I would like to thank everyone for joining us for our first Subcommittee hearing of the 111th Congress.

Rejoining us as our Subcommittee’s Ranking Member is the distinguished Congressman from Arkansas, John Boozman.  I look forward to working with him and building upon our strong bi-partisan relationship with all of our Subcommittee members. 

We welcome many new additions to the Subcommittee.  Unfortunately, one of those new members, Congressman Tom Perriello of Virginia, will not be able to join us today.  I received word that Congressman Perriello is attending to a personal family matter.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Another new face to the Subcommittee, Congressman John Adler, represents the 3rd district of New Jersey, which has a large and growing population of veterans.

Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick also joins us as the representative of Arizona’s first Congressional district.  Both Congressman Adler and Congresswoman Kirkpatrick have expressed a particular interest in helping our veterans become gainfully employed and improving upon the educational programs offered to our veterans.

Congressman Harry Teague represents New Mexico’s second district, he is also the lone representative of the entire New Mexico delegation serving on either the House or Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.  Congressman Teague has expressed an interest in addressing the needs of our rural veterans to ensure that they are not forgotten.

As we begin the 111th Congress, we realize that we have a full and ambitious agenda.  This Subcommittee will address the concerns that many of our constituents and veterans have expressed.

A non-exhaustive list of our ambitious agenda includes improving upon: employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans; the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program; Veterans Preference; the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; opportunities for Small Business Contracting Goals for Veteran and Service Connected Disabled Business Owners; Housing programs to ensure veterans are afforded the opportunity of the American dream and have the protections to keep their home in challenging economic times; and Educational programs that meet the needs of today’s veterans. 

In addition to this full agenda, our Subcommittee will continue to provide the needed oversight that is required for these important issues.  I am hopeful that our oversight will produce additional accountability and transparency within the VA.

Today, we will continue with our series of oversight hearings, that began during the last Congress, which address the VA’s implementation plans of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as required by Public Law 110-252.  This oversight requires our Subcommittee to have close relationship with the VA, and I look forward to our continued cooperation and communication as the VA develops the new Chapter 33 rules and regulations, and finalizes their short and long-term IT plans.

This hearing  provides the VA with an opportunity to present clear details to our Subcommittee about where the VA currently stands with regard to the implementation of the new GI Bill requirements, as well as details about SPAWAR’s progress.  I am confident that the VA will provide assurances that there will be no delays or unnecessary burdens placed on our veterans.  Our goal continues to be that veterans will have a smooth transition when receiving the educational benefits they earned and deserve.

Like many of my colleagues, I look forward to working with the new Administration to address the needs of all of our nation’s veterans.  I am pleased that General Eric Shinseki was confirmed as the new VA Secretary.  Having such a distinguished military career, General Shinseki brings with him a great wealth of knowledge and experience.  I look forward to working with him and his new leadership team at the VA. 

I would encourage our panelists to continue an open dialogue with the Subcommittee so we may ensure that our service members, veterans, and their families receive the first class service and benefits they deserve.

Mr. Wilson and Mr. Warren, I would like to extend a sincere and grateful thank you from our Subcommittee for all the hard work you have done and the many hours you have dedicated in a very compressed schedule.

Thank you for your testimony and your service to veterans.  I look forward to receiving updates on the progress made to implement Public Law 110-252, and to conduct additional oversight hearings during the 111th Congress.