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

We can't continue to rely on resources from others, I think we recognize that right now, we rely more heavily on China for these critical minerals.

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.

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.

I appreciate the efforts that are being made as we try to address the issues surrounding missing, murdered American Indians, Alaska Natives.

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

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.

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

We are trying to address these issues, and you are trying to look to what are the contributing factors, what is happening out there?

I am worried that this may happen at the VA, where we continually appropriate money at the problem but don't see improvement in the situation.

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

For many of the programs the department manages, there is a seemingly bottomless amount of need.

I think we recognize that it's hard to get a handle on the number and projecting forward if we haven't really defined what leases we're talking about here.

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

Will this Energy Community Revitalization Program fund remediation of contaminated lands that have been conveyed to Alaska Natives and to the State?

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.