this is something that Congress authorized decades ago. Yet now we're hung up on this because of Forest Service objections.

In Ketchikan they're calling it a restoration to poverty.

I worry that if we're not successful with things like extending Secure Rural Schools funding that a community like Yakutat, where two-thirds of that school budget comes from Secure Rural Schools funding, that your employees will be coming…

I need you to understand the significance of what is happening within the Tongass because these people cannot survive for too much longer given the environment that they're in.

That's why the Sealaska bill is as significant as it is because it does allow for that export market.

we are really relying so much more on our Guard units. So we've got to be very cognizant about the stresses that we are putting on a system here.

I thank the Chair. (The remarks of Ms. Murkowski pertaining to the introduction of S. 2151 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Alaska is recognized.

I come to the floor today to speak about cybersecurity legislation--legislation we hope will soon be before the Senate. There is no question--no question at all--that this is a critical issue that should be addressed by this Congress, and…

We have got to figure out a good path forward.

Questions Submitted by

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We encourage the subcommittee to provide at least $61.32 million for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program.

Before I comment on a couple of concerns that I have with the USFS budget request, I would like to raise a recent court decision that I believe has the potential to severely hamper the ability of the USFS to get work done on the ground.

I have just a couple here, if I may.

Your leadership helped to prevent a large cut that was being proposed in the House of Representatives.

This is an unacceptable situation in my opinion, particularly in light of the fact that we have yet to enact legislation that would provide for State revenue sharing for OCS-producing States.

This is a tight budget. It is a squeeze budget. There are painful cuts included.

You've got a long ways to go.

I would rather the people of Ketchikan and Prince of Wales be able to harvest timber, be able to have jobs in the small saw mills than figure out ways that we're piecing together Secure Rural Schools program funding.

I would just, again, urge that we ensure that we don't have duplication of efforts across the agencies at a time when we have got tough budgets.

I think you and I would both agree, has the potential to really snarl things up through a process.

I'm trying to understand our data here.

In last year's appropriations bill, we included language that stated that consultation with the tribes must occur before any changes to the 477 program moved forward.

It's always nice to have an Alaskan at the helm.