I think it is clear that during these times of drought and fire, that we need to make sure that communities and firefighters have the resources they need to combat these natural disasters.

It is critical that we pass common sense legislation to address the issues of fire risk, fire suppression, and rehabilitation.

If we don't have water, we don't have anything.

I appreciate that very much. And, Mr. Chairman, we had a hearing here on an amendment offered by myself, which would have extended a program at the end of this calendar year.

The conversation about access to STEM for our students, I appreciate that conversation, and I think it is an area we need to highlight.

This is an important issue to many of us, and I hope we can get this one done.

I look forward to working with the citizens of Dona Ana County, Congress and the president to permanently protect the nationally significant lands, heritage, and history within the proposed Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

Mr. Chairman, thank you very much, and thank you for your leadership on this effort...

I am thrilled to be here when we address the bipartisan bill on the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

I appreciate it very much in your testimony and that of Mr. Petersen, the importance of the conversations of those that worked on this site.

The nation needs to understand the Manhattan Project from all sides.

The story of the Manhattan Project isn't just about world-class scientists.

We believe it will be a benefit not only to Los Alamos but to nearby communities, as well.

I disagree. I have never visited a national park that was anything like a Disneyland.

I appreciate that. Mr. Chairman, I know that we are going through some tough economic times.

I stand in strong support of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument proposal offered by citizens of Dona Ana County.

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park will once again transform these communities, creating an economic driver based on heritage tourism.

I want to thank Congressmen Doc Hastings, Chuck Fleischmann and Ben Lujan, sponsors of this bill.