Today is September 11. It is the anniversary of one of our darkest days.

I just wanted to give you an example of why this is important, and it may be an example you can use later to make the point.

Our communications networks make us strong. They strengthen our economy, they give rise to information age opportunity, and they support public safety.

This will be a state-of-the-art nationwide interoperable broadband network to help first responders save lives.

New Mexico is 49th among States for Internet access; 34 percent of individuals lack Internet access.

With that, the subcommittee hearing is hereby recessed. Thank you very much, again.

I agree with you. I think a status report would be fine.

I'd like to see rural areas that have not always benefited from the latest communications networks finally leapfrog ahead as technology advances.

Mr. Chairman, thank you so much. And I also appreciate the fact that everyone has gotten together to encourage a broader conversation in this space.

If I am going to make an investment in my home to put a digital receiver so that I can receive the broadcast feed off of that, then should I be open to what is being suggested by the chairman and the ranking member to say that I have made…

A feed in New York City is different than a feed in New Mexico.

And I say that because the broadcasters know I still have a lot of concerns about orphan counties.

The conversation that we are having today, as complex as it is, but a reality that hits everyone across this country...

How much of the mandatory funding for these settlements has already been transferred to the Treasury?

I appreciate your willingness to work on these in a timely fashion and move through them quickly.

I very much appreciate the Chairwoman and the Ranking Member for quickly bringing S. 1447... before this Committee for review.

I would urge the Administration to work quickly with the parties to resolve any concerns raised today.

These technical corrections outlined in S. 1447 are important to continue to carry out the provisions of the Taos, Aamodt and Navajo water settlements.