On the recordFebruary 15, 2012
I have other concerns with this Transportation bill. I have mentioned the Denali Commission several times today. I have joined my colleague, Senator Begich, in filing an amendment to this bill that would restore the Denali Commission's transportation program--an incredibly important program to our State. I have also raised concerns about a provision within the banking title that relates to our Alaska Railroad. These are concerns that, while they might not register fully with all of our colleagues here in the Senate, to Alaska they are critical. Our transportation needs are different. Some might say they are unique. But we have risen to the challenge with limited funding and smart people trying to do good things to connect us in ways that make sense. Through the work of the Denali Commission, our IRR funding, and our Alaska Railroad, we have been engaged in building up the transportation infrastructure of the Last Frontier. In order to continue the progress that we've made thus far, I ask for your support and consideration to address the problems I've outlined with this legislation. With that, I thank my colleague from Oregon for giving me some additional time this afternoon. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.
