Jon Tester

I oppose the loss of the F-15 fighter mission, I'm thankful the Air Force worked with myself and Senator Baucus to identify a new mission.

I want to thank you for the work that you're doing and the goals that you have to help this country become more energy independent.

We are still hoping to get a final product done as soon as possible.

Water in the west, you guys know all the sayings that revolve around it. But it is very important, it is indeed the foundation of life.

I appreciate the correction. I was just checking to see if you were listening.

When we talk about Indian Country and us having the duty to supply them with adequate sources of water for drinking, irrigation, residential, municipal uses, the list goes on, it is a big issue.

We must ensure that the rights of Native Americans are respected in these negotiations.

Water is a foundational resource for economic development.

I appreciate that attention and sorry I didn't ask you some questions, Mike, but thank you for being here.

Well, it is a big issue. I mean, there was an amendment on the floor yesterday that I think failed because some people didn't want to encourage more fracking.

I believe it's because the BLM does not have the authority to do so today.

The United States has more rigs operating right now, and correct me if I'm wrong, than the rest of the world combined.

Let's be honest about the facts.

I think money is important but for us, I think what's equally--well, it is equally important in my opinion is--if something goes upside down and there's more than one agency dealing with it, people slip through the cracks.

When I talk to the industry, the industry says, fracking is going on so deep that it can't impact the potable water up above.

We are giving $1 billion a day to countries that don't necessarily like us much.

I firmly believe that we do need to reduce our dependence on imported oil.

What are you doing to support the introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure?

So you are still moving forward on your commitment to fuel-cell technology.

I think you probably just admitted you can even do a better job.

I think it is important. In recent years, DOE has done a great job, probably the best of any agency.

This alone should cause serious concerns.

The VA does not have the information needed to plan services effectively, allocate grants to providers, and track progress.

It is great to have additional funds but we need to make sure we use them wisely.

The most egregious of these, in my opinion, is a bill called H.R. 1505 in the House.