What doesn't make total sense is we are told that ANTHC is only authorized to supplant items within the food packages.

I think as we are learning, passing the law is the first step, it is the implementation and making sure that American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian businesses and communities are treated as partners as we move forward is going to…

I do think that there needs to be a space for tribal leaders and tribes to be in those conversations.

That is an abomination. That is something that we collectively have to fix over time.

I am here on the floor today to make what I consider to be a supercool announcement. I think my colleagues know well that I am a fan of the ``Last Great Race,'' the Iditarod. I am shameless in my promotion of not only the exceptional…

We have mentioned that we were able to amend the Energy Policy Act Loan Guarantee Program as part of the omnibus to eliminate this barrier to its use, allow applicants to receive direct funding from the Federal Financing Bank and Treasury.

I certainly will. Mr. Gary Hennigh is the City Administrator for the City of King Cove...

And of course, our very own Senator Lisa Murkowski and Congressman Don Young have been great supporters and champions of our renewable energy accomplishments for over two decades now.

I am very proud, particularly in Alaska, of the progress that some of our tribal entrepreneurs and Alaska Native Corporation leaders have made in growing not only Alaska's economy but the American economy.

if we are worried about emissions, why are we flying catfish from somewhere in the south to people who have some of the finest wild sources of protein in the world?

So, clear benefit with regard to building out the economy.

I think there is a lot of interest in this by tribes who are looking to use this new authority.

Our very own United States Senator, Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Don Young have been strong advocates for our two hydro projects.

I think we have seen some good economic growth in the last few decades.

Our commitment to Native American communities must be unwavering.

It seems to me that we just need to be communicating a little bit better.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

According to the Energy Information Agency, rural residents and villages in Alaska pay exponentially higher rates for electricity, with some rates reaching over $1 a kilowatt hour, or about 800 percent higher than the national average.