We urge passage of the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, H.R. 3254.

I would like to thank Speaker Lujan and Governor Richardson for following through on that funding.

I am strongly in favor of additional water development and believe that the project contemplated by this legislation will be a boon to the entire region.

These bills are an example of how we can manage this precious resource without pitting towns against farms, and farms against tribes.

The Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act would settle a lawsuit nearly 40 years old and adjudicate water rights for Taos Pueblo, the State of New Mexico, and many non-Indian water users and acequia associations.

water is the lifeblood of our communities. Whether you live in downtown Albuquerque or on a ranch or in a pueblo, every New Mexican depends on their community's right to clean, reliable water.

I want to thank Congressman Lujan for his leadership in working with the Four Pueblos...

I want to commend the local, state, and Pueblo governments for all their dedication to finding a solution that meets each community's needs.

The Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act would settle an even older water rights lawsuit--in fact, this is the oldest active case in the federal court system.

What exactly is the Federal trust responsibility to the tribes regarding water?

It is easy to paint a broad brush when we are talking about energy independence.

I just think what Ms. Lummis brings up is actually something we should keep in mind.

I actually have a slightly more pro-nuclear approach than many of my Democratic colleagues.

I do not think there is any general question, even among the medical community in New Mexico, that there have been impacts from former activity.

I appreciate how accessible you have been to each of us as Members of Congress.

We do need to provide them the support and resources they need.

In May 2009, Congressman Heinrich introduced the HEARTH Act, which will offer willing Indian tribes the authority to enact their own tribal leasing regulations.

Mr. Lujan. Mr. Russo, if I could interrupt, I think that that example is a perfect illustration...