recently, there have been numerous articles in the media about the U.S. Navy's lack of amphibious ships-- one that I would like to submit for the Record, headlined ``Grounding of U.S. Marine Unit Spotlights Lack of Ships in Asia-Pacific,''…

I appreciate that very much. Not if you are going to take away your compliment--if you are going to keep it, I will yield.

I really appreciate you recognizing that Alaska is not going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to Federal funding.

I find it inexcusable and astonishing that Hawaii and Alaska would not be included.

I thank the majority leader for his fine compliment to me on the Senate floor about learned remarks. I appreciate that.

I think we would agree that that is not right, that is not reasonable.

I think that this is an area where we can and we should be leading.

I find it inexcusable and astonishing that Hawaii and Alaska would not be included.

I really appreciate you recognizing that Alaska is not going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to Federal funding.

I think we would agree that that is not right, that is not reasonable.

I think that this is an area where we can and we should be leading.

I hope you feel it in your heart that this is one where we have failed our veterans.

I think that this is an area where we can and we should be leading. There is no reason why we should not.

I find it inexcusable and astonishing that Hawaii and Alaska would not be included.

I really appreciate you recognizing that Alaska is not going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to Federal funding.

this is not about double dip. This is truly about addressing some of the realities that come when you are in these cold weather environments

I am hoping that this stand-down will achieve the desired outcome which is really to really determine the safety there and not just a messaging tool

I am hoping that this stand-down will achieve the desired outcome which is really to really determine the safety there and not just a messaging tool