I think we recognize we not only--we not only need the minerals but we are going to have to do more to promote some efficiencies, and deal with the permitting issues; something that we are all talking about here on a bipartisan basis.

To me, as an Alaskan, from a State that has extraordinary natural gas reserves, the fact that we would even be uttering these words is almost inconceivable to me.

I am going to be up in Fairbanks this weekend, and I can tell you this is going to be a hot, hot, hot topic there.

I think we recognize that there is so much, so much that has to be done in this area.

I think that the Agency has not made this a significant enough priority.

I have long said that I do not believe that we have to choose between a healthy forest and a healthy economy.

I am looking forward to finding further creative funding solutions with you.

It ought to not be this hard.

Domestic supply matters to our energy security and also matters to our mineral security.

They need action that helps solve problems, not actions that further delay solutions.

The hope is that we can reach agreement on the contours of the exchange in the coming year.

let's talk about the Alaska Native Vietnam Vets Allotment Program.