We've reached a crossroads, I think, for our biofuel policies well before most of us expected to reach one.

there needs to be more support of the program.

There is no such thing as an Alaska Native Corporation 8(a) Program.

I am just not aware of that as being ever on the table. Our office has never taken a position that ANCs should not participate.

I think we recognize in Alaska just measuring things by dollars oftentimes is not a sufficient or an adequate measurement.

this is clearly a program that has great success.

We appreciate the efforts of our elected representatives, Senators Murkowski and Begich, and Congressman Young.

It sure sounds good, though.

What I am seeing coming out of the 8(a) Program is a challenge that, yes, in fact we can compete and we can compete well.

Let me ask you a question about the tariffs because we're now seeing Brazil importing.

Do you think that it is perhaps blowing things out of proportion or sensationalizing things for the media to focus just on the revenue numbers?

The work you and your Colleagues have done over the years have improved the lives of Native Americans.

I want to thank you and Vice Chairman Barrasso for convening this hearing to explore the role of the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Program.

Shouldn't we allow these regulations an opportunity to work, to go into effect, to play out?

What I heard from the three of you coming from different tribes, different experiences, was that not only does this program work... but what it has delivered are a series of intangibles that are perhaps difficult for an IG.

I guess the question is--certainly I am not familiar with anybody trying to exclude ANCs 100 percent from the program.

this is an incredible program to advance not only this generation, but multiple generations in employment and self-sufficiency.

But on the other hand, you have to perform and you have clearly performed or they wouldn't be coming back to you.

If reforms are needed to ensure that the Indian 8(a) Program achieves its objectives, let's get them out on the table.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We want to continue that. And we have a real champion in Senator Inouye.

We are all very cognizant that we are in times of greatly reduced budgets, and some would look at these programs--these congressionally directed medical research programs--as being something that are perhaps nice, but not necessary.

I appreciate the question of my colleague from Florida, as we recognize that coming from different parts of the country, where we have access in close proximity to the oil and gas resource, but we recognize that there are differences…

the Tlingit and Haida people, the first people of Southeast Alaska, were perhaps the first group of Alaska Natives to organize for the purpose of asserting their aboriginal land claims. The Native land claims movement in the rest of Alaska…

Thank you all again for your service.