Mr. President, Alaska is a beautiful State--the mountains, the seas, the glaciers, the wildlife. Most in this room and many watching on TV have seen my State on TV shows, on reality shows. Almost everybody talks about at least someday…

Mr. President, I wish to talk a little bit this afternoon about the way my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are, unfortunately--and with no reason--delaying and delaying the confirmation of heads of critically important agencies…

Madam President, I want to talk a little bit about Alaska this afternoon. Alaska is a beautiful State. Anyone who has visited knows that. Those who have watched any of the numerous television shows featuring my State know that. We have the…

Mr. President, I rise today to once again open a small portion of the Arctic coastal plain, in my home State of Alaska, to oil and gas development. I am introducing the bill because, now more than ever, new production in northern Alaska is…

Mr. President, a number of my colleagues were down on the floor a little bit ago, talking passionately about the challenges our coal miners in the United States face. I want to mention Senator Manchin from West Virginia, in particular, who…

Mr. President, yesterday my State lost a great leader in a tragic plane crash. Mike Kelly was a former State legislator from Fairbanks. He was the patriarch of a wonderful interior Alaska family. He leaves behind a long and accomplished…

Mr. President, I wanted to say a few words in tribute to a longtime Senate employee who is retiring this month after 35 years of service. Debbie Kapanoske has served as my office manager in Washington for my entire tenure in the U.S…

Mr. President, I acknowledge the very good work of my friend, colleague, and neighbor to the south of us from Washington State, Senator Cantwell. She has been a partner throughout this 2-year process we have been engaged in as we have…

Madam President, like my friends on both sides of the aisle, I, too, come to the floor to say a few words about my friend and mentor, Senator Kelly Ayotte. I use the word ``mentor'' in actually an official capacity. When you come to the…

I have no further speakers, and I urge passage of the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

I have no additional speakers on this legislation. I do urge the passage of the legislation as a classic example of where people are working together to have a place to rest and save some great art. I congratulate the gentleman for…

I would assure both gentlemen, Alaska will welcome you on a visit. I hope to visit both of their communities in the future. The only way we can get things done around here is if we understand your locations, your people, and what you will…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Thune substitute amendment at the desk be considered, the Cantwell amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to, the Thune substitute amendment, as amended, be agreed to, the bill, as…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of and the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 606. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1561 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The…

Mr. President, one of the things I have been focused on--and I know many of my colleagues have been as well, such as the Presiding Officer--in the last couple of years in the Senate is coming to the Senate floor and speaking about this…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 628, submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A…