We commend Senator Begich for his efforts, and those of his colleagues, on this important matter.

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.

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.

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

Climate change is an important issue--probably the defining issue of our time.

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

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

I really appreciate the information and the testimony.

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

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

Because they've done this kind of research?

Thank you. My last question.

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.

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

I respectfully request that when this Committee, and you individually, consider changes to Arctic Policy, that you seek out input from all Arctic communities.

There's no question that he had incredible impact on all of us across this state and will be remembered for generations to come.

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 week President Obama signed the Tribal Law and Order bill into law. That legislation passed…

today I would like to add to the heartfelt sentiments we have heard expressed by many colleagues and many more around the country over these past several weeks in paying tribute to our departed colleague, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West…

I am pleased to support the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan as Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. By any objective standard, Elena Kagan offers a well-rounded combination of academic legal expertise and real world…

The national security concerns of the United States and the tools that may be used to address them are broad and varied.

The arctic represents a promising region for international cooperation.

In the modern security environment, it is increasingly important that the United States moves quickly to accede to the UNCLOS.

I am one of the few in this whole U.S. Senate that is a small business person.

The economy is better. The amount of cash that corporations have today than they had before is greater.

OK. Silence is approval. That is how I operate.