Are you concerned about the status of the port's modernization?

I am convinced that it is a very fair process.

I had a chance to discuss this issue with Dorothy Rabin a few weeks ago and she suggested at that time that the issues that I raised were concerns that were uncommon in privatized housing projects.

Well, we continue at the State level to try to do what we can to further open up training ranges.

In just a few weeks here, the Elmendorf Air Force Base is slated to receive the Commander-in-Chief Award from the Secretary of Defense. This is a pretty big deal.

Sometimes demand exceeds the capacity. Sometimes our veterans are told that they have to travel to Seattle because the procedures are not available in Alaska.

the opportunities that Alaska presents with its joint training ranges... are superlative.

Obviously, the cost of energy is a key issue up there, but even more so, the opportunity to provide the Air Force with a fuel source that could be ready and affordable is something that we all want to focus on.

I share your concern about the distance that some of these people have had to travel.

We have had some issues up north there with local contractors that have expressed some very serious concern.

I think it is fair to say that people look at them with great interest because they believe that not only will the military see a good benefit there, but the local economy will engage as well.

It has been an issue that has generated some controversy and a great deal of discussion.

We talked about it last year and the challenges that particularly our Alaska Native veterans face in accessing their earned healthcare benefits.

I was just visited yesterday in my office by some in the Alaska construction trades that are concerned that some of the contractors that utilize construction workers on Alaska Army bases may be engaging in this process of misclassification.

It sounds like you are equally concerned and recognize the level of priority there.

I think we all recognize that our Air Force bases are supposed to be secure areas.

Is it fair to say then that with continuing education and awareness, we are able to do within our own offices a significant level of compliance just on our own and we are learning so that as the years progress, hopefully, we will be near…

I think it should, absolutely.

I would certainly encourage that.

So do you actually spend over $100,000 a year moving statues?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I look forward to working with the Architect of the Capitol, the Office of Compliance, and others as we kind of slog through how we prioritize the needs again for those who are working and visiting our capital.

If we cannot set the example, if we cannot set the standard here, how can we expect others outside of our institution to exercise that same level.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I am trying to understand exactly what the budgetary impact of something like these proposals would actually be and whether or not there will be cost savings if, in fact, these authorities are to be granted.

Well, I guess I want to understand more about the prioritization because I am engaged in overhaul of an old home myself...