Jon Tester

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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--

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.

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

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

We remain committed to that open dialogue. We do want to address their concerns.

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

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

Thank you for your leadership on a number of things, including this.

Where is the Governor in support of this bill?

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

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

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

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

So there needs to be an education process?

It has been the policy in Montana and the United States to negotiate rather than litigate water rights.

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

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

We are very appreciative of all of the work that you have done on all the Indian water rights settlements that have come up from Montana.