Political Quotes

“Madam President, I come to the floor to first say ``thank you'' to my colleagues for supporting an incredible judge, but I also come to the floor today to mark an anniversary. December 18, 2011, marks the 40th anniversary of a truly historic date for the first people of Alaska--passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. To mark this historic occasion, Senator Murkowski and I have submitted a Senate resolution to formally celebrate the success and contributions of Alaska Native people and their corporations. We will be asking for the unanimous consent of our colleagues to adopt this resolution at a certain point. Over the past 40 years, Alaska has witnessed astonishing economic growth resulting from ANCSA. This has benefited not just Native people but all Alaskans. This historic piece of legislation allowed a new group of people who for centuries were economically disadvantaged to enter into the business world and to become economic leaders. Under ANCSA, they have contributed to the State and national economies in unprecedented ways. ANCSA has two primary goals: to resolve longstanding issues surrounding aboriginal land claims in Alaska and to stimulate economic development. Many Alaskans led the charge on creation and passage of the claims act. My father, the late Representative Nick Begich, was one of them.…”