Jon Tester

I just can't express my appreciation enough.

As Senator Tester noted, water is life, not only for our communities, it is the lifeblood of our number one industry, agriculture.

We have to get this done, because in Montana we make good on our promises and we work together to get things done and find that common ground.

What we do not want to see is, we do not want to see smoking as a barrier for veterans not going to get the care that they need.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, because my Native American friends taught me this: water is life.

Look, Senator Moran and myself come from places where health care is hard to find if you are in the VA.

For the purview of the Committee, the St. Mary's project is an engineering marvel.

AWP is supportive of the intent of the legislation.

I would recommend the Not Just a Number Act.

AWP supports Making Community Care Work legislation, which is similar to the HEALTH Act in many ways.

Right now the VA is prevented from paying veterans to receive assisted living services. This bill would help address that.

Senator Boozman and I have the Not Just a Number Act, to require the VA to make a more comprehensive look at veteran suicide.

VA's focus should remain on how veterans can receive the care they need, whether it is inside or outside of its facilities.

I think we should all agree on that--and regardless, we should be doing everything we possibly can to make sure we have a VA where veterans can get the highest quality of care they deserve.

Look, Senator Moran and myself come from places where health care is hard to find if you are in the VA.

Look, we are going to continue to work together to figure out ways we can get health care to our veterans in the best way so that we keep them healthy forever because they have earned that.

This is a historic day for the Fort Belknap Indian Community and for folks across north central Montana.

water is life. Without that, we are nothing.

The CHARGE Act makes permanent essential programs that expired in May.

We have to get this done, because in Montana we make good on our promises and we work together to get things done and find that common ground.

Today's hearing is a testament to hard work and determination getting done if you fight and work for common sense solutions.

It's crucial that we listen to the concerns of Indigenous communities.

I have been critical of past VA administrations because of the failure to do more outreach.

The St. Mary's canal system... is critical for the Hi-Line communities and agriculture.

water is life. Without that, we are nothing.