Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership in holding this important hearing.

I rise today to introduce the Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012. I am pleased that Senators Lieberman, Levin, and Lee have joined as cosponors. The Hatch Act restricts political activity of Federal employees, District of Columbia…

I like what you all are saying and that you are working jointly to help the indigenous people here with MOUs.

I ask unanimous consent to speak before the Senate for 10 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

we have seen some economic growth, but it has not yet hit home in many ways.

I rise to urge my colleagues to oppose the Blunt amendment, which could lead to devastating health outcomes for over 20 million women across our country. Just 2 weeks ago, I applauded the Obama administration's decision to require health…

My question to you is: Can you talk about any steps you are taking to improve the acquisition process at VA and any efficiencies that you have been able to realize in this area?

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at 2:15 p.m. in room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing entitled ``Indian Water Rights: Promoting the…

I am encouraged to see that the total budget request for VA was $13 billion above last year.

I know that you are working on an MOU with the Indian Health Service to find solutions to help provide services to our Native American veterans, and I commend you and all of your involvement in these efforts.

While budget increases provide opportunities, we all know that these resources must be utilized with thought and efficiency in order to best serve our veterans and their families.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, Thursday, March 8, 2012, at 2:15 p.m. in room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct an oversight hearing on the President fiscal year 2013…

I reluctantly supported the conference agreement because it is absolutely essential that we extend the payroll tax holiday and unemployment insurance benefits. The stakes are too high to do otherwise for our economic recovery and for…

Successful energy development requires low-cost capital, excellent partners and clear land use policies that honors the trust status and original intent of our Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.

We must ensure that Indian tribes have the tools they need to develop their own energy resources.

Thank you so much for the leadership you have for the Air Force and their families.

On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed the law which repealed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

I agree 100 percent with your UNCLOS position for our country. It's about time that we become serious about that.

Secretary Panetta, in 2011, the United States and North Korea agreed to restart efforts to search for and repatriate the remains of U.S. soldiers missing from the Korean War.

Gaming has been the single most effective form of economic development for Indian Country.

Tribal gaming revenue provides for the education, housing, infrastructure and health needs of our Tribal members.

Tribal gaming is currently the only form of federally-authorized and regulated gaming in the United States.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 2:15 p.m. in room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct an hearing entitled ``Energy Development in Indian Country.''…

For the first time in history, we have an agency with a singular consolidated mission, to provide a voice for the consumers of our country.

In my view, having a single director responsible for the Bureau's results promotes accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness.