I think this should be on the table with the new administration when they're looking at a national security strategy in dealing with both of those actors along this line.

States must have more control over their fish and wildlife populations.

I ask unanimous consent to enter into a colloquy with the junior Senator from Montana for 20 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I think that is a fundamental difference in Alaska. We have continually managed ecosystems for human benefit.

Given importance, though, I think most Americans would recognize that a little bit of inconvenience in that regard is okay.

It is a matter of social justice. You have to be able to eat.

It took TR to step in and protect those resources which we still enjoy today.

The Fish and Wildlife Service proposed rule was the subject of an amendment in this committee a couple of weeks ago.

We need to pay particular attention to the State interests where there is an appearance that there is political control being abused.

Does the Fish and Wildlife Service employ predator control activities, even though they have prohibited the State of Alaska to use predator management activities?

Unfortunately, in our last hearing, that did not happen.

We ask Congress to work with us to preserve the rights and opportunities of Alaskan hunters and fishers to prevent these Federal intrusions.

The purpose of today's hearing is how important the States are in terms of their relationship with the Federal Government...

I do think that we have made clear the policy on freedom of navigation.

I thank my colleague from Montana and for his point in particular. The charts make a very compelling case, but I think his point in particular about constraints--when things get too large, they become an organization that cannot function…

I think our allies are all very motivated to see American leadership here.

I think they welcome our freedom-of-navigation operations.

One of the things that has been an enormous source of frustration which I think goes to the federalism issues...

These rights were further guaranteed under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980.

But you mentioned the low probability right now. But in your assessment that is unlikely to stay low.

which is should our missile defense budgets be flat or really going down when there is no doubt that the threat is going up.

The CT mission is clearly a combat operation.

I think, when we do that, you have better policy, you have better support, ultimately, from the American people.

Do you think that was fair?

The U.K. and Canada are doing this. Many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are very interested in this idea. I ask for their support of this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Delaware.