Firefighting now takes 47 percent of its budget, compared to just 13 percent in the early 1990s, and that is clearly, Chief, as you know, not sustainable.

full support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is as important as ever.

Udall-Vitter does much, much, much better.

On behalf of the March of Dimes, I thank you, Mr. Chairman, as well as Senators Udall and Vitter, for our hard work, reaching across the aisle and working to address the needs and concerns of many stakeholders.

The changing climate is making this type of fire more likely.

I commend the Forest Service for their efforts to fight these fires and to repair the damage.

We can't keep borrowing, though, on this Forest Service situation, borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.

We really appreciate the Forest Service and the National Park Service working together to make sure that there is a seamless transition there.

Will you commit to work with the land grant heirs in New Mexico to provide reasonable access and consultation on land management decisions?

I think it is very important, I hope you pass the message back to Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Jewell, that they work with the new budget chairs for the House and the Senate.

we can't give up.

That is why I led with the fire cap situation, because I think we need to work with you on that, so the other good programs that are going on in the Forest Service budget, that they are able to be funded.

We actually have a constitutional requirement in New Mexico for bilingual materials at the State level, to show how much that Spanish history is reflected in our constitution.

Thank you, Senator Vitter.

This is very important to New Mexico. We are home to seven national forests and one national grassland.

Broadband is a critical challenge. Those without Internet access are missing out on more than video streaming and e-mail.

High-speed broadband access is an essential component for economic growth in rural areas in states such as New Mexico.

I think there's been a disconnect in that regard that has helped reduce the share of income going to labor.