First, I would like to thank Chairman Michaud and Ranking Member Miller for holding this hearing.  The three bills before us today address important issues, all of which have huge impacts on the welfare of our nation’s veterans.

Second, I would like to thank the sponsors of these bills, the three Members that are testifying before us today.

Mr. Salazar is a fellow Committee Member and I know from sitting next to him over the past two years, that he is a tireless advocate for veterans, especially the many rural veterans that live in his large district in Colorado.  His bill addresses family caregivers for veterans suffering from TBI, and also telehealth services.  These are crucial matters and are directly in line with Mr. Salazar’s passion for improving the lives of veterans and their families.

Ms. Johnson is also a big supporter of veterans.  For 15 years she worked at the Dallas VA Medical Center as a medical and psychiatric nurse.  Appropriately, her bill aims to help VA recruit and retain more nurses and other health care professionals.

Ms. Shea Porter and I came into Congress at the same time, and I know without a doubt, that there is nobody more dedicated to serving our veterans than she is.  It is a paradox then that her home state, the great state of New Hampshire, does not have a VA medical center.  Her bill attempts to resolve this injustice.

Third, I would like to thank all our witnesses for testifying today, including Dr. Cross of the VA and each representative of the three VSOs present.  I would also like to congratulate the Disabled American Veterans for recently electing Raymond E. Dempsey, a fellow Illinoisan, as National Commander.  Speaking on behalf of the great state of Illinois, I take great pride in knowing that such a well-respected organization is under the leadership of Mr. Dempsey.

Mr. Chairman, thank you again for holding this important hearing.