Jon Tester

This bill is a step in the right direction as it provides the mechanism to fund deferred maintenance on these irrigation projects that have built up over decades.

Can you describe the condition of the Wind River irrigation system?

We have got to do better. I think everybody on this Committee is here to help you do better, but something is wrong.

When I first got here, you had discretionary funding in the VA; now it is mandatory.

I believe in the people who serve this country, just as Senator Sullivan talked about.

Why can't we get some people to Montana to help these folks out? Why can't we get that facility open?

Why would they do that?

When can we see a full-time Director in Montana? And when can we see nominees for the two positions Dr. Clancy and Mr. Walters have?

You had talked in your opening statement, Mr. Secretary, about antiquated infrastructure, the fact that we need new buildings, which I agree with.

We should already be seeing an uptick in on-reservation housing, if we are depending on the HEARTH Act.

This budget provides for full funding of those costs, while also proposing to make those costs mandatory funding in the future.

I don't think there is anybody on this Committee that doesn't understand the need for BIE school construction and rebuilds out there.

If you can do that, I think it will make you a hero. And it will solve a problem that is a big problem.

What interagency initiatives are going to be created or strengthened to ensure that Native veterans, who serve at a higher rate than any other minority, are getting the best care that they deserve, regardless of where they live?

Okay, in other words, you are building a partnership with the VA that needs to be built.

A responsible budget shouldn't be balanced on the backs of Indian Country.

I know that any increases will have an enormous impact on the well-being of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians across our country.

I think this is a good budget for Indian Country that keeps us going in the right direction.

I appreciate your support of them.

It is always good to visit about the budget.

Are we going to meet the FAA's 2020 guideline?

So you will take into account potential cost savings plus the gap in service that this will create in this country, particularly west of the Mississippi and Northwest.

But what does that do with the FAA guidelines, though? Because they go into effect in 2020.

I very much appreciate that.

Those planes are grounded?