Lisa Murkowski

I find it inexcusable and astonishing that Hawaii and Alaska would not be included.

I think that this is an area where we can and we should be leading.

This is not about double dip. This is truly about addressing some of the realities that come when you are in these cold weather environments

I am hoping that this stand-down will achieve the desired outcome which is really to really determine the safety there and not just a messaging tool

I hope you feel it in your heart that this is one where we have failed our veterans.

This is not about double dip. This is truly about addressing some of the realities that come when you are in these cold weather environments

I am hoping that this stand-down will achieve the desired outcome which is really to really determine the safety there and not just a messaging tool

I hope you feel it in your heart that this is one where we have failed our veterans.

I find it inexcusable and astonishing that Hawaii and Alaska would not be included.

I really appreciate you recognizing that Alaska is not going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to Federal funding.

I think we would agree that that is not right, that is not reasonable.

I think that this is an area where we can and we should be leading. There is no reason why we should not.

This is not about double dip. This is truly about addressing some of the realities that come when you are in these cold weather environments

I am hoping that this stand-down will achieve the desired outcome which is really to really determine the safety there and not just a messaging tool

I hope you feel it in your heart that this is one where we have failed our veterans.

How does this budget request empower the VA and its Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinators to seek out worthwhile organizations to form coalitions that support these kinds of initiatives?

Oftentimes, we are looking at an air medivac that is costing $60,000 to $80,000, you know.

We have heard from a lot of vets who are hearing about this. They are really concerned because, again, coming from Bethel, you have got to have an air medivac.

There is one facility there with limited numbers of beds, and you just don't, literally, need the roof falling in.

I think you recognize that we don't have much of a contingency plan there in Alaska. This is it.

I have proposed the creation of an Off-Road Veterans Outreach Program, some support funding to get out, and then get those vets who can't drive, to a facility, so that they can get their questions answered.

I appreciated the fact that you followed through on your commitment from this last budget hearing, that you were going to come to Alaska.

I really appreciate you recognizing that Alaska is not going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to Federal funding.

I find it inexcusable and astonishing that Hawaii and Alaska would not be included, particularly, in a study for geothermal.

How does this budget request empower the VA and its Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinators to seek out worthwhile organizations to form coalitions that support these kinds of initiatives?