Ted Stevens
The Public Record
Ted Stevens was a prominent U.S. Senator from Alaska, serving from 1968 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, he was known for his influential role in shaping federal policies related to aviation, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Stevens was a key advocate for modernizing the air traffic control system, emphasizing the need for quick action to prevent aviation gridlock. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to Alaska's development and federal funding for various projects in the state. Stevens was the longest-serving senator in Alaska's history and held several leadership positions, including Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman.
I think we're going into this era with both eyes open, and the demands, particularly for overseas relocation, are going to be rather extensive.
I want to reaffirm the request made by the Chair to have us fully informed as to the impact of those plans on this subcommittee.
I am extremely concerned with the level of funding you chose to allocate to certain programs.
In Alaska alone, funding was reduced for water and waste disposal systems from $28 million in fiscal year 2004 to $11.8 million in fiscal year 2005.
These basic amenities are vital to the health of these rural communities and yet the USDA has slashed the funding of this program.
It is as important today as it ever was, more important probably, to have a military which has the resources it needs.
That is the policy we followed in Kosovo and Bosnia and as a matter of fact in the initiation of the Persian Gulf war.
I want to tell you before we finish our bill we will confer with you to make sure that you have the flexibility you need to use any funds that are available.