We have to transition to a clean energy economy. This is a commitment we owe future generations.

Great. Thank you for that commitment.

I really appreciate this hearing. I think it is demonstrating on both sides of the aisle these principles: one, the healthcare system is incredibly complicated...

I would submit that if any of you have--does anybody on the panel have a family member on Medicare or Medicaid?

Madam President, today the Senate took an unusual step to change our rules with a simple majority vote. I say unusual step, and not unprecedented, because it was something the Senate has done on many occasions in the past. Like those…

I do not think there is any doubt in this country that on both sides--the Republican side and the Democratic side--the base pushes us hard. I think we have reached this stage of hyperpartisanship. I believe our job as leaders is to…

I think we have come back to the central question. That question is, How does our Constitution work when it comes to nominees? I do not have any doubt that we are talking about majorities. There are only five places in the Constitution…

Mr. President, I could not agree more with what Senator Merkley pointed out. There has been a lot of discussion-- especially as shown on that chart the Senator talked about--that we have done this before. When the Senate hits a roadblock…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Merkley and I be allowed to engage in a colloquy following my remarks. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

This is an important hearing that we are having today. Quite an exciting time, as we talk about the ability to change the way that we can take advantage of modern technology to ensure that first responders have the tools that they need.

I would be remiss if I didn't express some of the concerns that I've been hearing actually from my constituents in New Mexico regarding the impact of the bill on Sacred Sites.

I very much look forward to working with the Forest Service on bill details as it moves forward.

We need to do everything we can to protect those water resources.

I want to thank you for your testimony today. I think, as part of our trust responsibility to our Nation's tribes, all of us on this committee, regardless of whether we have tribes or reservations in our home states, have a responsibility…

In an arid western State like New Mexico... there is nothing more valuable than our water resources.

I want to thank you, Chairman, for considering the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act during today's hearing.

Columbine-Hondo is one of the most treasured places in New Mexico, as my colleague, Senator Udall, will attest.

Today, Columbine-Hondo is a central attraction for visitors to Taos County, where outdoor recreation and tourism drive the local economy.