Jon Tester

I think the challenge is going to be we are the problem. Congress is the problem on this.

Is it also fair to say that due to Vietnam veterans getting older, you are getting a lot more demand on your facilities?

I am worried that the cascading negative press about the VA, its personnel, and the care it provides is crushing the Department's ability to address workforce needs that we have in Montana and I assume elsewhere in this country.

I have a pretty brief opening statement, and then we will get after it.

I thank you for your service, and we will look forward to the response to those.

I have been impressed by your leadership, Mr. Secretary, your candor, your willingness to accept accountability and confront tough issues.

Good. If you could get back to me on what the original cost projections were and where you are at right now in 2015 for Fort Bliss.

How do you mitigate cost overruns?

How about as it applies to BRAC? As we approach potentially another round of BRAC, is that taken into consideration when you are talking about your construction?

You have a standardized process when it comes to building hospitals in the United States?

Are efforts underway to seek additional cost sharing agreements with our allies in order to equitably share the burden?

I am going to follow up on the chairman's questions with you, Mr. Marshall, very quickly.

A lot of the time, cost overruns are created by change orders. How do you handle change orders?

Climate change is a global issue, and the United States will play an important role in any solution.

I have great respect for the power of any state to address policy challenges and meet the needs of its citizens as it sees fit.

The ability for tribes to successfully and responsibly manage their natural resources, while building self-determination, is crucial for the economic success of Indian Country.

It's important that this Committee continue to look closely at the various forms of economic development occurring in Indian County.

I am concerned, though, that we are today seeing political and regulatory developments which... will, if unchecked, destroy present and future opportunities for our people.

The EPA has a legal duty under Executive Order 13175 to ensure meaningful and timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory proposals that affect tribes.

The agency needs to withdraw the proposal and do the consultation it is required to do with the people of the Crow Nation.

I feel strongly that Washington DC has not done enough to advance clean coal technologies.

I have heard the Tribe loud and clear, and I have fought for the continuation of this critical tax credit with each passing year.

The Crow Nation, like the rest of our state, is rich in resources.

I think that there is an opportunity not to have a lot of meetings but at least give them the input before--the opportunity for input before the designation.

I appreciate the administration's willingness to engage on what I think may be the most important issue facing the world today.