In other words, collective resilience, we need to work together with our allies and our partners. That is how we strengthen our position.

It is a description of a complete subversion of sovereignty.

Wonderful. Thank you for that.

The United States has an interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific that is free from a malign influence.

Will you commit to working with Congress and the tribes to expedite approval of tribal applications for permits to drill?

Again, you didn't answer my question, but that is just the way that it goes with this Administration.

Thank you for the question, Chair.

We will appreciate any insights on how U.S. engagement will contribute to stability in the region and counter China's malign influence on our friends and our allies.

We have a crisis at our southern border. It is a crisis that started in earnest on the day this President was sworn into office. On day one of his Presidency, he began issuing executive orders to end the successful policies implemented by…

Under the Constitution, Congress has the power to tax and to spend, and within those powers are Congress' responsibility to tax and spend wisely.

I am sorry to say that the Director did not come to that hearing.

until we start stopping the flow of Fentanyl, it is going to continue to be the scourge of our communities

And when this happens, because we know that it does, and you have acknowledged that, what other procedures or mechanisms does IHS have in place to make sure that these issues are clarified with the credit reporting agencies so that IHS's…

Thank you. Our Committee has also heard from tribes and tribal leaders that they have been referred to collection agencies because IHS does not timely pay the bills from the PRC providers.

Is there a specific policy in place to promote tribal members being able to serve in their own community as medical professionals?

Recruitment and retention continue to be challenges for the Indian Health Service, particularly in rural areas.

Just wanted to make that correction.

I just did a poll this week as to some of the issues that are the most important to my constituents in the state of Wyoming, and the budget, and government, and Federal spending is at the top of the list.

So, Ms. Tso, would you agree with me that stopping the flow of illegal drugs across the border is probably one of the most important things we can do to address the drug crisis and Fentanyl crisis we have in this country?

For decades, Federal regulations have limited the ability of Federal and state agencies, as well as our tribes, to properly manage our national forests.

Even though it affects one-third of our national forests.

The roadless rule failed us in terms of being able to manage our national forests. Wouldn't that be fair to say?

What is your plan to increase access to roadless areas so that you can monitor, detect, and treat bark beetle infestations in the future?

Is it a priority for you to ensure that Western states that are vulnerable to extreme wildfires have streamlined tools to increase the pace of wildfire risk protection?

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it, and government is always trying to fix its last solution.