Thank you Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for holding today’s hearing on implementing the wounded warrior provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.

Like all Americans, I was outraged by the deplorable conditions reported at Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s outpatient facilities.  I am hopeful that the wounded warrior provisions implemented by last year’s Defense Authorization Act and the public outcry generated from the shoddy treatment of our servicemen and women will focus enough attention on these problems to lead to the implementation of meaningful changes. 

For far too long, Congress did not live up to its constitutional duty of asking the tough questions to ensure that government programs and services are run efficiently, transparently, and free of corruption and incompetence. 

Today’s hearing will provide us a valuable opportunity to examine what progress has been made in implementing the wounded warrior provisions and to explore barriers to implementation.  I look forward to working with fellow Members of the Committee to ensure the VA and DoD are improving care for our wounded servicemembers.   

Again, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to be here and discuss these important matters.