For far too long, Indian Country has been left to fend for itself in dealing with the impacts of mining.

The Federal Government must own up to this tragedy.

We cannot let history repeat itself over and over and over again.

Who says they should be able to pollute drinking water that our two States use on a daily basis?

I would like to get your commitment here at the hearing that EPA is dedicated to prioritizing funding and resources for long term monitoring of the river and for compensation for those impacted.

The President of the Navajo Nation has requested that EPA designate the Upper Animas District as a Superfund site. I support this and believe it should be a priority for funds and remediation.

I demanded that the EPA act with urgency to protect our health and safety and to repair the damage inflicted on this watershed.

The Native American community across the Country uses this Committee as a great oversight entity.

You have urged the EPA to designate the upper Animas as a Superfund site. That is something I support.

Unfortunately, until we find a mechanism for cleaning this stuff up and actually get serious about issues like 1872 Mining Act reform, I can pretty much guarantee that someday this is going to happen again because it has happened in the…

I would urge you, as Senator Bennet said, to talk to the local communities.

Thank you, Chairman Barrasso.

I have demanded that the EPA react with urgency to protect our health and safety and to repair the damage inflicted on this watershed.

Those on the Navajo Nation and others affected by this spill must be compensated.

Some of the people who have looked at this area say the 1872 mining law and its supervision of mining is some of the most lax public oversight of any industry.

Mr. President, in the first decade of this century, when the policies of President George W. Bush entangled our Nation firmly in the war in Iraq, Iran's nuclear program surged ahead rapidly and unchecked. They added thousands and thousands…

Mr. President, just to clarify, the bill that it is being paired with is S. 1523. It is a bipartisan bill in the same committee. The proposal to pair them has come from the committee chairman, Chairman Inhofe. So that is the reason for the…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to be recognized for as much time as I may consume. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Nuclear Agreement With Iran