Bost, Mike: Good morning. The committee will come to order. Objection, the chair may declare a recess at any time. Before we begin today, I want to thank my friend, Secretary Collins for being here today. Secretary Collins, you have testified before this committee on a few times and we appreciate your appearing here again. He is accompanied by the Honorable John Bartram, Undersecretary for Health, Mr. Mark Engelbaum, Assistant Secretary of Human Resources and Administration, and Mr. Gregory Goines, the Acting Chief of Operations, Officer for the Veterans Health Administration. This is the significant purpose of reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration, and I know that members of this committee have serious questions about how it will be implemented and how it will affect veterans with the workforce. Because of that, I want the committee members to have as much time as possible to engage directly with the Secretary, but understand that we are in a situation where it looks like they're going to call votes around 1215, so we will want to make sure that each member, when we go to questions, that they will get five minutes, but five minutes only and I'll gather you down, because we've got to stay on the time schedule so that the questions can be asked. Also, know that if we are votes are called at 1215, the Secretary has a hard stop at 1230, and everything must stop by 1230.
Takano, Mark: Mr. Chairman, I understand that since he asked to leave at 1230, that you asked him to come back in the script, right?
Bost, Mike: It is. That's later on in my script, yes. witnesses regarding the proposed reorganization. I will also want to ensure a productive hearing today, so I ask that we all be respectful of each other's members and the witnesses. Before we proceed, however, I want to ask for a clear comment. Secretary Collins, as the reorganization moves forward and as additional changes occur within the VA more broadly, will you commit to making yourself available to testify before this committee as developments occur, not just during the annual submission of budget? Thank you, Mr. Secretary. With that, we would look forward to your testimony and a productive discussion, and at this time, I'll recognize Ranking Member Takano for his opening statement.
Takano, Mark: Thank you, Chairman Bost. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak at the AFGE Legislative Conference, and I met with colleagues of Alex Preti, who shared stories about his service to veterans. I listened to testimonials from veteran patients for whom Alex provided care. It is clear that Alex was exactly the type of employee that VA needs and exemplified the values of a true public servant. I am outraged that Alex was taken from us by the hands of the lawless Trump regime. My heart is with the Preti family, Alex's VA colleagues in Minneapolis and across the country, and the many friends he leaves behind. I'd ask, Mr. Chairman, that we have a moment of silence...