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

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

I think we are all very concerned that we have got some real gaps currently, and how we deal with that is going to be very, very critical.

I appreciate that you brought up the quality of life issues and what we are doing for our families.

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.

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

As an Arctic nation, we are woefully unprepared.

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

there is real concern about how we meet that ideal number.

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

I do think the Attorney General took a major first step, when he dismissed the case. That was huge.

The good news is they are going to make it through the winter, and the better news is that they are not having to pay $9 a gallon for their fuel.

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

I was horrified, as a friend, and as an Alaskan, to read Judge Sullivan's comments that this ill-gotten verdict not only resulted in the loss of Senator Stevens losing his seat, but in his words, tipped the balance of power in the U.S…

For the foreseeable future--I would say the next 5 years--we are going to be safe and secure up there during the months that Shell and the other companies are up there drilling.

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

Has the FONSI been issued yet?

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

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.

the United States must reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

I look forward to welcoming you to Anchorage this summer when the USS Anchorage is commissioned.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Well, let me ask you about the cost savings. And again, I remind all that we've looked at this once and determined that the cost savings were simply not going to be there.