The question is, utilizing that $5 million to get it going, whatever that pathway is, is really of a high value.

if we don't know what that end is, we don't know if we're really fully, if we're at 70 percent of your mission, 60 percent, 80 percent.

We need a deepwater port up there--not only for the industry, but for the Coast Guard, and oil spill technology.

We need to help the Coast Guard replace its aging fleet, the program that funds port security grants.

the Navy's contingency money is utilized to help offset your costs.

We have no place to put people up there. We have no hangers for aircraft. We have no piers, no Coast Guard boats.

The fact is, the Coast Guard is constantly put at the back of the line for resources, constantly forced to do more with less.

we need to know what resources you need, and then we have to make a broader policy discussion in our budgets

You understand what I'm asking for.

Yes, sir. I certainly do.

Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. I know you have an important bill on the floor.

Two years ago, this economy was a disaster--a disaster. And not overnight. It was a decade of neglect by many people throughout Congress.

We think we have examples and expertise that can be shared around the country on how to maximize the fishery opportunities.

today I introduce legislation to address issues of great concern to me and to all who care about public safety in Alaska Native villages. Last year President Obama signed the Tribal Law and Order bill into law. That legislation passed…

It does not seem right.

I will work with you folks. I understand your global picture, but I really think this has--for Alaska it is so critical that these veterans get the care that is, you know, sitting 50 feet away from them but they cannot touch it.

We want to provide them the best care, and we believe this piece of legislation will actually lower the cost to the VA.

I want to talk about the Alaska Heroes Card. I want to describe it because sometimes there is--I have read your testimony in detail, and your concerns are: equal treatment, fairness, and reimbursements.

I just am not comfortable with your bill and what it means to other veterans also around the country who may not be in such severe situations but still in need of health care when VA has the authority to take care of most of this.

Thank you for the opportunity to join Senator Murkowski in introducing two of Alaska's finest judges.

It is not Montana, it is not Utah, it is not North Carolina, it is not Washington. It is very different.

I rise today to speak about the ongoing budget negotiations. As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I have jumped into this debate head-on. But we are all here together. That is why I have asked the Alaskans in my State and my…

Maybe we should have a joint meeting with Armed Services Committee and Veterans on this issue.

The bill before you today... reflects a significant compromise and accommodation of those interests.

A Federal task force I commissioned validated the need for a single rate.