Tom Udall

I hope today we can identify some areas where Congress and the Administration can work with Tribal communities to remove regulatory roadblocks and bolster economic development.

We also laud Vice Chairman Barrasso for introducing the 'Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act of 2011'.

I think that is an important component.

Thank you for all your hard work over there at the FCC.

The Federal Government has a trust obligation to Native Americans to provide vital services.

I also know that when the two of my colleagues--when the chairman and Senator McCain, the ranking member-- come together on a prevision and are able to persuade their committee to go with it, that says something to the Senate itself, to…

At this point I am still listening and trying to ascertain as much as I can about the actual provisions of the Defense authorization bill. But the Senator is correct. There could be trouble in Udall Valley. There might be a split. We do…

I did. Let me say to Chairman Levin, not only lively, robust, but very informative. I learned a lot in the process of listening to him and to Senator McCain and Senator Durbin and the other Senators who came down about the issue. I think…

I want to extend my thanks to Senator Klobuchar for calling this hearing today.

I am pleased to learn today about implementation of the Travel Promotion Act, a bill that I was proud to cosponsor.

Tourism is a form of public diplomacy that fosters good will for our country around the world.

Given that we are spending billions on the fake components, would the investment in such a certification program not pay for itself?

There are roles that the State Department and Customs and Border Patrol can play.

We need a team effort. The Federal Government and industry have to work together.

I look forward to having a chance to visit that center when it's completed.

Thank you, Chairman Coons, and thank you both for holding this important hearing.

I want to just thank you very much. I realize I went way over and thank you for your courtesies.

I think you have made an excellent case in your testimony and you have given us a lot to think about.

I agree with what Senator Tester said.

I think the best thing from my perspective is submit some additional questions for the record for you to answer outside of the hearing.

I can't tell you how honored I am to see two of our distinguished Native American leaders here before the Committee.

Thank you for having this hearing on S. 134, which was introduced by Senator Bingaman and Senator Udall.

Do you consider these to be part of the Department's trust responsibilities vis-a-vis the Tribe?

In your testimony, you make the recommendation that the Mescalero Apache Tribal Leasing Authorization Act be changed to include language that provides that the Tribe, and I am quoting now, your testimony, 'shall develop Tribal water…

It is a big loss, I think, to all of us. She was a great lady and I think we will all miss her very much.