Lisa Murkowski

We have some issues. I'm sure that the Alaska BLM folks will be further briefing you, but I would love the opportunity to discuss with you and your staff here how we might further encourage the complete conveyances of these lands.

I would like to hear whatever assurances you can give me as to the administration's interest in pursuing these and finalizing these conveyances.

I think many of us feel that it has been exceptionally useful as a policy in spurring that production.

I am deeply disappointed that the governor has decided to abandon the state and her constituents before her term has concluded.

I'm deeply disappointed that the governor has decided to abandon the state and her constituents before her term has concluded.

Our situation in Alaska is quite complicated and quite difficult because of our geography, our remoteness and the isolation.

This legislation will help restore justice and public safety in Indian Country.

Behind every number there is a person. There is a family, and we have an obligation to figure out how we can do better by them.

We must within our own communities say no, it is not ever acceptable, never acceptable, and stop trying to protect those that are abusive.

When we talk about putting more cops on the beat, more law enforcement, I think one of the things that we have had conversations about in the past is that it is one thing to get people trained and signed up. It is another thing to retain…

Things happen there that would not happen in other parts of the Country, and that is not right.

The Alaska Legislature recently authorized Governor Palin to seek VA funding to establish Alaska's first State Veterans Cemetery.

Our veterans should not be denied benefits just because of where they chose to live

We need to look at Alaska as a unique and different situation, a different set of facts

Yes, it is a tough landscape out there. I think we all appreciate that.

The amount that is in this year's budget request is $15 million.

Do you get any contribution from any other countries? You just noted how everyone else benefits. Is anybody else a participant financially?

Can you give me an update as to where that study is and to what extent the study is looking at other means that we might be able to acquire this type of information short of funding additional field offices?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Ambassador, I would like to go back to the issue that I raised in my opening remarks, and that is why a foreign exchange program belongs in the legislative branch bill.

There has been a great deal of focus and attention to the real workings of what goes on within the legislative branch.

But I think we also recognize that if you want to do any further expansion that the key is going to be in these partnerships and in these cost-sharing efforts that it sounds like you are pursuing very aggressively already.

I think the level of inquiry that we have had in subcommittee with your leadership, it has been appreciated on all ends.

I appreciate how this series of hearings has gone.

It is unacceptable for America's most remote rural veterans living in roadless Bush Alaska to be forgotten by the VA and the ORH whose mission is to ensure highly rural veterans have adequate access to quality health care resources…