Mr. President, I rise today to express my strong support for the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. Very simply, it is a bill that will help our returning heroes get good jobs as they transition back into civilian life. The bill is supported by Democrats and Republicans alike. I look forward to the passage of this bill tomorrow--perfect timing as our country prepares to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and commitment of our American veterans. Since I first walked into this Chamber nearly 3 years ago, it has been a great privilege to serve on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I am also proudly serving on the Armed Services Committee. From these positions I have worked on behalf of the 74,000 veterans who call Alaska home and the more than 28,000 Active-Duty and Reserve component men and women serving our great country. My State of Alaska, for all its unique geography and demographics, has the distinction of being the home of the largest proportion of veterans per capita of any other State in our country. Alaska has a proud history of defending our country. This poster shows our troops preparing for battle on Alaska's soil during World War II. Although many Americans are still not aware, there was fierce fighting in the Aleutians as the Japanese launched a diversionary attack in preparation for the Battle of Midway.…
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I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk called the roll. The result was announced--yeas 89, nays 11, as follows: [Rollcall…
Madam President, I rise today to remember the Great Alaskan Earthquake, which struck 50 years ago today on Good Friday, March 27, 1964. Over 100 Alaskans died in the earthquake and the resulting tsunami. Entire coastal towns were literally…
I further ask unanimous consent that the committee- reported substitute amendment be withdrawn, the Begich substitute amendment, which is at the desk, be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed, the title…
Madam President, I thank the Presiding Officer and thank my friend from Oregon. I appreciate the opportunity to be on the floor today to talk about veterans care. It is an important issue that is not only critical to my State but across…





