Jon Tester

I applaud the work you are doing. I think it is critically important work.

It seems to me that gaming tribes, because they have some capital to work with, have a few more advantages.

I very much appreciate your insight into this.

I just don't think it is going to get better unless we give you guys the tools to make it better.

I could almost guess that the success stories come with tribes that probably have gaming and probably have resources.

We have heard first-hand how this unprecedented economic opportunity has brought increased population, increased traffic and unfortunately, increased crime into this very rural part of our Country.

Let me say that again: it lies within the boundaries of one of the highest growing crime regions in the Country.

I appreciate your holding this important hearing on Addressing the Need for Victim Services in Indian Country.

This legislation is a win-win for veterans and the VA.

Thank you all for being here today and I may have some questions for the record on homelessness.

The VA has estimated that a longer-term authorization could potentially save the taxpayers about $206 million.

Authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transport individuals to and from facilities.

As you look at the protocol that is out there for administering vaccinations to veterans, do you see any improvements that could be made?

I think the program is working and there is a reauthorization proposal here today.

I just want to thank Chairman Kirk for his kind remarks.

I appreciate your expertise. And I wanted to recognize President Azure from Fort Belknap, who also has a water settlement that we need to be working on.

If we can get a dedicated fund to that, I think it could make a big, big difference.

Addressing these issues is vital for the health and prosperity of Native communities.

Montana is going to contribute $49 million for the Blackfeet water settlement and I think $50 million for Salish Kootenai.

Look, we all know here that education is the foundation for everybody, and it is more important, I believe, as far as the future for Indian Country because of the poverty that is in Indian Country.

One of the main themes we continue to hear from Indian country is that something needs to be done to improve school facilities.

MOAA strongly supports S. 241.

The legislation is named after Navy Veteran, Ruth Moore, who is a survivor of military sexual assault.

The question I have is this place changes every 2 years, and to have 3 years in a residency, you have got to have the money for that residency.

I think it is a reasonable thing to do.