Mark Udall

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their willingness to work together on this legislation.

I look forward to the further update.

If the bill was amended to remove that particular site would that address the Park Service's concerns?

Thank you, Senator Portman.

I was co-chairman of the commission with his father in 1985 and 1986, under President Reagan, that recommended full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is $900 million.

I think last year, we actually appropriated something on the order of $200 million.

So there may be a sweet spot here that we all ought to continue discussing.

I want to thank Senator Alexander for his comments. I want to associate myself with his comments.

I'm certainly open to taking a creative look at all of this, Senator Coburn, because the parks that you mentioned are America's best idea.

I'm confident we can, through technology and ultimately through political will, get to where we need to be.

In the end, though, augmentation is going to be important as how you augment and the effects that Ms. Hawes touched on.

The key factor, in my opinion, is political will.

I think many other States have taken a look at what you've accomplished and said, 'what can we apply in our State?'

I think again, we have to look regionally and locally because laws vary, as you know, from State to State.

How can States, tribes and local entities prepare and adapt for changes?

I think it's necessary and mandatory reading for anybody who cares about the Basin to page through Cadillac Desert.

We support the Native American community's requests in historic access to this water.

Mr. Vigil, your statement is very important.

Water has literally shaped the West. It carved Colorado from red rock.

The saying, 'Whiskey is for drinking. Water is for fighting.'

This has to do with protecting the health of the river on which we all depend.

I fully endorse her nomination, and let me say that I hope the Committee will act swiftly to send her nomination to the full Senate.

I am truly proud to introduce Katherine Archuleta to your Committee and to the Congress as you consider her nomination.

I did raise questions.

I went to the floor, I offered amendments, I did everything possible short of leaking.