in just a matter of minutes this afternoon, we will proceed to a motion to go to a formal conference on S. 2012, which is the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. There is no doubt in my mind that we should agree to go to conference…

I wish to take a few moments this afternoon to shed some light and speak about the issue of postpartum depression. As a physician himself, the Presiding Officer is aware of the reality many new, young mothers face when they deal with…

we are on the floor this afternoon with the issue of GMO foods--genetically modified organisms--before us. I don't want to talk about GMO foods in that space; I want to talk about a more specific genetically engineered species. I would…

I have come to the floor today to shed some light on the impacts of postpartum depression among our Nation's mothers. Just a bit over a month ago, I sat down with a local Anchorage reporter as part of a series addressing the impacts of…

last week I had the opportunity to pay tribute to a gentleman by the name of Fred Becker. We knew him lovingly and affectionately as ``Bulldog.'' He was a veteran and a veterans activist. He passed away on June 11. This past Friday…

I think we would all recognize that increasing diversity in our schools is a worthy goal.

How much time do you figure you're going to need to make this determination?

Will you approve the State's waiver?

I've raised it to you, and I would ask for your due consideration, either that Alaska be exempt as other States that are similarly situated or, again, redrafting.

So we would ask you to move on that very quickly.

But then wouldn't we be left out of funding opportunities?

I am going to be getting on an airplane tomorrow morning to head home to join with Alaskans who are coming together to celebrate the life of a man I affectionately know as ``Bulldog.'' This is Frederick Charles Becker IV. I think that as…

I ask unanimous consent that privileges of the floor be granted to my interns Aziza Shemet Pitcher, Margaret May, Rex Miller, Holly Taylor, Molly O'SCannell, Marissa Olson, David Courtright, Robin Spaulding, Will Pate, and Kevin Allen for…

I want to thank those who joined Ranking Member Cantwell and me to release this draft on May 25th.

Senator Wyden, you and Senator Crapo have been working on the wildfire issue for a very long time.

We have taken public comments on it, and we are taking the next step today because I think we recognize we face some serious challenges.

There has been a lot that has changed in the State of Alaska in that period of time with regard to USDA and Rural Development.

I do encourage the department to make some real investment here and to ensure that there is proper outreach.

People are coming to my office and do not know what is available, so are looking to us to marry them with the opportunities.

I would like a commitment from you that you will work on interagency communications with agencies like HUD.

We have had three rural offices close in the communities of Nome, Dillingham and Bethel.

As we look at the challenges in accessing telecom or housing stock, unemployment, creating economic opportunities and jobs is why we look to USDA for some assistance.

sometimes the outreach is not adequate.

They are unique in the sense of the very, very high cost in terms of services, utilities, fuel and goods.

We are talking about basic needs, water and sewer. We are not talking about big systems or upgrade systems.