative process that will encourage frank discussions and new ideas.

We have a number of bills before us today. They cover a wide range of important issues dealing with access to VA health care; collective bargaining rights for VA employees; mental health care and counseling for individuals discharged or released from active duty; emotional and peer support for family members of the Armed Forces; breast cancer among members of the Armed Forces and veterans; and rural health including the unique needs of Native American veterans.  We also have draft bills before us today on reimbursements for continuing education, mental health counselors, and bargaining rights and performance pay criteria.

I look forward to hearing the views of our witnesses on this bill before us.