the budget that I wrote that my colleagues have agreed to is designed to meet that need at that higher level

we'd like to thank you, Senator Conrad, for your past support, and we ask that you continue to support our cause

Yes, well, that is exactly the issue. And I think, in the interest of everybody having kind of the full information before them, this is going to be a key question for all of us going forward.

I just want to make clear, from my perspective, that this is what occurred after 1997.

I have high regard for Colonel Christensen. His professionalism and the absolute dedication he brought to this, I think all of us respect.

Thanks again, Mr. Chairman. And I didn't have a chance to thank specifically my colleague Senator Klobuchar for being here and for her leadership.

Can I add just one other point? And that is that we also have the issue of floodplain.

And Congressman Peterson, I will tell you, you could not have a better partner in a fight than Collin Peterson.

The eyes of the Nation were on North Dakota and Minnesota at those moments, and the people of this country were impressed.

We just could not be more fortunate, and we thank you for your leadership, Senator Dorgan.

Without that consensus, there is simply very little chance of Federal funding.