I think it is incredibly significant that we are gathered here together in Bethel to listen to some individuals...

Thank you, Mr. Andersen, I appreciate, not only your testimony but your leadership.

I want to applaud AVCP and Calista and those that are part of the regional plan here for really taking that initiative and setting forth proposals.

So not only are you seeing increased costs to your budget, but you're seeing patients coming in that are probably higher risk than they would have been?

I was out in Dillingham earlier this year and I was there the week after the spring barge had arrived.

Good. Hopefully that will make a difference.

Well, and I think that is something that we can do whether it's AFN or First Alaskans or, I know, AEA, the tribal councils, we've got our own communication networks.

I think you've heard from the previous two panels that there is no issue that is more paramount in the minds and in the lives of those out in the region, whether it's individuals or whether it's from the health care, education perspective…

I will work with all of you. We will work with all of you.

What kind of technical assistance, you know, can you offer?

What I'm hoping that we gain from this hearing this morning is solid data on how these price increases, the startling price increases, how they're affecting average Alaskans and Alaskan communities.

I think in order for these programs to have success, we've got to put our money where we've said there was a priority there.

The solutions coming from the ground up are very important so I appreciate your leadership on that.

I think we also recognize as Alaskans, that it is not just the oil companies that are standing to benefit from the high prices of oil.

All right. We'll work with you because we need to figure out a way to get there without impacting the fisheries resource there.

Well, isn't Alaska Marketplace looking at specifically giving grants to renewable energy ideas throughout Alaska?

I think it is very important, I think quite significant that we have other policy-makers from the state here to just listen, to hear what is going on in this region.

It's a challenge to explain some of what happens in your very extensive district.

Thank you for your leadership on the issue of contract support costs.

I think the leadership of this nation must take action right now to make, no matter where you live, that you make everything sustainable into the future.

But I think part of the frustration is, is that everyone thinks that we have to have a big energy plan in place before we can start implementing things.

Just last week, I was able to travel to Juneau to present to the State of Alaska, with Senator Murkowski in attendance, this $500,000 per year award for three years, totaling $1.5 million.

I want to thank my senior colleague for his comments. It is rare that we have an opportunity to speak from such personal knowledge about the battle for statehood. As he spoke, I imagined Senator Stevens sitting up there in the galley…

it is with great honor and respect that today I acknowledge the 80th birthday of a great friend and leader in Alaska. Governor William ``Bill'' Sheffield has been a leader in business and government for most of the 55 years he has lived in…

I will tell my colleagues, as the first Senator serving in the Senate to ever have been born in the State of Alaska--I was actually born just a little bit before statehood, born in the territory--I am fiercely passionate about my State. My…