He is exceptionally, exceptionally knowledgeable about the problems that we have confronted in past efforts to get a gas line built in Alaska.

I would hope that the committee would view Mr. Persily and Ms. Hoffman's nominations with favor and, hopefully, move them expeditiously through the committee.

Let me ask you a question, Ms. Hoffman, on the transmission aspect.

I think that is an important thing to keep in mind. We always think about those things that we might want to do proactively.

I rise today to honor Dr. William G. Demmert, known by many as Kaagoowu (a man with the strength of a stump) of the Tlingit "Naasteidi" Eagle clan--a pioneer in the cause of improving Indian education and the Nation's leading researcher on…

So when we look at the criteria, I don't know whether you have prioritized within your levels of criteria, but will that remain a high priority or will it be the number of jobs created that is the highest priority?

Well, we appreciate the recognition of the significance of this, the economic devastation, and we'll look forward to working with you on it.

And we know those audit findings can be fiscally damaging to the tribes.

I appreciate that assurance.

Well, I appreciate that. I know that people like Ms. O'Neill and so many around the Country are anxious to have this resolved favorably and to be able to continue to utilize these efficiencies.

Let me ask you, do you believe that HHS agrees and sees the merit in the efficiencies that we have gained through these 477s?

Thank you for outlining some of the challenges that we face in providing those employment opportunities for Alaska Natives.

I am honored to welcome Gloria O'Neill to the Committee here this afternoon.

over the past 5 months, I have repeatedly expressed concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to issue backdoor climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. I spoke at length about this issue on the Senate floor in…

It is possible, to have some limitation or a directive that says, ``Don't go down the path of the smaller modular''.

I'm also interested in learning more about the medium- and long-term prospects for nuclear energy, which, as we know, doesn't produce any greenhouse gas emissions.

Would you support them if they were to come in?

Does the administration agree that ultimately we're going to have some form of geologic repository?

We need to look at all the technologies that are available, not just a select few.

I think it is one of those issues that we look at what the administration has declared as, 'This is how we're going to define this path forward.'

At this point in time, there's no immediate plan to convene?

Given the results that we've seen in the last several plebiscites, there's clearly not a majority that's represented in support of any one option, much less a supermajority.

I appreciate your leadership on this settlement and the opportunity to ask a few questions.

Will the Native allottees be eligible for these payments?

I would be curious to know how many Alaskans have individual Indian money accounts.