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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, delivered the following opening remarks, as prepared, at the start of the subcommittee’s legislative hearing including bills that impact VA’s accessibility, pay, and accountability:

Good morning.

Thank you to our witnesses for being here today.

I’d also like to thank the members who have sponsored bills on today’s agenda, who will be joining us today.

Before we proceed further, I ask unanimous consent for Representative Greg Landsman, Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, Representative Scott Franklin, and Representative David Valadao to participate in this hearing.

The purpose of this hearing is to learn from stakeholders with expertise on each of these proposals so that we can make informed decisions about whether to move this legislation forward to improve the delivery of services at V.A.

The valuable insight provided by these members, stakeholders, and agencies is essential to the work of this Subcommittee.

In today’s hearing, we will examine a variety of bills, including bills that impact VA’s accessibility, pay, and accountability.

The agenda includes:

• The Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Act, sponsored by Chairwoman Stefanik, which would codify an office much needed to fight against scammers who target veterans.

• The VA Correct Compensation Act, sponsored by Ranking Member Takano, which would attempt to ensure bureaucracy does not get in the way of paying medical professionals what they are legally owed.

• The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act, sponsored by Representative Valadao, which would ensure veterans with disabilities have a seat at the decision-making table.

• And the VA Political Performance Disclosure Act, sponsored by General Bergman, which would ensure our Committee has full oversight of VA political appointee performance.

I am eager to hear more from our members and witnesses about these bills, and I want to thank our witnesses again for being here today, and I look forward to our discussion.