China's investments in the Arctic have gone from $150B in 2012 to over $300B today.

I have long advocated for our country to pay greater attention to the region.

I think we recognize we are seeing regional competition, we are seeing a level of activity in the region from those that--who would have ever thought that the interest would be coming from China.

Right now the Arctic is not a hot spot, and I think we all would agree, we want to keep it from becoming so.

We promised we were going to give you the lands that were part of the Native Claims Settlement Act. We give you lands that are so contaminated you cannot use them. It is absolutely a travesty.

The level of discussion and openness before action consultation is always key.

I do believe that that's pretty clear.

Senator Murkowski and I have legislation to fix this problem and to make sure that these sacred items can't be exported for sale at auction houses in Europe.

Thank you for the opportunity to review the budget that is before us today, the President's proposed budget, pretty stunning increase actually, $2.5 billion increase for this subcommittee's programs.

We are really excited about it. The Alaska delegation certainly is, but also the communities up north.

So, this is not just my initiative, that the Governor, the State is very fully behind it.

I'm not opposed to conservation by any stretch of the imagination, but I think it's important to recognize that I come from a State where nearly 30 percent of our State is already conserved under ANILCA alone.

I want to make sure that once again at the subcommittee level we are directing that.

This action serves political interests while obstructing Alaska's economy and putting our Nation's energy security at greater risk.

A 92% increase is an impressive ask and I believe that it indicates that you are making a serious commitment to provide support to our nations veterans who are facing desperate situations.

Know that we appreciate that. We will look forward to partnering very closely with you as the months proceed here.

I respect that. I know that Alaskans are looking forward to your promised visit later this summer...

I expect today to hear your plans to resume implementation of those lease sales.