I look forward to more conversation on that.

We need some flexibility in order to implement some of the innovations.

There is added benefit to being one of the last in the chain here to ask questions, because it certainly gives me a clear idea of where you're coming from, Congressman, on some of these issues that are so important to us.

The Medicaid system is one that is absolutely imperative and vital for members of our population who receive their care through the Medicaid program.

One of the concerns that I heard repeatedly was the level of regulatory burden that particularly our smaller rural hospitals are just feeling stifled by.

What sort of considerations to Federal support for high-risk pools or State-based reinsurance programs would you consider?

I appreciated what you said in response to Senator Alexander's, the Chair's, questions about whether you would work to move toward a voucher type of a system if, in fact, we in the Congress said no, that is not the direction.

I have always supported great public schools and will continue to do so.

I agree that the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) clearly prohibits the Federal Government from requiring States to adopt or change standards.

I was proud to join the lead sponsor of this amendment, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), in making sure that 21st CCLC was its own program in the reauthorization of ESEA.

I need to have a very clear and a very firm commitment that the focus that you will give to not only Alaska, but to States that have significant rural populations, that these students who will not have alternatives, that that public school…

It is of the utmost importance that this new program--which consolidated numerous existing programs--be funded at its authorized level.

I appreciated the inquiry that Senator Kaine has been making, though, about the level of accountability.

I want to make sure--and I think every one of those teachers that I met with on Saturday wants to make sure--that your commitment to public education, particularly for our rural students, who have no choices, is as strong and as robust as…

I believe that decisions regarding publicly elected school boards and other local accountability measures like this are best left to State and local decisionmakers.

I rise today to once again open a small portion of the Arctic coastal plain, in my home State of Alaska, to oil and gas development. I am introducing the bill because, now more than ever, new production in northern Alaska is vital not only…

I wanted to say a few words in tribute to a longtime Senate employee who is retiring this month after 35 years of service. Debbie Kapanoske has served as my office manager in Washington for my entire tenure in the U.S. Senate; going on 14…

I acknowledge the very good work of my friend, colleague, and neighbor to the south of us from Washington State, Senator Cantwell. She has been a partner throughout this 2-year process we have been engaged in as we have tried to formulate…

if I can just say right back to my friend that it was indeed a privilege and an honor to be recognized with the Jefferson-Lincoln Award, along with my colleague from Delaware. Particularly at times when political heat and rhetoric can be…

it is following these sad and difficult comments that I continue my remarks this afternoon to pay tribute to a truly great Alaskan leader who lived a full and strong life. Today I rise to honor the life of Edward Itta of Utqiagvik, AK…

as many of my colleagues know, I have been proud to associate myself with the work of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. I have been doing this for the many years I have been here in the Senate, and I have been privileged…

I come to the floor to speak in strong support of S. 3110, the American Energy and Conservation Act. I would like to thank my colleague from Louisiana for introducing it, and I would also like to thank all of the Members who are…

Thank you, Senator Sullivan, for your leadership on this and for convening this important field hearing.

for gosh sakes, can't we please just finally get this resolved?

I strongly support a bill that I have co-sponsored...to help warn the public against avoidable harm from volcanic activity.