Unless modified for the years after fiscal year 2018 and later, I believe that these caps will threaten our long-term national security interests.

Among the most promising best practices in native education at every level are programs that integrate Native language and cultural revitalization.

I am also a strong supporter of self determination and S. 2304 will empower Native Americans to make decisions most beneficial to their communities in an educational context.

It does not really address the needs of Native children.

I think that you mentioned that at some point you would want the F-35 program to become a multiyear contract program so that we can lower the cost, which I think is a good thing.

That is music to my ears.

Everybody understands, including the Governor of Okinawa, that if we can't build the facility in Henoko, we will be in Futenma.

With both Russia and China really increasing and modernizing and adding to their military assets, one wonders whether 308 ships is really, you know, what we should be talking about.

Part of the reason for immersion schools and culturally grounded education is exactly what you discussed but the other part is self determination.

We will stay in touch with you on all of that.

I am wondering what the Navy plans to do with the need that is going to arise at Kaneohe Bay.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I too want to welcome our witnesses to the hearing this afternoon.

I commend the Department for the continuing emphasis and commitment on the rebalance.

As long as we are on the subject of the LX(R), I know that the Navy announced an intention to compete a package of ship contracts, including the T-AO(X) oiler, the LHAR, and the LX(R) ships.

It is through the language immersion programs that we have the language programs we have in our schools and that we are able to realize true self determination and sovereignty.

Last year, Senators Schatz, Murkowski, Sullivan and I introduced an amendment which was subsequently enacted into public law to study the benefits of Native American language immersion education.

I am struck, Dr. Boham, by a phrase you used earlier in the hearing, strengthen identity.

I met with their Ambassador and he is clearly frustrated with the fact that our country, having entered into this Agreement, has not lived up to its Agreement.