If this is where you know you have significant issues, why aren't we making investments where we have the greatest backlogs?

I would disagree. I think you do know.

But certainly none in my region, which has the highest consistent cases...

I appreciate that we are having what I consider sort of two bites at the apple to start to look at disability cases and the system that Social Security has in place to review those cases.

Higher education is one of the best investments we can make as a Nation in our future.

We clearly have a trust responsibility to support opportunities for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Resources are scarce and needs are great.

Through the HEA reauthorization, included authorization to forward fund the BIA Higher Education Program.

Congress needs to fully invest in reducing the backlog.

Does that deter legitimate claimants from appealing their cases and receiving benefits?

I know that you're aware that we have one of the most significant disability and behavioral health problems in the country per capita.

Madam President, it is an honor to join my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Tom Udall, in celebrating the life and service of Chester Nez, the last of the original 29 Navajo code talkers, who passed away this last Wednesday, and to honor…

I agree that anybody who wants to work should have the opportunity to work.

We need strong oversight mechanisms.

Mr. President, as an engineer one of the things I learned early in my education was that science does not care if you believe in it or not; you can deny science as much as you want, but the data suggests that the scientific method works…

And like every Member here, I certainly want a system that's objective and fair.

I want accountability not only from the claimant level, from everybody who's making decisions in the Social Security system...

But I have plenty of practice with that situation where you are trained to deny up front, because that is one way to manage resources, no question.