I am looking forward to today's hearing.

We all recognize that this pandemic has been very, very hard on American Indians, Alaska Natives.

We need to ensure that we are addressing the needs of our tribal communities.

His legacy in focusing on matters that were important and timely for Native peoples around our Country is something that we will continue to pay tribute and recognize his contributions.

Congratulations. It is wonderful to have you as part of our Committee, and the leadership that you present.

He had a passion for the people of Alaska, but most notably, the Alaska Native people.

I would hope that my colleagues on the Committee will be there to support this measure.

Access to epidemiological data is vital for TECs to provide accurate and timely public health information.

As Senator Murkowski mentioned, tribal epidemiology centers were denied access to CDC data on tribes, which could have expedited our public health response.

I will limit my comments to the bill that I am co-leading with Senator Smith.

I look forward to receiving an update on that.

I so appreciate the leadership, the heart of Senator Ernst and the ability to work with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle--Senator Durbin, Senator Feinstein--in this effort towards reauthorization of the Violence Against Women…

What doesn't make total sense is we are told that ANTHC is only authorized to supplant items within the food packages.

So, clear benefit with regard to building out the economy.

Would you just commit to work with us on this?

Our commitment to Native American communities must be unwavering.

I think we have seen some good economic growth in the last few decades.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Our ability to access capital for the two hydro projects was fairly reasonable.

if we are worried about emissions, why are we flying catfish from somewhere in the south to people who have some of the finest wild sources of protein in the world?

This was a real accomplishment for Native people across the Country.

I think there is a lot of interest in this by tribes who are looking to use this new authority.

I think as we are learning, passing the law is the first step, it is the implementation and making sure that American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian businesses and communities are treated as partners as we move forward is going to…

According to the Energy Information Agency, rural residents and villages in Alaska pay exponentially higher rates for electricity, with some rates reaching over $1 a kilowatt hour, or about 800 percent higher than the national average.

Our very own United States Senator, Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Don Young have been strong advocates for our two hydro projects.