I think there are two important goals that we have. And one is to connect all of America.

the truth is, if rural America isn't part of that equation, we don't win the race, in my town.

So, I'm trying to get an idea on how much it costs to do the whole country.

I rise today to announce that I think Robert Wilkie is the right man for the job to be VA Secretary. Today, we are going to fulfill our constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent on the President's nominee. This is a…

I appreciate your leadership on this Committee, the strong vote for the farm bill that got out of here.

You have been a champion of the Good Neighbor Authority.

I do not consider those timelines acceptable, and, yes, I think some streamlining would be necessary, still protecting that public involvement.

So streamlining the NEPA process ---- would be a benefit?

So that would allow all participants to have their voice?

The bottom line is that we need range land management that utilize sound science, provides for flexibility, and incorporates permittee input.

ranchers are, quote, ``an important contributor to the customs, cultures, and rural economies of the West,'' end quote.

So not knowing when the litigation is coming or from which direction really adds uncertainty to your ability to plan your business?

It seems like it's a hand-to-mouth experience where you have very little certainty about the future.

Under the current system that allows legal challenges to annual operating instructions, is there potential for agencies to have to litigate similar issues repeatedly?

So in your experience, various groups, conservation, ag producers can work together and resolve issues at a local level?

An arbitration pilot would ensure that we get swifter resolution to these legal challenges, not to stop the legal challenge but just try to get it done more quickly and more cost-effectively.

The problem is we have got a little bit of a moving target here as well on cottonwood.

The Federal grazing leases, yes, they give us the agricultural opportunity to make our ranches more valuable.