the Department has the trust responsibility to the tribes.

I think this would be another area where we could seriously consider opportunities.

BIA schools are a critical component of the education of Native American studies.

I appreciate the questioning regarding the block grants.

the process for obtaining support for funding for improvements for BIA schools is virtually impossible.

we have a backlog in construction need of over $2 billion.

I would certainly encourage that in light of the legal obligations still in place that we pursue equitable resolutions from the Department.

I hope that is something we can look at.

over 90 percent of the Jicarilla Apache Nation's government operations are funded with revenues from production of their oil and gas resources.

I very much agree with your and President Obama's drive to invest in education and research and development and innovation in order to better position our Nation for the future.

I want to thank you for being here... we appreciate the compassion and the passion that you share for our nation...