Lisa Murkowski: “I want to thank my senior colleague for his comments. It is rare that we have an opportunity to speak from such personal…”

“I want to thank my senior colleague for his comments. It is rare that we have an opportunity to speak from such personal knowledge about the battle for statehood. As he spoke, I imagined Senator Stevens sitting up there in the galley watching this debate anxiously as the future of Alaska was being decided. So it is an honor to work with him representing the people of Alaska. But for him to be able to share this historical perspective is wonderful. Our neighbors to the south in Washington have worked with us on so many different issues over the years. As I mentioned in my comments, Senator Jackson and Senator Magnuson were big advocates for statehood for the State of Alaska. I am delighted that our colleague, Senator Murray, has agreed to join us in talking about Alaska's statehood.”