Unless there are a sufficient number of Federal airtankers, CAL FIRE cannot continue to support extended attack fires on Federal lands without adversely affecting our aviation program.

Senator Feinstein, Senator Murkowski, and I, all have mentioned the issue of fire suppression.

The Strategy does not reference the individual needs of the States.

The USDA Forest Service Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy is long overdue and is a critical step toward identifying the next-generation large airtanker platform.

Is it your intention in a wildfire, wildland fire on Federal land, to let the land burn or to attack it at its beginning?

The reduction in the number of Federal airtankers from 43 in 2000, to 11 in 2011, has resulted in significant impacts on this integrated system.

I think the decision was made in the Station Fire, not to attack early. And I think that was a mistake.

Will you make a commitment that there are adequate Federal firefighting resources for Federal land in California this next firefighting season?

How many will be available during fire season in California?

Today we are still witnessing an alarming rate of demand letters that are being sent to small business owners demanding settlements in the range of $5,000 to $8,000.

I rise to speak in support of the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act, which I have cosponsored. This legislation would repeal five specific tax subsidies and a royalty relief provision to the largest oil companies, which simply do not need…

The Park Service's latest falsification of science at Point Reyes National Seashore is the straw that breaks the camel's back.

I can only attribute this conduct to an unwavering bias against the oyster farm and historic ranches.

It is my belief that the case against Drakes Bay Oyster Company is deceptive and potentially fraudulent.

I think this is the number one levee need in California, and Sacramento is the capital city.

Well, that's really what I mean by adaptive management of the pumps.

Who suffers? The Corps, the Bureau. They are pushed and compressed.

Well, for example, the Natomas Project isn't authorized. Why isn't it authorized?

Our harbors are decrepit.

I think that is extremely important as well.

It's very frustrating.

Is there any way for the Administration to propose, award a bill, for the highest priority projects in the country based on protection of life and property?

We've got a big water problem coming up, Mike, and in contrast to last year's near-record level precipitation, 2012 looks to be a fairly dry year.

How about at the pumps? Can any changes be made in how the pumps are run, the reverse flow?

You have a responsibility. I have a responsibility. The White House has a responsibility.