Jon Tester

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.

We want to meet an agreement soon. But we are supportive.

So there needs to be an education process?

It is an important piece of legislation, because water is the foundation of life, particularly in rural communities.

I want to repeat, thank you, thank you to the folks who testified today.

$35 million is more than Montana has ever been asked to contribute before.

Assuming we get this bill through sooner rather than later, do you have a plan to educate folks on what this bill does?

It is important that as communities, we work together to solve our problems rather than fighting with one another.

Montana has the same position as the Blackfeet Tribe, which is that we do support Pondera's request.

I believe we all want to resolve our water rights issues in an expeditious manner.

They did such a good job that the State legislature ratified this compact in 2009, when they last met.

Thank you very much. Appreciate both your testimonies.