Absolutely. In any reduction scenario, a reduced OIA budget reduces support to the jurisdictions.

The Chair now recognizes Mr. Moylan for 5 minutes of questions.

under the Constitution, Congress has the power to tax and to spend, and we have a responsibility to make sure that it is done wisely.

We are at $32 trillion in debt, and that is unsustainable.

This week the Endangered Species Act turns 50. It is an act that was initially created to ensure the health of fish, wildlife, and vegetation and to protect species that are either threatened or endangered as defined by the act. The fact…

Well, you have to have a date certain.

When I responded by describing the success of Wyoming's management of the grizzly at the state level...none of the folks on the other side had read the plan.

Will you support our effort to follow the science and finally de-list the greater Yellowstone grizzly from the Endangered Species Act? Yes or no.

Are you aware that NEPA requires agencies to assess and resolve programmatic conflicts before moving forward with a rule?

Thank you once again, Madam Chair, for holding today's hearing. I look forward to hearing our witnesses explain the need of Congress to swiftly pass the COFA agreements once they are transmitted.

The PRC has adopted a strategy of disruption and destabilization aimed at what I am told by one of our witnesses has described as political and social entropy in small, vulnerable nations.

Thank you for the question, but I believe that is a question for Deputy Director Owens.

The People's Republic of China, or the PRC, is actively seeking to increase its influence in the region and undermine U.S. interests.

Are you aware that the FLPMA requires the Secretary of the Interior to maximize revenues for the benefit of the American people?

With the People's Republic of China's increased presence in the Pacific in recent years, it is a top bipartisan, I believe very bipartisan, strategic priority to renew the financial provisions of the FAS compacts when they expire at the…

America has not forgotten the lessons of World War II and the Cold War.

The way the U.S. can maximally support the development of the Pacific Islands is for it to become a full PIF member.

The U.S. federal government not only can and should facilitate a deeper membership engagement there of its Pacific territories.

You haven't answered my question. Will you work closely with Congress and the tribes to ensure that we can expedite the tribal applications for permits to drill?

If we let the economic assistance to the Freely Associated States end, we run the risk that the PRC will fill the vacuum in the region.

Thankfully, the Biden administration's Special Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations has successfully negotiated and secured signed memorandums of understanding with all three compact nations to extend financial assistance for an…

The revenues from energy production on tribal lands are very important for tribal economies, as I am sure you are most likely aware.

The U.S. gains extraordinary security rights in return for U.S. economic assistance.

Do you have an estimated date by when you will have it completed?

The United States is a Pacific power through its territories of Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.