Lisa Murkowski

The economy is still struggling. And the guidance that seems to be coming is not perhaps consistent with what we are seeing on the ground.

We have moved out early in terms of the vaccination of Alaskans. Right now, it is 18.9 percent that are fully vaccinated.

I want to follow-up with you, and I know we have an opportunity for that later and I will look forward to that.

The vaccine guidance and the vaccines shots in arms has given us a kind of ray of hope here.

It is not only about jobs, but it is a security issue as well--a national security and energy security.

We provided some new flexibility, eligibility and expansion and transparency for the Title 17 loan program.

I appreciate what you have shared with the Committee about your interest in critical minerals and the role that plays, the focus on the full supply chain.

The goal here, is making sure that these services are provided.

It is critical that we move off grant funded public safety to a more durable path of compacting.

Ensuring that the legislation continues to be fully implemented and meets the goals and the intent behind the law has been a commitment of mine while Senator.

We all recognize that this Country, the United States, has a unique fiduciary trust obligation to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, wherever they are.

This Committee takes seriously the priorities of our Native communities.

Know that you have a trusted partner here as we are working out the broadband and the infrastructure there, and what more we can do.

S. 2616, The Alaska Tribal Public Safety Empowerment Act... was received favorably by the Alaska Native community.

I want to do a shout-out to one group that there hasn't been really too much knowledge about during this pandemic, and that is to the U.S. military.

I am really proud to have worked to help the shepherd the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

One thing that we took to heart at the beginning of the pandemic is the pandemic required us to call upon our traditional values and our caring for one another, leaving no one behind.

We must ensure that the voices of Native communities are heard and prioritized.

With strong and unified tribal voices laying out the needs of tribes, we have seen passage of significant pieces of legislation.

I am looking forward to our partnership on this Committee.

I am going to ask you if you will commit to, at a bare minimum, meeting with the people of King Cove to discuss their plight and to hear their concerns and do this, if you are confirmed, very early within your tenure.

This is important to the state for jobs. This is important to Alaska Natives.

It is probably too small for you here, but you have seen it because I provided you with many of the maps.

I have enough in conservation status in Alaska. We are doing more than our share--more, and we are happy.

I am also passionate about our Alaska Native veterans who have not yet received entitlement to their native allotments.