Brian Schatz

Now we need that same bipartisan strength to sustain those ongoing infrastructure investments--and to make progress on safety regulations that protect Americans driving, flying, walking, riding--and counting--on that infrastructure.

Every member on this committee knows the importance of stable bridges, efficient airports, and safe cars.

But we face a reversal of that commitment--we do face a reversal of that commitment if we entertain the House majority proposal to return to 2022 funding levels.

I am concerned we are facing a telehealth cliff in 2024.

I would like you to talk through how, attitudinally, we are shifting, and not just throwing another, say, $80 million at the problem.

The political attractiveness of 30 by 30 is useful, but it is useless unless it is followed up well.

I am the Chairman of the Senate Committee that has jurisdiction called the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

One of my proudest achievements, in partnership with President Obama's administration, is the establishment of Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument.

The one thing I would add for your--or the people who run these various programs is, they don't actually have to invent or curate something brand new now, telehealth is all across the country, all across the planet.

It seems to me in far-flung, places you can really provide high quality care for a lower cost.

But helping people to apply for other money is a little bit different.

I would like to be reassured that we are moving forward.

I guess the question I have is: Is this just a question of finite resources available for a very challenging program, or are there problems with the ability of our Pacific Island friends and neighbors to expend the money responsibly; is…

I think on climate we have an absolute responsibility, and we are acting on it, to try to provide the technical assistance, the technology and, yes, the resources to deal with this, particularly for countries that, literally, risk not…

But the truth is, some of these people need immediate assistance because they can't drink the salt water, and their runways are flooding.

I think we do need to come up with an economic model.

The less precipitous, but just as bad scenario, is saltwater inundation of the freshwater systems.

What we have to offer are, as you say, values, right, and relationships.

I think there are some cases, Kiribati is a good example where they really might vanish.

I welcome the budget's focus on democracy and human rights, and particularly robust funding for promoting press freedom.

No decisions about us.

We thank the Committee and Senator Schatz for championing these bills in the 117th Congress.

Because we can only do our best work when we hear directly from the Native communities that we serve.

No decisions about us.

I don't think that it is in their interests to have Congress' intent or President Biden's intent thwarted.