Mr. Chairman, it is an honor to join you and my colleagues in welcoming Mr. Anthony J. Principi to today's confirmation hearing on his nomination to be the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA Secretary is an important cabinet position responsible for ensuring that veterans are provided quality services and benefits which they have earned through their courageous and selfless service in defense of our nation.

I commend President-elect George W. Bush's nomination of Mr. Principi to be VA Secretary. Mr. Principi has extensive experience with the Executive and Legislative branches of the government. He served as the VA's first Deputy Secretary in 1989 after being appointed by former President George Bush, who named him the VA's Acting Secretary in 1992. He also served as Chief Counsel of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and Staff Director of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Most recently, he served as Chairman of the Congressional Commission on Military Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance which was responsible for reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of servicemembers' and veterans' transition assistance programs.

Mr. Principi's impressive background in dealing with veterans issues will assist him in addressing the challenges facing the VA. In the past few years the VA medical system has changed dramatically in order to better meet the needs of veterans. The VA has changed from an inpatient-based system to a primarily outpatient-based system. This has resulted in health care services which are more accessible, efficient, and focused on the needs of patients. While the VA has been able to treat more veterans, improve the quality of health care services, and increase patient satisfaction, there remain areas where improvements can and should be made. The progress made by the VA in the past does not mean much if they are not maintained and if there is not a continued effort to improve the effectiveness of the VA. I believe that Mr. Principi is fully aware of the challenges he will face as VA Secretary and is well-prepared to serve the men and women who served in the Armed Forces.

As a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Mr. Principi has a strong commitment to his fellow veterans which contributes to his belief in the Department of Veterans Affairs and its mission of service to veterans. In addition, he has proven that he possesses the dedication, knowledge, and experience which are needed to be a representative and advocate for veterans as VA Secretary. These qualities will serve him well as he leads the efforts of the VA to improve the quality of health care services, decrease the time in which benefits claims are processed, and enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of veterans benefits. For these reasons, I intend to support the confirmation of Mr. Anthony J. Principi as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and look forward to working with him to address the needs of veterans.