Thank you Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Buyer and members for holding this timely hearing and for inviting me to take part in this field hearing regarding the John Cochran St. Louis VA Medical Center which I represent in Congress.

We will examine, and hopefully, learn the truth about the improper processing of dental instruments, including a failure to clean dental equipment with a special detergent before it is sterilized.

According to reports, on June 28, 2010, the St. Louis VA Medical Center distributed a disclosure letter by certified mail to thousands of Veterans which notified them of the possible exposure of Hepatitis B, C and HIV. 

Those exposed to this potential risk received dental treatment from February 1, 2009 to March 11, 2010. 

It is unacceptable that procedures were conducted from February 1, 2009 to March 11, 2010 without proper safeguards in place to protect the health of veterans receiving treatment. 

Making matters worse, the VA knew about the possibility of exposure in March 2010, yet veterans were not notified of the problem until June 2010.  

That is shameful, and there is no excuse for withholding that information.

This country owes an enormous debt to the brave men and women who served our country with courage and honor. 

The care and treatment of military veterans has always been one of my top priorities, and President Obama and this Congress shares that essential commitment.

On July 10, 2009, the House of Representative passed H.R. 3082, which provided a total of $45.1 billion for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). 

That bill also provided $48.2 billion in advance appropriations for VHA to be available in FY2011. 

The $48.2 billion advance appropriation is for medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities accounts, to be available in FY2011. 

Mr. Chairman, I outline that legislative history to point out that this situation is not about a shortage of money. 

This is about a failure to follow proper procedure;

A failure of supervision;

And a failure to keep faith with all the brave Americans who have defended freedom.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to today’s testimony.