finally, we have the oit chief financial officer, mr. tim pitts and the chief people officer mr. nathan tierney. i asked the witnesses to please stand and raise your right hand. >> do you solemnly swear under penalty of perjury that the testimony about to provide is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? thank you and let the record reflect that each of the witnesses have answered in the affirmative. you are now recognized for five minutes to deliver your opening statement on behalf of the va. >> thank you. the first thing i would like to say is we apologize for the lateness of the testimony. i will assure you that it is not through a lack of respect for the committee and a great deal of work went on to create those but you have my apologies for the lack of timeliness. >> chairman rosendale and distinguished members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify on information technology request from the department of veterans affairs and for your long- standing support for veterans and their families. i am accompanied by dewaine beard , dr. tim pue