I would like to thank Speaker Lujan and Governor Richardson for following through on that funding.

We urge passage of the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, H.R. 3254.

I thank Chairwoman Napolitano, Ranking Member McClintock, members of the Subcommittee on Water and Power...

I wonder if the settlement doesn't constitute an unconstitutional taking.

The reason I ask that question, I just want to be very clear here.

This settlement will avoid contentious litigation that could only cause future mistrust and conflict throughout the Taos area.

Senators Bingaman and Udall and Congressmen Lujan and Heinrich have provided the leadership and the guidance that will allow the fighting to end.

I strongly urge the Subcommittee to take favorable action on the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act.

We want to have clean water for everyone.

I just really don't want to lose sight of that.

I especially want to thank the New Mexico congressional delegation for enabling us to achieve this settlement.