Yesterday, the VA Secretary made an unfortunate comparison while discussing the unacceptable wait times many veterans endure to access the VA health care system.

Clearly, waiting for medical care at VA should never be compared to waiting in line at an amusement park.

Wait times are an important measure for veterans, along with patient satisfaction, quality of care and health outcomes.

While there is still much more that must be done to reform and strengthen the system, millions of ill and injured veterans continue to choose and rely on VA health care.

VA is uniquely qualified to treat the conditions of ill and injured veterans and despite access problems, it consistently outperforms the private sector overall according to independent studies, including a recent assessment by Rand Corp.

We will continue to work with the Secretary and Congress to complete necessary reforms and provide sufficient resources so that all enrolled veterans can receive timely access to high-quality, comprehensive and veteran-focused medical care.