Mark Begich

We have very abundant, sustainable, and profitable fisheries in Alaska.

I wouldn't say it is beyond repair.

It wasn't easy. We walked through a lot.

With gasoline prices averaging $3.65 in the lower 48 states and unemployment around 9 percent, Alaska is here to help.

Alaska has enormous resources--ANWR, NPRA, Chukchi, Beaufort--to offer a nation hungry for affordable energy and good paying jobs.

While development always will have impacts, we can do a good job today of responsibly producing more domestic oil which promotes both our economic and national security.

I am proud to co-sponsor Senator Murkowski's bills that would allow responsible oil and gas development in the Arctic refuge.

We can offer relief to consumers at the pump, provide well paying jobs in Alaska and the Lower 48 and help our $15 trillion deficit.

I am very honored and proud to be here with my colleagues to talk about this issue.

What actions has the Air Force or DOD taken to control costs?

As we figure out and work on the housing, let us--I know you need additional resources for facilities to maintain the air capacity and the water capacity.

CBO is a mystery group. I do not know where they are in the Capitol, but they are probably in some room down with no windows.

I think we are anxious, because I think the housing and the onshore facilities are critical.

There are very needy Coast Guard families out there that need better housing.

We have about a $2 billion backlog in shore projects.

I am humbled when I come up to places like Alaska and other places in the country where I see these patriotic young men and women who join up and serve for the honor of serving.

I think I made a mistake when I called it year of the family because it implies one year.

If your families are well taken care of, the odds are you increase the capacity of response.

Whether we need an official regional committee in the Arctic I think is something that is worthy of further consideration and discussion.

We definitely need at least eight national security cutters to preserve our future ability to protect our fish stocks, our fishermen, and our fishing industry.

We will go ahead and call this field hearing open. This hearing is on Keeping the Coast Guard 'Always Ready' in Alaska.

I think what Canada is doing... is an Arctic capable offshore patrol.

A simple majority, allow an up-or-down vote so we can determine what plan or what action we take. That is all we are asking for.

Just for a question. The way I understand this is, for people who may be watching or listening, a filibuster requires 60 votes. All we are asking for is the same thing the House of Representatives did last night on their bill.

The Postal Service is the only Federal Government entity that is required to prefund for its future retiree health benefits