Jeff Merkley

Because it is all about the communities initiating ideas, and then we fight for our communities to get those things funded.

Thank you, Senator. And we can put it into the record, and do some follow-up questions, and I really appreciate you bringing attention to this issue.

I appreciate your recognition that those 32 tribes deserve to be included in the program, and we will work with you in that regard.

How we spend that $162 million is going to be so important to the future and success of all the stakeholders in the Basin.

There are 32 tribes that are not receiving any funding for law enforcement, though they fall under the same qualifications.

I want to make sure that I have your commitment, that will honor that requirement in the 2022 bill to maintain the scope and functionality of that plan?

I want to commend you for your leadership on the Indian Boarding School Initiative.

Business as usual doesn't work.

While I am pleased with these accomplishments, I recognize that the fiscal year 2022 Budget deal did not address all the urgent challenges that your Department faces.

Consumers in America, are just kind of really believe that we are monitoring the chemicals that go into products in a way we are not.

This issue of pollinators is a big deal for the broader ecosystem, and how is the EPA really tackling this problem?

I am particularly concerned about the situation faced by the Warm Springs in Oregon who have a myriad of problems with their water system.

So I am very pleased that in the Omnibus I secured $4 million to start a new EPA grant program that helps communities prepare for, and protect against wildfire smoke.

Thank you very much for your testimony.

Thank you, Chairman.

What are the most important funding increases for making progress in tackling climate chaos?

We look forward to your testimony.

We are in a climate emergency, and everyday life, we are feeling the impacts.

I see whistleblower protection as essential.

I am kind of stunned by that answer because if we're talking about 12 individuals in a system as large as the Indian Health Service to make sure that whistleblowers are protected, it seems like it should be a very high priority, should it…

I have pushed for a higher limit of 10 percent on this, but from your experience, is this 3 percent limit a problem?

Can you personally keep me briefed on this? It's so important to the Warm Springs Tribe in my state.

Because if the Administration is not responsive, then it's clear it's not a serious proposal and so we're ready to dive into the details and explore it, but we need the partnership from the Executive Branch in that regard.

Okay. So brass tacks, when will you start awarding the School Bus Replacement Grants?

Everyone in this country deserves clean air, clean water, and a stable climate.