How do we make sure that, as Alaskans, we say, 'Yes, these are our problems. This is ours to solve together.'

Are we doing enough to address the problem, and I don't remember if it was you, Diane, or you, Sally, the word epidemic was used and I believe that suicide is an epidemic in this state.

How can we better translate into action, whether it is specific programs, whether it's grants to address some of these root causes?

Please do everything to ensure that S. 740 is passed.

I'm not convinced that we're seeing the resources that we need to address this epidemic in Alaska and on our reservations.

I worry that as we lose some of the strength within our villages, it's more difficult to know what is happening within the families.

the issue of the competition for the grants, I think, is an important one and unfortunately, it may be that in areas that might have greater need, you don't have the expertise to write the grants, just the structural issues, keep those who…

Thank you. Good words, Evon.

We will open this Field Hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee here in Anchorage, Alaska, at the Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention.

today I wish to note the importance of growing Russian-American cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy. Our common interests in this area are a significant opportunity to enhance energy security and economic growth for both…

Today, there is a celebration in Alaska. Tonight is the 144th anniversary of Alaska Day. This is the day that commemorates the first raising of the Stars and Stripes over Lord Baranof's castle in Sitka, AK. At the time, Sitka was called…

I ask to speak for up to 1 hour. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

How we work cooperatively, I think, is going to be critical as we see greater developments within these areas.

Just following up on Senator Corker's comments and the statement that I made about developing our own resources.

I understood that that business case study was due out on the 15th of October.

Again, I would ask the question whether you believe that it will be completed in time to allow Shell to proceed with the 2012 season.

We need to wake up to the fact that it's happening around us and it's happening in waters that we share.

Where are we in terms of moving this along? What can we anticipate?

It makes no sense for America to sit stubbornly in between active drilling operations in neighboring waters with our arms folded.

I have suggested many, many times that the current status of our ice breaking capacity as an Arctic Nation just simply is unacceptable.

That's where I would hope that if you've got some protocols that have been put in place similar to what we're looking at with the Arctic Council...

But the President of the International Association of Drilling Contractors says that they would like to see some form of blanket authority from the White House to allow any available U.S. ship or equipment to help if there was a spill.

There's nothing more frustrating than knowing that you have the ability to address something, but you've got your policies that are hanging you up from accomplishing that.

So is this a situation where the decision is made on a case by case, day by day basis?

I think that that's a good initiative going forward in the Arctic.