Watch booktv this weekend on cspan2. President biden has picked Denis Mcdonough to head the Veterans Affairs department. He previously served as white house chief of staff during the last four years of the obama presidency. His confirmation hearing he was asked about veterans access to healthcare, modernization efforts in the das responds to covid19. This is just over two hours. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] i i want to call this evening to order. I want to welcome everybody. I appreciate all that are here, all those that are online. The purpose of this hearing is due from the i president s nominate to serve as secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis Mcdonough. Before i talk about him i just want to say i appreciate this committee all the reasons we sat on this committee thats been bipartisan and its been nonpolitical, and we tried to do the best by our veterans whether you are the republican side for the democratic side of the aisle. I particularly appreciate the re
Grea fort bragg and oth installations and call North Carolina home, eve for a thanks to our colleague for joining us today. Madam president , thanksgiving dinner has become the single most sell grated celebrated meal of theay. With tens ofmericans gathering with family and friends to give thanks for their bleings and of course for one another. Folks, i know that this yr its a lot different. While we sti have so much to be thankful for, the covid1 paemic means folks will be traveling less and might not be celebrating in larger groups. And as a result, many will be separated from their loved ones on this very special day. Bu folks, this is a very familiar feeling for anyon who has ever served in our Nations Armed forces. Protecting our nation. Rom at any given moment, thousands of men and women,oms and dads, brothers and sisters, are stationed arnd the world standing vigilant in the defense of freedom. Those wearing the uniform arent the only ones making a sacrifice either back home ther
On the agenda today, resolution on the peaceful transfer of power after the president ial election, live house coverage at cspan. The speaker pro tempore the ouse will be in order. The chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. The clerk speakers rooms, washington, d. C. September 29, 2020. I hereby appoint Emanuel Cleaver to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. Signed, nancy pelosi, speaker of the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroy. Haplain conroy let us pray. Lord, father of us all, we give you thanks for giving us another day. As the stresses of the pandemic and as economic and educational effects stubbornly continue, we ask you once again to send your spirit of peace and healing upon our nation. Bless those who labor to bring healing and teaching during these difficult times. Comfort all who are ill with coronavirus and those who mourn the loss of loved ones because of it. As the members
Sufficient significant discussion about veteran suicides today, let me start by sharing the Veterans Crisis line. If you were a veteran you know are struggling, please contact the Veterans Crisis line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 182738255 and select option number one or text 838255. I want to thank everybody joining us today. Weve made Suicide Prevention or top priority and today 25 to 31 bills we will discuss or related to improving access and reducing suicide in the veteran population. The issues surrounding Mental Health care are broad and complex. Let me address some of the remarks made by the Senate Counterparts at the hearing yesterday. The committee has been trying to work with the senate for six month is a end after promising staff conversations we are pleased to hear they are committed to moving forward with meaningful improvements to help reduce veteran suicide and help prevent veterans from falling into crisis. I look forward to speaking with chairman mao ran direct
Line. If you were a veteran you know are struggling, please contact the Veterans Crisis line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 182738255 and select option number one or text 838255. I want to thank everybody joining us today. Weve made Suicide Prevention or top priority and today 25 to 31 bills we will discuss or related to improving access and reducing suicide in the veteran population. The issues surrounding Mental Health care are broad and complex. Let me address some of the remarks made by the Senate Counterparts at the hearing yesterday. The committee has been trying to work with the senate for six month is a end after promising staff conversations we are pleased to hear they are committed to moving forward with meaningful improvements to help reduce veteran suicide and help prevent veterans from falling into crisis. I look forward to speaking with chairman mao ran directly since we havent had the opportunity yet and to discuss further his commitment to pass the houses bipartis