Thank you Senator Bingaman, Senator Udall for bringing this hearing to Las Cruces.

Ladies and gentlemen, we all know the public lands of Dona Ana County are critically important to our economy and way of life in Southern New Mexico.

I believe maintaining habitat is just as important to maintaining our hunting and fishing traditions as is the Second Amendment.

This field hearing today shows his commitment to having all sides share--have their voices heard on this important issue.

This is part of what has been a long and deliberate process led by Senator Bingaman.

I believe that we as a Nation must establish and maintain operational control of our borders.

We must ensure that our veterans, who so selflessly served our country, are given the opportunity to succeed after their service.

Increasing the funding to those seeking flight training will enable them to focus more on their training and instruction.

I believe that this bill does exactly what this Subcommittee is supposed to be doing, creating economic opportunity for our veterans.

IAVA supports H.R. 3561, which would increase education benefits for veterans taking Flight School courses under the Montgomery GI Bill.

I have introduced H.R. 2416, the 'Success After Service Act,' to increase the opportunities that are available to Veteran Owned Small Businesses.