Conversation they have the best death in a row. But at the same time to bureaucratize that we dont innovate very well weaken the eve of the glass is half full or halfempty. I would counsel congress to be optimist that is a way of life i ascribe to you cannot have everything all the time and think everything will be well all the time that could be realistic about the potential. We really do have the taxpayer in mind that seems to be a struggle with the current leadership on the hill and their understanding of the Industrial Base teaches secretary mcnamara recognize the need somebody needed to look to those logistics from 50 years ago to see that in a different light in since we have continued to see that as a way to support the mission constantly. That drives the potential solutions with the revolutionary opportunity and trusting in the entrepreneurial spirit is going to be 0k if you learn from those mistakes with the investment of technology is all worth it. With the process and the st
Address the threat to Aviation Security. Unfortunately, t. S. A. Is still having problems with its technology today. For example, last month, it was reported that auditors posing as passengers were able to smuggle mock explosives and banned weapons through checkpoints at various airports across the country. Earlier this spring, the Inspector General released a report claiming that t. S. A. Does not properly manage the maintenance of its airport screening equipment. According to the i. G. , t. S. A. Has not issued adequate policies to airports for carrying out maintenance responsibility. Administrator neffenger, i want to challenge you to address these issues with the technologies used in the airport environment. As you report this issue consider both the current threat picture and the emerging threats. Keep in mind that they are small and minority businesses in this country with exceptional technologies that could be beneficial to t. S. A. And improve efficiencies at the airport. And i
As i have seen in the wisconsin v. A. Facility and in the rest of the nation, the role of whistleblowers is critical to running an effective organization. Agencies need to be open to accepting constructive criticism in order to improve, especially agencies such as the v. A. This has been tremendously important to the mission of taking care of our veterans. Ms. Lerner, i wanted to thank you for mentioning ryan hunnell in your statement. People like ryan truly make a difference and in particular, he helped turn around what was happening at the v. A. In wisconsin. After considering the testimony that witnesses have given and i apologize that i was quite tardy in getting here, but i just have a few questions that i think get to the heart of some of the problems at the v. A. I want to talk about the culture that i have just seen that exists against whistleblowers. Ms. Lerner, you said that no other federal agency has taken such a proactive approach to training managers on whistleblower prot
Budget request. The Trump Administration is seeking a 30 budget cut for the state department. Lindsey graham chaired this hearing, its about two hours. The subcommittee hearing will come to order. Our hearing is on the 2018 funding request. Id like to welcome our witness, secretary of state tillerson, after Opening Statements from myself and the Ranking Member, well hear from the secretary, well accept your written testimony and anything you would like to tell us personally. This is going to be a little longer than normal. This is an important issue for our country. I like the way you represent our country. I think you have a style thats pretty good for the world as it is today. When you talk people listen, your view of qatar, i share. Just met with the chinese, i think they get your message. I think youre looking for ways for people to get to yes, and always leaving back doors to hard situations. In terms of your style and attitude toward the job, i very much appreciate it. As to the
Youre not going to have people serving vat rans. Youve got a leadership crew not willing to make desuggestion and it contributes to whistleblower retaliation, people being dissatisfied with their jobs. Weve got to get the positions filled. I heard the secretary talk a little bit about reviewing the infrastructure to find out how many positions are needed. We cant make that decision. Pi thael ooh have to make the assessment. If the people filling those positions that have been pulled from other positions, those positions will go back. Its a ripple effect. We have, like i said, roughly 50 over the vha landscape of leadership that is either in a temporary position or vacant. If those individuals that are filling in those leadership positions are just plugging the gaps so that the operation can move forward, their positions are now vacant. Its a very difficult situation that needs to be fixed and it needs to be fixed immediately. Yes, sir. Thank you, senator. And if i could comment on the