I rise against the amendment from the gentlelady from California. In fact, I want to highlight two of the Arizona witnesses who have some of the most applicable understanding of this hydropower bill. The first person I would like to quote…

While this budget proposes essentially a $45 billion tax increase on American job producers, it stands in the way of a project that would have an estimated total economic impact of over $61 billion.

The Administration's failure to show up today will not hold up progress on this bill.

We are also very appreciative of the strong support we have received from Congressman Paul Gosar.

The Administration claims to commit to powering the American economy. You tout the Bureau of Reclamation's facilities that deliver cheap, affordable water to millions of Americans, and allow Western farmers to thrive.

This bill is a result of intensive consultation with tribes across the country that are involved in energy exploration, development, and production.

Now, based on your experience with the Navajo Nation and government, does the Nation have strong governmental capacity sufficient to administer a sub-surface leasing program?

But--so the dollars you quoted about what it is costing you, you are not figuring in the lost time. Time is money.

The 14 billion in tax revenue, the 4,100 of pristine land coming into the BLM stewardship, 3,700 jobs, increased domestic mineral independence, all these benefits are supposed to be central to your agency's mission.

I want to welcome today's witnesses, all of whom are tribes that are actively engaged in the exploration, development, and production of both conventional and emerging energy technology and resources.

It contains measures that tribes requested of the Committee, rooted in the principle of increasing Native Americans' control over their lands' resources.

Hydropower facilities like the Hoover Dam, the Parker Dam, and the Glen Canyon Dam are vital power resources for consumers.