Mark Begich

It does beg the question, first off, it's more than 2012, which is good. Less than 2013, which is bad, I think we would say.

We've seen a fourfold increase of traffic going through the Bering Strait, and the potential for disaster, pollution disaster, is really, I think, more likely from ships colliding or a ship running aground.

While drilling poses some challenges, really, my biggest concern right now is the increase of traffic through the Bering Strait.

I would argue--and I was hoping Senator Nelson would stay. I'd say yes, we still need to do Arctic development and oil and gas development offshore, if done the right way.

The detail would be helpful for both Senator Nelson and myself

I am a big proponent of making sure at some point we have some access--maybe a deepwater port in the Arctic region.

I'm going to be banging on your head forever on this, because for all the things you just said about satellite, technology, computer, supercomputer, all of the technology utilized to really help critically determine weather patterns and…

I think if there's anything we can do to help make sure, we'll be happy to participate.

Both the Coast Guard and NOAA perform vital services for our nation.

I'm a little nervous, to be very frank with you.

I know that Senator Murkowski has been a great lead on this before I even got here, on this issue to keep it moving.

But put that aside for a second. The other issue for some of our remote areas in Alaska is the two trips that you would have to get to get a TWIC card to work on, say, Kodiak, for example.

So if you can keep that in mind in your budget, I know you have a proposal and in 9 months the study might be completed.

I know that people don't want to say the words 'climate change.' They all flip out.

I think it's like when we first bought our first flat screen TV, we mortgaged our house to get it.

I really appreciate the work you all have been doing to enhance the training facility in Alaska for SEALS.

You acknowledge that's the rule.

I want to make sure it's clear, and this is a great place to do it, to make sure it's on the record and that it's very clear how this process works.

That would be great.

Have you received, you or your office or other offices, from the Navy or Air Force other proposals to save the money rather than furloughs?

I have seen some of the solar energy that the marines have utilized in the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), and it is unbelievable.

I agree with him, we should be continuing to look overseas and seeing where we can and squeeze down where we can there.

Look at the outcome. Very good. Thank you.

It's almost like, 3 years from now, we'll have the same discussion, because everyone does their reports.

It seems so simple, a base that has opportunities. So if you could do that, I'd greatly, greatly appreciate it.