dr. shulkin, thanks for dropping in the other day and thanks for the veterans and veterans organizations for being here. let me just jump into a couple of issues. there's an effort probably led by the koch brothers to privatize virtually every government agency. will you oppose privatization of the v.a.? >> i have been clear, i am opposed to the privatization of the v.a. >> let me pick up on a point that senator rounds just made a moment ago, broaden it a little bit. no agency of government can do its job unless it has an adequate budget. will you be 100% honest in coming before this committee and telling us what the needs are of the v.a. in terms of making sure that every veteran in this country goes to the v.a. has the quality care that he or she needs? >> senator sanders, i see that as one of the primary irresponsibilities of a secretary. i absolutely will do that. >> but you do understand that there will be pressure on you that generally administrations, no matter what they may be, try to tell heads of agencies to tamper down on their request. but what i think i speak for this whole, i hope i do, for the whole committee in saying we want you to ask for what you need. >> i've not bee