Heidi Heitkamp

I think sometimes Washington loses sight of how folks really at the local level are trying to make every penny count.

It can be school supplies, like Senator Heitkamp said, it can be school supplies, it can be pay-to-play fees, lab fees, it could be Native language programs, it could be culture programs, programs to increase attendance.

Data is lacking for Indian Country.

I think this is a pretty dramatic increase to do it in a way that does not allow full analysis and full response.

I do not think that we have enough information, and so I am a little disturbed by the process here

We have got a process problem with this rule. But we have an economic problem for middle-class families in this country who struggle every day to make ends meet.

But I am telling you that economists in North Dakota have looked at what would be, in fact, a 40-hour living wage for a single mom, and they have calculated it at $24 an hour.

This will create economic hardship and a lack of economic development for generations to come if we don't fix this problem.

Wireless might be the way, that is true, it could be the way, but obviously we have to build fiber optic networks

I think one of the most critical things that can come out of this hearing is an understanding that we are frustrated by the lack of data.

I think that is a problem, because that number is unreliable.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Having this kind of communication support into the future is absolutely essential.

If they were doing that, we would not get complaints.

I think we need a second look and an independent look.

It is up to this body to step in after this kind of up and down litigation.

This should not be as partisan as what it is.

We cannot have that kind of political roller coaster based on who is sitting in the White House.

This is an abrogation. This is Congress saying, these are too tough for us to deal with.

I would suggest that we be a little careful on how we define ex parte contacts...

North Dakota was the site of a spectacular oil train fire.

I think many times for the smaller agencies, it becomes a non-starter, and as a result, we see old equipment...

With SBA funding for small business, how would--given that this law is in effect, how would you then implement this provision without a regulation?

But we certainly appreciate the work that both of you do, and I am grateful, as is my State, for all of the assistance FEMA has given us as we experience, whether it is a tornado or whether it is devastating flooding in my State.

I think one of the great challenges here in terms of disaster relief is that the balance between wanting it to be self-contained and have no subsidization from Federal taxpayer dollars, and then recognizing that the taxpayer input and…