We’re reinforcing a principle that has always kept America secure for generations: peace through strength.

“The pipeline’s continued operation will help keep energy affordable and our nation secure while benefiting North Dakota’s economy, our citizens and our communities across the state.”

North Dakota has finally been made whole for the intentional inaction of the Obama administration during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

This bill invests in the capabilities that are needed to stay ahead of our adversaries, who are advancing very quickly, and ensure our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to defend our nation.

I am deeply grateful for North Dakota Attorneys General Drew Wrigley and Wayne Stenehjem and their tireless efforts to see this thing through.

Time is power—China builds three times faster than we do. Time is money—Chinese defense output costs a fraction of ours.

North Dakota has long been on the front lines of protecting our country, which is why this year’s National Defense Authorization Act is so important for our state.

I appreciate their efforts to keep releases to a minimum, as well as their commitment to conserve water, but we’re going to stay on the Corps to ensure they are doing all they can.

I stressed the importance of ensuring multiple use on USFS lands, including for grazing, energy development and recreation.

Volunteer firefighters and first responders are essential members of their local communities, especially in small towns or rural areas facing volunteer shortages.

The most important reason for permitting reform is to grow the U.S. defense industrial base at the speed, scale and cost efficiency needed to deter a major conflict with China, and to quickly prevail if deterrence fails.

The most important element is time. Time is power—China builds three times faster than we do.

Reversing America’s defense industrial decline requires more than a tweak to an administrative process, increasing permitting staff, or changing deadlines for filing lawsuits.

The need to tackle the challenges of this permitting reform forest is clear: America’s ability to deter conflict, or to win if deterrence fails, rests on American industrial might.

I appreciate my fellow members of the Senate Energy Committee for working with me to approve this legislation once again, as we did in the 118th Congress.

By securing committee approval with bipartisan support, we are putting this bill in a strong position for passage.

If I was an endorsed candidate, I’d be calling on leadership to resign.

Our legislation will reauthorize and expand the DWRA funding, giving North Dakota the resources it needs to build more reliable, drought-resistant water supplies for communities across our state.