So if the settlement was adopted, would it protect non-Indian water users in the Valley?

Just a few quick questions.

We want to have clean water for everyone.

I strongly urge the Subcommittee to take favorable action on the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act.

This Settlement Act represents a compromise and a guarantee of future allocations that costly litigation could never achieve.

The United States owes not only a federal trust obligation to these pueblos to protect the water rights of the Acequias and their members.

The Citizens of our county have no control or oversight over tribal representatives, development, and countless other issues.

Our water resources are precious in New Mexico. Without a reliable water supply, we cannot improve human health, protect our cultures and traditions, or grow economies.

These bills before the Subcommittee today are the result of years of hard work; respectively, 40 and 43 years.

I would echo your comments, both in terms of the appropriate use of eminent domain.

We feel that although the Administration might not yet be fully satisfied with these settlements, we firmly believe that these settlements... represent our best and exhaustive effort to reach compromises.

These settlements will protect water resources, advance the implementation of effective water management, and ensure future access to water resources for all residents located in the areas of northern New Mexico encompassed by these…

It would be a very unfortunate outcome if those people were told 'no, you cannot connect--this is a Pueblo-only system.'

I thank Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member McClintock, members of the Subcommittee on Water and Power...

Senators Bingaman and Udall and Congressmen Lujan and Heinrich have provided the leadership and the guidance that will allow the fighting to end.

This settlement will avoid contentious litigation that could only cause future mistrust and conflict throughout the Taos area.

The reason I ask that question, I just want to be very clear here.

I thank Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member McClintock, members of the Subcommittee on Water and Power...