I think it's in Alaska's interest, and most rural states' interests, to make sure that there's a fiscal efficiency in the program.

1 percent of the country is not served by wireless--almost 15 percent of Alaska.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. the Jobs Act

as were many of my colleagues, I was back home last week talking, in my case, to Alaskans, and the issues on their minds are pretty simple: the economy and jobs. Alaska has fared better than most States over the last 2 years, but no matter…

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

When you do a one to three-year spread-- when you do assessments every three years, your odds are you're going to take a much more conservative approach because you don't have enough assessments every year.

The levels of heavy metals that are showing up in our fish is really alarming.

We all understand our obligations to check the fishery, but we also just want to make sure we're basing choices on good science, good judgment, good input, good common sense.

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

I think it might be worthwhile just to----

And, I guess, the last quick question on personnel issues--I understand as a former mayor how you have to manage that very carefully.

you know, that's--an important part of my job is to learn

Could you put together a schematic that shows me the tools you're using to communicate, how often you're communicating?

we are making concerted efforts to improve communications in the region

I am a believer, just so Mr. Welch understands this--we have had success around these quotas, around catch shares--hard numbers too.

I will do whatever I can to assist in ensuring that as time goes on that all the fisheries, no matter what the stocks are, are sustainable.

If you--in your comments again, under Challenges Remaining, you mention in the fiscal 2012 budget this is one of the challenges.

I wouldn't say it is beyond repair.

The danger of acidification to spawning grounds, to crustaceans is gigantic, and it's already having an impact.

We have to look at why that is, what can we do to improve that so it's not just an arbitrary number that some have mentioned here.

I'm a believer in the Council process.

It seems like there is agency support--which for NOAA to support something of this nature indicates they feel very confident of the science.

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

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