Jon Tester

The one most basic responsibility of our government and this Committee in particular is to care for the veterans' for the injuries that they have suffered in the defense of this country.

I think that is the whole point here. I think everybody that earned a benefit should get it, they should get it ASAP.

I do not think anyone here expects the rules expanding presumptive eligibility for Agent Orange veterans that the VA issued earlier to be changed.

Is it within your purview or do you plan on making recommendations to FEMA in cases like that, how they can deal with communities in a way that does not drive families into bankruptcy?

There are only a couple private companies out there--Chubb, Lloyd's of London, I think there are two more--that will go ahead and even address flood insurance with people.

Have you been able to determine whether FEMA has worked with communities to help mitigate the economic impact of the new maps?

The GAO has been really focused on the integrity of the National Flood Insurance Program.

I think we are all interested in that.

How does Montana get to be more than a blip?

I think this cuts across everybody, rich, poor, Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents.

How does Montana get a fair shot at any sort of investment when, quite honestly, we don't have a population base?

If we don't start investing in infrastructure, we are not going to be a leader in this world for much longer.

I think it is critically important that we invest and it is going to cost money.

If you are looking at developing a mass transit system, you could take a whole pile of money and send it down to Southern California.

I just think you are a great person for the job and bring some real common sense to a position that needs it.

I would agree, and I would hope that when the Deficit Commission comes back with their recommendation, we do not look for reasons to vote against it but rather look for reasons to vote for it so we can get our arms around the debt.

Today, Senator McCaskill can get on that little machine right there that Senator Brown brought up, go online, and find any grave in the 131 VA National Cemeteries right from her seat right there--any grave, she can find.

This is not only totally unacceptable, it is a black eye that, quite frankly, needs to be dealt with in a way to make things right as soon as possible.

That needs to be fixed. I mean, if the next person has that same sentiment, we are never going to get to a situation where we are doing things right at Arlington or responsible to the taxpayers of this country.

But Congress--do you understand what I am saying? Congress has allocated $3 million, plus we are dinging the owners $10,600 in addition to that.

This is a big issue and we need to get it fixed.

We have to get this fixed because we are breaking people.

How much are those grants for? What are they capped at?

Let me tell you, when I get people from the private sector coming up to me and telling me that Government isn't efficient, it is hard for me to argue when--

My constituents are not happy, and I can't tell them--I can't give them any reason why this is happening.