John Kerry: “I emphasize as strongly as I can, none of us in the U.S. Senate are cavalier or dismissive of Alaska's interests. There…”

“I emphasize as strongly as I can, none of us in the U.S. Senate are cavalier or dismissive of Alaska's interests. There are many ways to serve those interests. I certainly am one Senator who is prepared always to try to help with respect to economic development issues, other hardship issues that exist in a State that faces a different set of challenges from many of us in the Senate. I hope they understand that, that this is a difference based on an equally fervently held set of beliefs and a different interpretation of the facts. I think they are facts. There are some profound differences in that regard. With respect to the amendment on steel, I believe Congress must act to deal with the plight of steelworkers, retired steelworkers and their families. Steelworker retirees are being devastated by the loss of health care benefits. More than 125,000 steelworkers have lost those benefits due to the liquidation of 17 American steel companies, and another 500,000 steelworker retirees stand to lose their health care unless we act to protect them.”