I find troubling... a 34 percent reduction to the Department's programs that issues conveyances to those who have waited so long to get title to their lands.

I have come to the floor this afternoon to mark the 40th anniversary of the first oil moving through the Trans- Alaska Pipeline System. In Alaska, we call it TAPS. This is an 800- mile-long engineering marvel that runs from the North Slope…

I have nine requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They do not have the approval of the Democratic leader; therefore, they will not be permitted to meet. I ask unanimous consent that a list of committees…

Know that I certainly support you in that endeavor and happy to work with you as well.

Early warning is important.

I strongly support such as the opening of the 1002 area in ANWR for energy development.

It is just a reminder that the path to Air Force greatness often runs straight through Alaska and we appreciate that.

We have some pretty awesome training area to show off.

I think a new administration and folks that are working earnestly to address this will hopefully allow us to finally resolve the problem of fire borrowing.

we have challenges. We are a place that is born and bred to meet challenges with great ingenuity and some enthusiasm.

I would appreciate your focus on it because that was a traumatizing event for the people in Tennessee and North Carolina.

I am always looking to see where have we, as an Arctic nation, placed the priority, the funding priority, in our budgets.

Unfortunately, what has happened is there has been unintended negative consequences on the Alaska Native arts economy.

Respectfully, may I disagree with you about a balanced budget? This is not a balanced budget.

I greatly appreciate that you have taken the time already to come to Alaska, to spend time, to listen to Alaskans.

I am beyond frustrated. I do not know what else we need to do.

I am a little bit confused about why there would be a specific reduction in this area where again the need is so great, so great.

the budget that we are looking at now, in my view, does not use gimmicks, but it does propose some real cuts to the programs.

The Department has supported and recommended the second step on making the James K. Polk home in Tennessee a unit of the National Park Service.

I have been thinking that every year now for 3 years.

we know that we need flexibility.

I think it is better than what we have seen in recent years.

I thank you for the steps that you are taking to help restore Alaska's trust in the Department.

We need more jobs, we have a dire state budget, we need more revenue.

I would note, however, that PILT should be mandatory and it should not be subject to an across-the-board cut.