The JPDO does a number of important things for us.

It's really now time for a project manager, people who actually know how to implement things.

Can you give me any thoughts of where research gaps might be in regards to studying the impacts of acidification, not only from the science, but also from the job component?

I'm trying to hone in, on how we deliver the message to the average individual out there, the voter, to understand the economic impacts.

as the Senator from Alaska, I consider our State ground zero when it comes to climate change, as well as Arctic policy.

I am honored to be an original cosponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 7, along with Senator McCain.

United States Senators should be elected by the voters of their States.

Just 5 years ago, they voted overwhelmingly to require a special election in the case of a vacancy in Alaska's U.S. Senate seats.

Thank you very much, Chairman Akaka.

Can you give me just a brief overview--and again I do not want to get into the great debate on this topic today--on what some of the discussion might be around it?

Should we have a more regular reporting period?

But here we are, complaining about all these cost overruns.

You can write all the legislation you want, but you do not change the culture.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

But do you think that you have a role?

I mean, you know, most people would look at this company and not consider them, you know part of the scam. But the fact is that you have that kind of interest rate is a loan shark rate. I mean, it's outrageous.

I appreciate it. My point is at any level trying to inform the consumer is what I--when I saw the hearing on the schedule, to me is very important.

Today we have major problems. And I tell you in Alaska we just did a huge case against several lenders for fraud.

That is why in your comment that you said about mileage versus how many miles away by road, you know, we measure by air because that is how we can get to locations.

I know there is an argument that, well, VA does not have a budget line for that, and then there is this other argument.

I absolutely will look at some ideas we would like to pass on to you.

There is no State more rural than Alaska, and how you deliver health care systems up there causes grave concerns.

There are already, I know, really good relationships for certain services between the VA, the DOD, and the Indian Health Service.

Given what we are addressing, given what we have heard of returning military, to go the extra mile to be able to serve those people, we will do anything that is necessary.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman; and I apologize, we had to slip out.