I think that most drivers and truckers in America believe we are going to see $150 oil and $4-$5 gasoline and diesel sometime again in the not-too-distant future.

a working ranch would permit both cattle and wildlife to thrive on the land and traditional New Mexican families should have the opportunity to join others who had previously been able to use the land.

This legislation would correct a serious problem facing the Navajo people in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico--the issue of 'fractionated lands.'

Today I introduce legislation, which is being co-sponsored by my colleagues J.D. Hayworth of Arizona and Chris Cannon of Utah, that provides for the leasing of oil and gas rights on certain lands held in trust for the Navajo Nation or…

The bill I am introducing today will facilitate the leasing of Navajo allotted land for oil and gas development by authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to approve oil and gas leases on Navajo allotted lands when less then 100 percent…

In the mean time, I believe it is appropriate to consider a stop-gap measure aimed at stimulating near-term economic development on fractionated Navajo lands.

Over time the number of owners with an interest in an allotment is compounded or fractionated. This unique system has not served the Navajo people well.

I am confident that this chamber realizes the importance of this bill in preserving New Mexican history for current and future generations.

The Galisteo Basin has a rich cultural history dating back to 1598 when Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the area and found thriving Pueblo Indian communities.

Protecting what remains of the early pueblo communities is important to New Mexicans and to those who seek an understanding of early Southwestern history.

This legislation however, creates a program under the Department of the Interior to preserve twenty-six archeological sites in the Galisteo Basin.

By preserving these sites, we should be able to preserve the history and culture embodied in these sites for future generations.