John Barrasso

We should not let this opportunity go by.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

One of the components of this demonstration project for the Indian veterans requires that the tribal grantees provide information to the Secretary of HUD to assess the project's effectiveness.

Specifically, S. 1352, the reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, is important to all Indian tribes.

With the tight budget conditions and limited private investment in Indian Country, these changes should help the important work of tribally-designated housing entities.

I want to note that this bill would further streamline the bureaucracy experienced in Indian housing development.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is vital for the health and well-being of our communities.

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act requires the Department of Energy to take Title II, collect and dispose of our Nation's spent nuclear fuel.

We can all agree that something needs to be done to break through the gridlock and responsibly manage our forest so the West isn't up in smoke again.

As I have said in the past, this bill is a testament to what is possible when diverse collaboration comes together in good faith and looks for common ground on tough issues.

I applaud Senator Flake for his efforts.

This Forest Jobs and Recreation Act is a product of a lot of diverse interests working together to craft a bill that breaks through the gridlock, and that's good for Montana and good for the country.

I commend my colleagues, Senator Tester and Chairman Wyden, for offering constructive legislative responses to the dysfunctional status quo.

I think he's absolutely right.

Do you know what the current estimated backlog is?

It's not a partisan issue, Mr. Chairman. Any Senator with aging infrastructure should be very concerned and is concerned about addressing these problems.

Water is the most fundamental issue in my home State of Wyoming.

Most of the agency's infrastructure has an average age of over 50 years.

The longer we wait. The more likely these facilities will fall into disrepair.

In 2008 Reclamation testified before this committee that maintenance needs of Reclamation facilities exceeded $3.2 billion.

I'm very concerned that the Interior Department and its leadership has been less than forthcoming about the depth and scope of these problems.

I agree completely the Land and Water Conservation Fund really should be used for maintenance backlog, not new acquisitions.

Public land States produce an extraordinary amount of energy for this country.

I applaud Senators Murkowski and Landrieu for their leadership in this area.