Jon Tester

I think it is a great idea.

If you have metrics you can bring to this Committee that justify these increases in budget, it would be very, very helpful.

The challenges facing Indian Country cannot be addressed when Native programs are severely underfunded.

What is the justification? Is it simply dollars?

God knows in my neck of the woods, they need economic development and in Indian Country.

We cannot balance the budget on the back of Indian Country.

I do believe the USDA's priority should be with making determinations based on sound science regarding the safety of biotech products within its jurisdiction, not on marketing or mandatory labeling efforts that really have no bearing on…

For farmers to do trial and error is a good way to go broke.

I think that you have done some positive things for research in here.

What is the plan to get folks on and retain those folks?

We do not want to create different classes of Native Americans because everyone who is eligible for IHS should receive the same standard of quality care.

Are tribes on board with this or are they balking at it?

I think we're estimated to be at about $1.2 billion of third-party billing.

So can I ask you, is what you pay your staff for equivalent capabilities competitive with the VA?

Have you guys made a recommendation to give yourselves some more flexibility in that area?

I think it's a good thing for Native Americans.

Is $5 million going to be adequate?

On March 1, I joined with Senator Murkowski to introduce S. 2612, which will facilitate the full implementation of this agreement.

I mean, immigration is a huge problem.

My recommendation would be just as I would tell any agency is go to where those people are.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Senator Cassidy for his courtesy.

It does not matter what business you are in if money helps you stay in business.

Canada is our largest trading partner, continues to be, and I think any of those ports up there that are 24 hours in nature are important if we are going to maintain and increase our ability to do business with Canada.

The legislation you introduced, S. 2612, the Promoting Travel Commerce and National Security Act of 2016, would provide the necessary authority to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Do not forget about the Northern Border. It is damn important.