We are concerned as an IG with the unlimited sole source awards that do not provide the government the best value.

Madam Chairman, if I just may add my thanks. We have a large contingent of Alaskans that have come back for this hearing.

Frankly, it seems to me that right now what is the most jeopardizing issue if I was in the mining industry is not knowing what's going to happen with respect to the 1872 Mining Law reform.

The MMS does not maintain information on other Nation's take from hard rock mining operations.

There is no question that the time has come to modernize this statute and I support the enactment of comprehensive reforms to the Mining Law.

We've got to strike the right balance between imposing a royalty and maintaining a role for mining in our economic recovery.

We always know it is about the balance.

I think that we risk trading that reliance on foreign oil for a reliance on foreign minerals.

I believe hard rock mines on Federal lands should pay a royalty.

MMS does not collect or have access to the data necessary to determine the amount of revenue that would be generated from a royalty.

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 it's going to be very, very important as we move forward in this debate.

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

I do believe that we will be more successful in coming up with appropriate mitigation for any projects that would be approved.

We, in the State of Alaska, are celebrating our 50th anniversary of statehood.

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

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

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.

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

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

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…

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

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

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