Lisa Murkowski

For our Nation's prosperity, those are two key chokepoints.

As an Arctic nation, we don't have icebreaking capacity right now.

We need to have an icebreaker. We haven't stepped forward with the resources necessary or the manpower or the assets.

What we are seeing in the Arctic right now is absolutely unprecedented, unprecedented in our Nation's history, in the history of the globe.

The fact of the matter is that it is happening, and it is happening in a way that will create more demand for Coast Guard presence.

We need the assets. We need those resources up north.

As an Arctic nation, we are woefully unprepared.

I had asked that we have a very specific hearing focused just on the Coast Guard.

My suggestion is you go back to the drawing board on this with wholesale reform, but really focus on understandability and customer service.

I have people all over my State that are just upset, as upset as they can possibly be, about the FEMA flood plains and the maps.

Any fee, it may look like a little bit on a piece of paper, but these fees we all know add up.

It would continue to be a maximum of $5 per trip? That would be the limit?

I appreciate the clarification that you gave on the TSA passenger security fees.

We are an Arctic nation, and as such, we have got responsibilities.

The Coast Guard is going to launch the largest ever deployment in the Arctic Ocean.

The question for you this morning is whether or not the icebreaker acquisition has become a higher priority for this administration?

You and I both know that $8 million does not get you an icebreaker.

This is not just an issue that the Alaska delegation raises here. It is a high, high priority.

I want to take you back up north and discuss our capabilities in the Arctic.

I remain very, very troubled with the high level of suicide that we are seeing with our military, also with our veteran population.

I do recognize though that part of the proposed savings that the Air Force is looking to is demolishing several buildings within Eielson.

We would first like to thank the Arthritis Foundation's 2012 Advocacy Leadership Award recipient, Senator Murkowski, for being a champion for the cause of arthritis research in the past.

I have been assured that there will remain sufficient funds and sufficient services to keep the 168th playing the vital role that it does.

The 168th has asked for additional aircraft and an active association. They've been doing so for several years now.

Any ideas or suggestions as to how we can address the domestic airlift?