We talk a lot about the various aircraft, the equipment, but I think we know that as good as that may be if we fail to invest adequately in our soldiers, that is where we fail, that is where we have the vulnerabilities.

I think would be a strategic critical error.

We are appreciative and grateful. We recognize, so many of us recognize just the role of our Reserve Forces and all that they bring in terms of talent and experience to the fight.

if we don't take care of our people, if we don't give them predictability, those decades of experience that they have, that will take decades to replace, they are going to vote with their feet, and they are going to do something else.

the concern here of course is that you are going to have an impact on the mission on our preparedness, it seems to me you are potentially taking on a lot of risk there.

The United States is an Arctic nation, and of course, this is a strategically important region to us.

Seems to me that if you're a real Marine, by God that's where you want to go train.

I was particularly interested in Mr. Horton's comments about red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico and in Alaska.

I am here today for a really fun update. Some of you have been here before when I have had occasion to speak about the Last Great Race. The Last Great Race in Alaska is really all about the Iditarod. I note the presence of my friend from…

I wanted to take a few minutes today to talk about the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill. I happen to be the ranking member on that Appropriations Subcommittee. I thought it might be interesting to actually talk about what…

this is Congress working with the Forest Service on land management. This isn't an invasion of anybody's authority or ability to manage.

I have a reputation on this Committee of going way over my time, and I think it ticks off a lot of my Senate colleagues.

I retired from the Marine Corps last month after 30 years.

It was sponsored by Congressman Debbie Dingell and initially by Congressman Don Young.

Some of these law firms are charging 60 and 70 percent contingency fees. It is disgusting.

I understand you want to help maintain the ones you have. That makes total sense.

Again, I mean, we are very happy about Metlakatla, but that one does not really count as a statewide one.

It should not be. We have talked to you guys before, the military folks.