I have just hopefully two quick questions, and we will be able to wrap up soon.

Distressing for all of us.

So where are we with Unalaska then?

It is impossible for me to overstate the significance of the Indian Health Service to the people of my State.

I think that we can do an administrative fix.

I appreciate you putting that statement before the subcommittee here this morning.

If you can get us that data, it would be appreciated.

I am happy to join you in commending all of those responsible for the good work, and to thank the subcommittee for its support in this effort.

I support the increase of $55 million more to fully pay contract support costs, and $100 million more to address the $2 billion backlog on the current Healthcare Facilities Construction List.

But we can do better.

Just a question as to why a 3-year period. Why is the proposal not to make the program mandatory permanently?

Perhaps the Army should be doing exactly the opposite; in fact, growing its presence in Alaska.

I think we would all agree, those of us here within the Interior Appropriations Committee--Senator Udall and I both sit on the Indian Affairs Committee.

I believe that proposal was an effort to circumvent the tribes' victory in the Ramah case decided by the Supreme Court.

I want to thank you for your advocacy over the last few years to help get those staffing packages during difficult budget climates.

We look forward to working with you on many of these issues.

Well, and you need to understand my frustration here because the ACA was passed years ago.

I would ask you to look not only at Alaska but look across the system, because it just doesn't seem to be trending right here for us.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to the subcommittee, and I'm pleased to have you back at the helm here, Mr. Chairman.

Yes, I appreciate that.

The Senator for King Cove, Alaska.

I can't figure out what the problem is here, and I would like to know, Dr. Clancy, that you are looking at this here.

Well, I appreciate that, and I encourage you all to remember that we've had to think outside the box.

I am concerned about where we are.

I would be curious to know and understand a little bit more, because I thought, at least the way that the General had outlined it, it appeared that we were not syncing the systems.