Jon Tester

I believe it would be a major step forward toward fulfilling the promise of restoring tribal homelands first made by the Federal Government over 80 years ago.

I think this is a good discussion to have and talk about the challenges. And I appreciate you, Mr. Chairman, bringing up climate change because it's occurring whether we want to deny it or not, it's happening.

We have got to get the Veterans First Act passed. We just do.

The issue that Senator Moran brought up is totally unacceptable.

Would you agree that we have some work to do to get the faith and trust back of many of our veterans out there?

It sounds to me like we are going to be leaving town next week, which is crazy.

We passed the Veterans First Act out of the Committee unanimously 125 days ago. We have yet to deal with it on the floor.

It is called the 'Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act.' It is an important bill that will offer consumers flood insurance options.

If we are impeding upon sovereignty, it is over with.

Rather we seek to determine our own economic future and note that all labor has dignity and importance.

The overriding concern that presents itself in Indian Country, and what this legislation seeks to address, is the absence of fully functioning economies on far too many reservations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Senator Jon Tester, Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Tom Udall for the introduction of Senate Bill 3261--The Native American Business Incubators Program Act.

I do hope that we can get the Little Shell Recognition Bill across the finish line.

When there is bipartisan support for a bill like there is with the Little Shell, it would be great to get it done.

They are your islands of poverty amidst a sea of plenty.

I think it could be good.

This bill will help promote tribal economic development by investing in small business where it is needed, on the reservation.

While economic opportunity should be afforded to all Americans, an examination of this legislation and the historical economic literature and lessons involving Native American entrepreneurs also reveal unique impediments in starting…

Sovereignty is a big issue in Indian Country.

But we are not without hope, for conditions can be established and sustained by which new and existing American Indian entrepreneurs can be successful.

Between 2010 and 2014, BIA contracting was between 7 percent and 13 percent. You had said that the Buy Indian Act goal should be 100 percent. That is a pretty good gap.

These issues translate into fewer on-reservation businesses, fewer jobs in tribal communities, and Native youth having to leave home in search of opportunities elsewhere.

On July 14th of 2016, Vice Chairman Tester introduced S. 3261, the Native American Business Incubators Program Act.

I just want to continue real quick. I actually am going to be very interested to hear Dr. Cassidy's questions on this because you are in the business.

The question is when and at what point in time are we going to be interoperable to the point where the information that the DOD has, and by the way, if it is not good information coming to you, you do not have good information, but…