Mark Begich

DOD is conducting a global force review to determine the necessity of current overseas infrastructure and future investment in overseas installations.

Every new initiative will be accompanied by a cost estimate, yet it is my understanding no cost estimate is available for the Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) closure or any other Secretary of Defense initiative.

In August, Senators Mark Begich and Sherrod Brown introduced Senate bill 3704.

We fail collectively... to really outline what the total cost will be.

We have an obligation to provide them with the benefits they have earned and they deserve.

There are going to be staggering costs that we cannot even measure today.

I can tell you in Alaska I hear from many Vietnam veterans about the issue of Agent Orange.

I think the steps you have taken are positive steps for our Vietnam veterans.

Thank you, Senator Stabenow, for being here today for this.

I spend a lot of time trying to explain the difference to Arctic exploration, oil and gas activity in the Arctic versus what goes on down in the Gulf of Mexico.

What's going to happen in seconds, I'm told, once I hit that gavel and suddenly people get up, seats will move around and this will turn into an opportunity for a town hall meeting that's occurring next.

It's just a common sense measure to us that we've been bucking the wind on this issue

Thank you. My last question.

In order for us to understand oil spill technology and how to maximize it and improve it, we actually have to have controlled spills.

The North Slope Borough and the whalers have been frustrated, very frustrated in terms of responses

Because they've done this kind of research?

As the Arctic continues to melt and the industrial activity occurs up in the Arctic, it is important for us now to take a lead in doing what we can to manage it the best we can.

I would ask this committee and you Senators individually that when you consider changes in Arctic policy that you seek out input from all Arctic communities.

Thank you again, Senators Begich and Stabenow, for the opportunity to talk about NOAA's role in the Arctic.

I’d like to remember my predecessor in the U.S. Senate and his commitment to the Arctic.

The revenue stream that should be available from the Federal waters into our state, to the people of our state is critical.

The permitting system takes each one by itself but never looks at the thing as a whole

I have been traveling the last week here and wherever I've gone, there's no question wherever and whoever you talk to, Senator Ted Stevens touched us.

I really appreciate the information and the testimony.

Thank you and welcome to this important hearing by the Senate Commerce Committee on the Effects of Climate Change in the Arctic, its implications for local communities and Federal responsibilities in the area.