Why is the Forest Service gutting a program that is not only so important for rural jobs and forest health but is actually working?

I hope that those of us on this Committee vehemently disagree with that.

Together, through these partnerships, we can move mountains, literally.

Thank you, Chairman Hoeven, for calling this oversight hearing to commemorate the 30th anniversary of tribal self-governance.

To me, directed energy weapons are one of those ways that we do not have to have our guys, our partners, our allies have a fair fight.

we need senior level officials to speak up for directed energy when Analysis of Alternatives are occurring.

I believe there is language in the fiscal year 2018 appropriation bill that talks about when you all look at these kinds of decisions, consulting DOD (Department of Defense) and making sure--Mr. Petty is nodding his head here, so I guess I…

Thank you for bringing a sense of urgency to all of this, because I very much agree that has oftentimes been the missing piece to all of this.

The DOD Labs contain the bulk of technology and engineering expertise of the Department, almost 40,000 scientists and engineers.

we need senior officials at the Pentagon to help push the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and the military services to recognize the benefit of directed energy weapon systems.

The way we appropriate funds is no way reflective of the speed at which threats and technologies move.

How can DOD appropriately make better use of the foreign STEM talent that is studying and working in the U.S.?

we need senior level officials at the Pentagon to identify capability gaps and know where directed energy can be a solution.

If self governance were to be expanded beyond BIA and the USDA Forest Service-managed lands, how would that improve your current management ability?

The powers afforded to you in this new position are more like 'broad and sweeping powers to offer advice.'

I really appreciate your awareness that so many of these challenges are baked into culture as much as anything else.

I think that the current requirements process is not designed for new ideas or new weapons systems.

Experience does not support that.