Jon Tester

I would just say that I encourage you to fill that position. I think it's really important as far as conduit goes.

I think it's critically important... that you have tribal consultations from the folks that are living it every day.

Our transportation infrastructure is critical to economic development, creating jobs and improving the lives of everybody who lives in Indian country.

I think we're going to make a proposal to have all our Senate Indian Affairs hearings here; how's that?

I would contend once again that if we're going to keep this system the way it is, it's unfair, inaccuracies being reported and not being corrected, then change the name from IRR to something else, State Highway Fund or Extra County Fund…

I appreciate your leadership on the Indian Affairs Committee.

Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of the Indian tribes.

Do you have an outreach method that you utilize to reach out to tribes in both rural and urban America to make sure that the Highway Bill meets the needs once we get to the floor of the Senate or the Committee?

The Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have laid out a vision for forests in the United States.

I also believe it is important that the process for determining service connections prevents or limits at a minimum fraudulent claims from being made.

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

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.

Well, I would just say that if these figures are correct, as I would expect, I believe you would do your best to try to reduce that administrative overhead to get those benefits for the soldiers.

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?

I think we are all interested in that.

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

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?

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

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 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?

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

How does Montana get to be more than a blip?