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

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 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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

I ask for an additional 5 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I think about where we are today. My son has been watching this because I am not home. He has a phrase he likes to use, even though it is not the perfect deal, but it does create balance. He will say at times: ``Suck it up, buttercup.'' I…

I have come to the floor and talked many times of my constituents back home in Alaska and the importance of ensuring we have a balanced approach in how we deal with this incredible debt crisis we are in and how we manage to create some…

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.

I thank the Senator from Louisiana very much. I am happy to join my friend from Louisiana and my friend from Minnesota. I am a small business owner. I have been from my teenage years. My wife is a small business owner. I understand the…

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.

my friend and colleague from Colorado is always so passionate on the floor when it comes to the issues pertinent not only to his State and his country. He has laid out such a logical case on the debt of this Nation and why we need to deal…

if everything breaks down and we cannot get to a bigger package, if there is one thing we could do, in my personal opinion, this is it

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