Mark Begich

We produce and harvest over half the seafood of the country, with--about 4 billion pounds annually--with about 2 billion-plus in value.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And usually I don't, but this is one of those issues that is pretty important to Alaska.

That's actually some very good advice in how to approach the planning effort, because sometimes we want to do it all at once, and we usually collapse under our own weight.

It was an adventure.

Thank you very much.

It's great policy, but I read very little about how we're going to allocate money.

We also understand, besides the importance of fishing, but also shipping and the cruise industry, oil and gas, which also is in our waters.

One initial reaction to the draft policy paper was that it lacked attention to the economic importance of our oceans to the Nation.

I always view resources two points. One is financial resources, and then you may have those financial resources, but do you have the capacity to ensure that you have the people to do the work?

It is outrageous that it takes that long, and part of me says give us the list and let us figure out how to legislatively change it.

But there is a big chunk, which, when you tally it up, it is about 2,300, give or take a few, that have not been implemented.

The system needs to be changed. There is no question about it.

I was just intrigued by the conversation that was just happening here.

Alaska has 6 times as many pilots and 16 times as many aircraft per capita than any state in the country.

2 hours seems adequate at this point, based on what you are trying to accomplish?

I mean, is there such a document that exists that this committee can kind of review just to have a better understanding?

I would be curious... what are the steps you are taking to start bringing in a new workforce to replace that.

Of course, in Alaska, that is not only life and death, it is the way of life.

Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I'm pretty much done with medications.

I think it is a very intriguing project that would make sense to our veterans because they might get care from two providers--private as well as VA--so they can measure apples to apples.

I thought your answer was going to be yes. Good. Thank you very much.

I think the services are important. My worry is the time gap, especially with chiropractic care.

You don't think that bill is necessary, if I read the notes right.

The whole purpose under ANCSA was to allow for economic opportunities to proceed and that, as Senator Begich has mentioned, is so integrated to the land.