I really want to thank you for including my bill, the Sueldos del Norte Conservation Act, on today's agenda.

I think this is a very balanced approach. I appreciate all the work that has gone into it.

If we were to mandate levels, would we be potentially locking in levels above what could be sustained in drought years?

We are committed to finding solutions that respect tribal sovereignty.

Water settlements are incredibly important in the West.

Senator Udall. Senator McCain is right about the salt cedar, there is no doubt about it.

Chaco Canyon is critically important to my State as an incredibly rich cultural destination, as well as a sacred place to the tribes of the Southwest.

What I want is for the people on the ground to have the best customer service.

As has been mentioned several times, the President's budget proposes a new inspection fee for onshore oil and gas leases.

Many New Mexico stakeholders... are concerned that a merger might mean less for a State director to focus on New Mexico.

I think one of the areas that we are really focused on is trying to make sure that we work with Tribes in partnership.

I am very skeptical of this idea.

The lands managed by BLM in New Mexico are vital to our economic vitality and to our natural and cultural heritage.

I am proud to have worked with my constituents and this administration to designate two of BLM's newest conservation units.

We can't improve the BIE unless Tribes are with us.

We need to work together to improve educational opportunities for our tribal communities.

I appreciate the efforts of the BIE in working with me on the Pine Hill Elementary School and its safety issues.

I hope that we can work on that together to move it to the point to get the students in there.