Today was a good day for our nation’s heroes. As I have mentioned many times, I have fought tirelessly for Blue Water Navy Veterans to receive presumptive status for Agent Orange exposure. They have been unfairly excluded, which has caused great hardship for them and their families. Correcting this injustice ensures they will receive the benefits and care to which they are entitled. Today, our Committee advanced legislation to finally take this long over-due step. I will c...ontinue to shepherd this bill throughout the remainder of the legislative process. The Committee also passed legislation that made significant improvements to the Choice program, empowering Veterans with the opportunity to seek private care within their community when the VA is unable to meet their needs in a timely manner. Additionally, we passed my SITREP bill which keeps Veterans from being penalized when their school receives a late payment from the VA when processing their GI benefits. Finally, we approved legislation that makes significant improvements to and expands eligibility for the VA Caregiver Support Program. All of these initiatives will help improve the lives of those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country.