The nation that grows its economy with clean energy will lead the global economy of the 21st century.

federally funded scientists could be a tremendous resource for small and startup businesses.

I hope that collectively we might be able to be supportive of programs like that going forward.

Thank you, Chairman Coons, and thank you both for holding this important hearing.

I appreciate the Obama Administration's support for H.R. 1413. And, I look forward to working with you Chairman Bishop and my colleagues on the committee to move this legislation forward.

This is about keeping our landmark promise to future generations, and I can't say enough about the importance of partnerships between sportsmen and other public land conservationists.

Thank you for having this hearing on S. 134, which was introduced by Senator Bingaman and Senator Udall.

I can't tell you how honored I am to see two of our distinguished Native American leaders here before the Committee.

Do you consider these to be part of the Department's trust responsibilities vis-a-vis the Tribe?

Chairman Akaka has been very aggressive about moving the agenda on bills.

I am especially pleased that the Committee will be considering the merits of S. 134, the Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act.

Senator Bingaman has long been a great advocate of Tribal water legislation and has been persistently diligent in moving this and other important pieces of water legislation through Congress.

In your testimony, you make the recommendation that the Mescalero Apache Tribal Leasing Authorization Act be changed to include language that provides that the Tribe, and I am quoting now, your testimony, 'shall develop Tribal water…

It is a big loss, I think, to all of us. She was a great lady and I think we will all miss her very much.

We are a treaty Tribe, having entered into a treaty with the United States on July 1st, 1852.

Thank you very much, Chairman Akaka, for your courtesy. And thank you for the chance to speak in favor of this bill.

This will also help to strengthen the relationship which is already a very good one between Indian and non-Indian communities in our State.

I agree with what Senator Tester said.