Steve Daines

Certainly when we have an economy that's growing and actual labor shortages across our country, it highlights the importance of taking care of our own employees.

It's important in Mississippi. I know in Montana over the last 3 years we've been able to send books, over 4,000 books in fact, to 20 different small towns and these are small towns in rural areas as well as in reservations.

I think it's the outstanding Ranking Member that draws the crowd.

You're requesting an additional $10 million in fiscal year 2019 for this project.

A $62 million price tag, so that's significant.

Right. And again that highlights the importance of ensuring we're taking care of our own employees--

We see the impact here. We walk around every day and see the important work that you do for this institution as well as for the people of this great country.

Here's your chance, Dr. Hayden, right here.

Do you still anticipate requesting a total Federal investment of about $40 million with private donations totaling around $20 million?

I stand here today to urge the very swift confirmation of my good friend, my former colleague, the current Director of the CIA, Mike Pompeo, to serve as America's next Secretary of State. Mike's resume would put him at the top of any pile…

I ask unanimous consent that following my remarks, the Senator from Ohio, Mr. Brown, be allowed to make remarks for about 3 to 5 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I also look forward to gaining a full understanding of your agencies' needs and priorities for the coming year to better serve the Congress and our great Nation.

So how much money are we leaving on the table?

I would like to see that list of recommendations that have not yet been implemented by Congress as well as the executive branch.

You mentioned that your ROI is dependent on Congress acting on what you recommend.

Yes, do not check the ROI on Congress. I think that could be something embarrassing.

I have consistently said we need 3,250 FTEs. That is the optimum level for GAO within the current budgetary situation.

I think one of the truisms of forecasts is the forecast is always wrong.

I would like to welcome everyone to the first of our fiscal year 2019 budget hearings for the agencies under the jurisdiction of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee.

I applaud the agency's recent rulemaking to revise its NEPA procedures and share the goal of increasing the efficiency of environmental analysis.

Montana is proud to claim one of the highest per capita rates in military service in the Nation.

It is vitally important that we address these issues promptly.

They delay some great forest restoration projects, and they are really harming our local economies.

That is why I think we need to take a look at arbitration as part of the solution.

It is refreshing to see leadership that quantifies a goal and holds itself accountable for the results.